The 56-year-old actor and entrepreneur made headlines last year after BP chose his oil separation centrifuges to help clean coastal waters affected by the spill.

FORBES: Kevin Costner Promotes $50 Million Oil Spill Fleet

Kurdish leaders say they want to remain part of Iraq for now, but increasingly acrimonious disputes with Baghdad over oil and territory might just push them toward separation.

NPR: 10 Years After US Invasion, Kurds Look To The West

Only then will their separation from the north and their vast oil reserves be a blessing and not a curse.

BBC: Press wary of challenges after south Sudan vote

In the separation, South Sudan acquired three-quarters of Sudan's oil reserves.

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