Meanwhile we work directly with the Kurds to achieve their long standing dream of an independent state.

Though the region has been defacto separate ever since the Brits and the  Americans imposed a no fly zone over Iraq as a prelude to invasion the more and more countries that recognize Kurdistan mean it is  closer to achieving de jure status.

So there is more than one message being conveyed  with this appointment - we are working hand in hand with the Americans and we really have no long term strategic plan for peace and stability in the region.