Iraqi Kurds want aid to prevent refugee crisis

ARBIL (Iraq): Iraq’s breakaway Kurds appealed on Saturday for aid to prevent a repeat of the 1991 exodus of refugees across the mountains during which thousands died from cold, starvation, or government forces’ gunfire. 

Many ordinary Kurds have already stocked up on essentials, and are closely following news of US preparations for a possible war against Iraq to decide when to quit their homes and head for their only traditional ally – the mountains.