This vision of relations will seem palatable to Americans and Iraqis who want to believe that all will be well after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. But the image is a mirage.

After years of war, oppression, and uncertainty, Iraqi Kurds have reason for optimism. The Kurdistan Regional Government has sold international companies rights for exploitation and development of the region's petroleum resources.

Baghdad is all atwitter over the P-5+1 talks with Iran beginning today. A sandstorm kept many European and Western diplomats from landing, but the Iranians were out in full force, with Iranian negotiator Saeed Jalili leading the way.

The Balkanization of Kurdistan impacted university development. As a result many universities in Kurdistan have suffered and are not providing a quality education to their students.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davatoğlu, Turkey has pursued a policy of good relations with all its neighbors. Well, almost. If Turkey wishes to join Europe or simply have diplomatic credibility in the region, it must end its occupation in Iraqi Kurdistan now.

Once again, as in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, the Obama administration's silence has consequences.

Kurdistan has made incredible progress and enjoys sympathy from the West, but the murder of a 23-year-old journalist threatens to undermine the region's promising future.

The United States should protect the Iraqi electoral process from anyone seeking to manipulate its outcome.