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How much will life in Hawler/Arbil change?

Seeing as it was a very peaceful city and kind of like little Dubai till now...
Also, how is the Christian minority reacting? There is a sizeable community in Ankawa, and I imagine they are kind of scared.

Thanks for doing this AMA!

That was something entirely unexpected when visiting Kurdistan - people love George W. Bush, because things did get better for the Kurds after the Iraq war.

Also first time ever I was criticized because my country didn't join said war.

Be careful with the Coke, it's probably a placebo effect from the acid. Here in Turkey I only felt worse after applying lemon juice to the eyes (similar pH). Any wet cloth (water is enough) should serve as a makeshift gas mask. Best thing is to have decent swimming goggles. If they also cover your nose be careful - you'll have one unobstructed airway after you take them off, but one less airway available when still in the gas. Bigger glasses also means higher risk of splintering when hit.

We had salt water to flush the eyes, simply poke a hole in the cap of a plastic bottle. That way you can flush with a precise constant stream. Always rinse from the inside out (away from the nose), else it just runs into the other eyes.

For women: Don't wear makeup. Capsaicin binds with fat and with your makeup gets absorbed into your skin. On the other hand you can use oil to clean your face if you remove it all with soap. Milk helps to alleviate symptoms if you drink it.

Face away from the water cannons! If you don't you risk losing your eyes if they hit you in the eyes.

Tear gas grenades are HOT, only try throwing them back if you have thick gloves.

I was in Suly last year and reading about these things in the Amna Suraka was pretty eye-opening. A lot of that history is virtually unknown over here.

Where are they going? Up into Turkey? I think there is also a minority in Iran, but I guess the reception would be warmer in Turkey (at least there is booze).