Writing in the International Herald Tribune on 4 May 2006, Senator Joseph Biden and analyst Leslie Gelb proposed dividing Iraq into three semi-autonomous regions, with a central government retaining control over foreign affairs, defense, and oil revenue distribution. They cited Bosnia and Herzegovina as a model, though the author notes the two situations differ fundamentally: Bosnia's conflict preceded outside intervention, while Iraq's civil strife emerged as a consequence of the US invasion.
The proposal envisions a regional conference under UN auspices, where neighboring states would sign a non-aggression pact guaranteeing Iraq's territorial integrity under the new arrangement. A residual US military presence, possibly in the Kurdish north, would remain to counter terrorism and deter interference by Iraq's neighbors.
The article raises pointed questions about the plan's credibility, arguing that a UN-backed agreement would effectively legitimize partition, hand the Kurds control of Kirkuk, and override the interests of Türkiye, Iran, and Syria. The author warns this could severely damage Türkiye's relationship with the West, give traction to a Russia-Iran alignment, and reduce Türkiye's willingness to cooperate in curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions.
As a potential counter-move, the article suggests Türkiye could convene an Organization of the Islamic Conference regional meeting to defend Iraq's unity, pursue contacts with both Sunni and Shiite Arab communities, and explore an OIC peacekeeping force while considering resettling Turkmen from Iraq to Türkiye.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.