INTERNATIONAL: "The Myth of Kurdistan," by Lennox Samuels, Newsweek, 23 March 2009.

ARTICLE: New Alliances In Iraq Cross Sectarian Lines,
By Anthony Shadid, Washington Post, March 20, 2009; Page A01

The Kurds increasingly lose their "model" status because their economic stability and development isn't matched by their political pluralism (two parties dominate in their respective geographic spheres). As the south progresses politically, it remains distinctly behind in terms of economic development, but since Americans obsess over politics, the Kurds' reputation suffers as a result.

(Thanks: Dan Hare)