Saddam did negotiate an agreement in 1970 with separatist Kurdish leaders , giving them autonomy , but the agreement broke down .
Nearly from its founding as a modern state in 1920 , Iraq has had to deal with Kurdish separatists in the northern part of the country .
Saddam did negotiate an agreement in 1970 with separatist Kurdish leaders , giving Kurdish autonomy , but the agreement broke down .
Nearly from its founding as a modern state in 1920 , Iraq has had to deal with Kurdish separatists in the northern part of the country .