Dear Senator McCain,

This past year, Washington experienced a political change. With Iraq in its bloodiest phase yet, the Iraq Study Group has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity. On behalf of all Iraqis, and the Bir Ocak Turkmen Cultural Association, we are strong proponents of this comprehensive report that genuinely illustrates the grim reality of Iraq.

The ISG report succeeds in its current assessment of Iraq. We are urging you and your colleagues in the new Congress to seriously consider the bipartisan recommendations as a roadmap to a much needed civil, political, and ethnic stability in Iraq.

The report, however, falls short in providing a detailed assessment of Kerkuk, an oil-rich city that houses a colorful mixture of Turkmens, Kurds, and Arabs. The Kurdish militia, nevertheless, has undermined the diversity of this peaceful city because it is forcefully seeking a political referendum to render Kerkuk officially under Kurdish regional rule. The vote, which is set to take place in December of this year, has dangerous implications as it will function to marginalize innocent Turkmens and Arabs who regard Kerkuk as their native habitat.

Many Iraqis are not surprised by the Kurd’s fervent push to vote for regional control over Kerkuk. The city has seen an exorbitant demographic shift from what was once a balanced Turkmen-Kurdish-Arab city to now a disproportionately large Kurdish majority. The common misconception is that these are the same Kurds who have returned to their homeland after Saddam’s campaign against the Kurds. But many Kurds (who have never set foot in Kerkuk) see this as a grand opportunity to shift to a popular majority leading up to the referendum. This outright political gerrymandering (which proved successful in the past two parliamentary elections) has already created civil instability in Kerkuk. Thus, we must ensure that the referendum should be completely abolished in order to avoid further bloodshed in Kerkuk.

We understand that the Kerkuk situation is part of a long list of problems that mar Iraq. But, as Iraqi-Americans, we are recommending that U.S Congress place Kerkuk at the top of its political discourse because Kerkuk involves all of the key elements that make up Iraq: Turkmens, Kurds, Arabs, Christians, Sunnis and Shias. We are confident that upon abolishing this dangerous referendum, Kerkuk can remain a peaceful city where everyone can coexist peacefully. Thus, other regions in Iraq can follow Kerkuk’s example and experience regional stability throughout the country.

On behalf of all Iraqis here in the U.S, we appreciate taking your time to hear our voice.

Sincerely,

Ali S. Yilmaz

President - Bir Ocak Turkmen Cultural Association

January 12, 2007

Iraq journalists' union head dies

Iraqi medical crisis as doctors flee

Iraqi voices: Escaping abroad

All Iraq's neighbours 'are fuelling conflict'

Bir Ocak Turkmen Cultural Association

Alive in Baghdad: first-hand accounts

Iraqi and US Elections

Bush presents firm front on Iraq

U.N. says Iraqi deaths hit new high, many flee

47/135. Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Turkmen Spirit in Najim Chechen’s Art

Pimi Çekilmiş Bomba: Kerkük

Türkiye, parçalanmış bir Irak’a da hazırlıklı olmalı

Türkmen Basın Kuralları Deklerasyonu

İrade - i Seniyye ile Adı Değiştirilen Şehir: KİFRİ

Terzibaşı’nin Yeni Eseri: Kerküklü Şeyh Rıza ve Türkçe Şiirleri

Dertli Kerkük

Nesrin Erbil

İzzettin Kerkük armağanı'nın imza günü

Irak Ulusal Uzlaşma Planı

Iraqi Politicians Propose National Salvation Government

Iraq braced for unhappy New Year