Interesting Map of Iraq by the BBC

[wakeme2008]

Ratings based on governance, security and economic situations
Stable: Fully-functioning government; strong economic development; local security forces maintain rule of law
Moderate: Government functions, but with some concerns; economy developing slowly, with unemployment problems; security under control but with potential for instability
Serious: Government not fully formed; economy stagnant; unemployment high; routine anti-Iraq forces activity, assassinations and extremism
Critical: Government not functioning or only single strong leader; no infrastructure for economy to develop; high levels of anti-Iraq forces activity, assassinations and extremism
Assessment made in January 2006. Sectarian violence in Iraq has surged since February

[lostexpectation]

1. sortof

needs a population density overlay...

[0007]

3. That would bring more light on the map!

[rodeodance]

4. yes, but also an ethnic visual

[oblivious]

5. Here's a map of ethonoreligious groups.

Edit: The first one was too big and messed up the thread. Here's another one.

[sutz12]

2. Looks like the Kurds are ready...

to break off and form their own country.

[Jack_DeLeon]

6. good for them...

if they do.

[LynnTheDem]

8. Never mind the war & slaughter that would result.

[oblivious]

7. The main problem would be Mosul and Kirkuk. Who would get them?

Integrated. Right on the borderline.

[Skeptor]

9. Verboten

by the threat of Turkish aggression. Not that they ever actually massacred Kurds in 1917 and continue to deny it (and to imprison people for revealing it http://www.opendemocracy.net/arts-turkey/orhan_pamuk_2935.jsp), o no....

[bigscott]

10. the Kurds in Iraq

and Turkey have wanted there own homeland for forever!