As Iraq splinters, Kurds' own unity put to test

Iraqi President Massoud Barzani addresses the media during a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Arbil April 6, 2015. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Their common enemy is Islamic State, but Iraq's Kurds are preoccupied by a struggle within their autonomous region, where political parties are jousting over the presidency and their supporters are invoking an old civil war.

Several factions that hold the balance of power say they will only agree to extend President Massoud Barzani's mandate to avoid a leadership vacuum if the entire system is overhauled in a way that would ultimately reduce his authority.