An independence referendum for Iraqi Kurdistan was held on 25 September 2017, with results showing approximately 93 percent of votes cast in favour of independence. The autonomous Kurdistan

Regional Government (KRG) claimed that this result triggered the start of state building and negotiations with Iraq about this. But the opposite happened: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered his forces to retake the province of Kirkuk from the Kurdish Peshmerga’s control. Abadi had support from Iran, Turkey, the Persian Gulf countries and the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State militant group. The Peshmerga, isolated and divided, withdrew.

Rather than establishing independence, the Kurds lost territory, including the economically strategic city of Kirkuk. Fighting continued in other areas of Kurdistan. The government in Bagdad announced also that they will control again all the borders of Iraq. Even though a ceasefire has been recently established between the Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga the tensions are still high.

In addition, on 29th October Masoud Barzani the leader of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has announced his stepping down as president. This has added to the uncertainty about Kurdistan’s political future.

PRAYER

Pray: We ask you to earnestly pray for Kurdistan in this uncertain and dangerous situation.

Pray: for peace in Kurdistan and for a good agreement to be achieved between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The Kurds will not give up their autonomy and want to continue to control their borders. Without a miracle from God there could be more tension and even a war.

-After a few years of prayer for a team in Kurdistan we have now a family that has planned to move into Kurdistan in November. A house with an office for our organisation has been rented.

Pray: for wisdom for our leadership and the family to make the right decision when to move into Kurdistan. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance and strength, courage and that we can soon establish a team there.

Thank you very much for standing with us in the gap for this nation that is threatened by war, political instability and for praying with us that His kingdom will continue to expand, also through our work there.

With thanks and deep appreciation,

Your Prayer Update Team