In the north of Iraq, the Kurdish minority is largely unknown to the Western world. The Kurds embrace Western ideals, and their socially progressive and tolerant culture is in sharp contrast to the status quo of intolerance that continues to destabilize the Middle East. It's no surprise that forces of intolerance work to derail Kurdish ambitions, but, ironically, governments of the free world are equally guilty. Regardless, the persistent ambitions of this obscure minority in Iraq will impact every man, woman and child in the free world.