Iraqi Kurds claim Kirkuk, which sits on significant oil reserves, but the city's Arab and Turkmen residents say it must remain under the control of the central government.

VOA: standard.2009.11.08

The insurgents, who have taken control of vast forest areas in several eastern and central states, say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and the landless.

VOA: standard.2009.11.04

The rugged tribal regions have long resisted central-government control.

VOA: standard.2009.03.26

"The bill also calls for tangible progress in governance - including an independent judiciary, greater accountability by the central government, respect for human rights and civilian control of the levers of power, including the military and intelligence agency."

VOA: standard.2009.05.04