The Professor Leslie H. Gelb is the President Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations. We have contacted the Professor Gelb and addressed few questions to his Excellency regarding to the Baker\Hamilton Report, Democracy, Kurdistan, and the issue the disputed areas, and the situations in the Region. And his Excellency replied to our questions in an exclusive interview to Gulan Magazine as the following:

Farhad:
you have my permission to use everything in this email for your esteemed
publications.

To begin with, let me extend my great respect and best wishes to the
people of Kurdistan. Your accomplishments are a glorly to yourselves and to
freedom, and Kurdistan should have much pride in these accomplishments.
Now, let me turn to your specific questions.
First, I think the Baker/Hamilton group (B-H group) did not fully
understand the importance of federalism in the Iraq constitution or as the
possible basis for peace among Iraqis. The B-H group thinks, as does
President Bush, that Iraq needs a strong central government for without
this, they believe, Iraq will split into three separate states and this will
cause regional war.
Second, Iran and Syria are acting against U.S. interests and Iraqi
interests. But they also have influence within Iraq and the Gulf region, and
the United States and Iraq must begin to negotiate with them. It will be
long and difficult process, but we must start. Diplomacy is the best way for
the U.S. to use its power.
Third, I agree that the establishment and success of Kurdistan is are
most important accomplishment in Iraq, and that we must preserve that
victory with the Kurdish people. I am not sure the B-H group understood this
clearly, but I do hope that the Bush administration does. Friends of
Kurdistan must be very watchful, and you do have many friends.
Fourth, I see no problem in the people of Kurdistan expressing their
opposition to the B-H report. That is your right, and it is important that
the American people hear your views. It was wrong of the B-H group not to
talk with your leaders.
Fifth, I have tried for three years to explain why federalism and
regional autonomy would be the only way to bring peace and stability to
Iraq, and I have not made many converts. Senator Biden is a believer and he
is trying very hard to convince his colleagues in the Senate. The influence
of the Saudis against federalism is strong, and the Saudis still seem to
believe that the Sunni Arabs can return to power in Baghdad. This will not
happen, but the Saudis and the Sunni Arabs have their delusions.
Sixth, the Kirkuk issue is very difficult. I know the constitution calls
for a referendum on Kirkuk's future. I am not certain of what is best here.
On one level, Kirkuk should be part of Kurdistan. On another level, if Kurds
governed Kirkuk, there might be civil war there and much trouble for
Kurdistan. On yet a third level, the important thing is that Kurdistan be
guaranteed its share of the nation's oil revenues to use as Kurds want to
use those monies. I do hope your leaders will present a wise solution, and I
wish them well.
Again, my best wishes to the leaders and people of Kurdistan. My heart
and my mind are with you.

Leslie H. Gelb
President Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations