"But nobody on the American side has ever looked Barzani in the eye and said, 'You can't have Kirkuk'," says a Western diplomat.

但美方无人能直视巴尔扎尼的眼睛然后说“您不能拥有基尔库克”，一名西方外交官如是说。

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Secretary Gates spent his final hours in Iraqi Kurdistan, meeting with the President of the semi-autonomous region, Massoud Barzani.

VOA: standard.2009.07.29

Earlier this month the Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani made an historic visit to the Turkish capital.

VOA: standard.2010.06.17

Morrell quoted Gates as telling President Barzani the United States has a long-term commitment to Kurdish "security, prosperity and autonomy within a united Iraq."

VOA: standard.2009.12.12

Mr Barzani said "distrust" of Baghdad's judicial system was hampering efforts to resolve the crisis.

BBC: Iraq: Bombings in Baghdad and Nasiriya kill scores

On the flag issue, Barzani knew he would have complete support and he does.

NPR: Flag Symbolizes Divisive Issue of Kurdish Autonomy

This week Turkish diplomats met Masoud Barzani, who heads the Kurdish regional government in Iraq.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and the Kurds