Poll on statehood opposed by Iraq, Iran, Turkey, U.S. Kurdish officials not expected to push for immediate secession Iraqi Kurds went to the polls Monday for a referendum on independence, an ambition pursued by Kurdish nationalists for more than a century that’s fueling tensions in a region predominantly opposed to the move. The ballot is taking place in three provinces ruled by the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq, as well as potentially in disputed areas around the oil hub of Kirkuk. It asks one question — “Do you want the Kurdistan region and the Kurdistani areas outside the region’s administration to become an independent state?” — and their answer is almost certain to be “yes.” Voting ends at 6 p.m. local time. Photographer: Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images Though that outcome wouldn’t automatically trigger secession or even immediate demands for it, the repercussions would be felt far […]