Iraqi Kurd leader proposes independence referendum

Massoud Barzani called for parliament to set a date for a referendum amidst gains in the region. The semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has taken advantage of unrest in Iraq to expand its regional influence, and push for independance from a weak central goverment.

Background:

Iraqi's Kurds call for independence referendum [Al Jazeera]

Baghdad looks to Kurds to stem jihadist encroachment [Blouin Beat]