Iraq's Neighbors and Iraq's Division
Continuing with the theme of Iraq with three autonomous regions (see earlier articles on Iraq) here is how the neighbors and their concerns should be dealt with.
I think Turkey can be pacified with the carrot of EU membership. It is something it has long sought and it will make it feel a lot safer instead of an ostracized outsider looking into an exclusive club. The Pope's endorsement is a baby step in the right direction.
Iran has never been a direct threat to the US. On both its East and West it is surrounded by countries with US forces. Between it and the rest of the Middle East there is still that barren wasteland called Iraq. The only war that Iran has been in over the last few decades was with Iraq and that war was started by Iraq. It is contained. The good old techniques of detente and the cold war should be sufficient.