Final answer:
A contemporary political issue in Iraqi Kurdistan, or Bashur, is the Kurdish struggle for autonomy and the long-standing desire to establish an independent Kurdistan. This issue remains complex involving neighboring countries' interests, and has faced varying levels of international support.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the most contemporary issues in Bashur Kurdistan politics, as of 2023, is the ongoing struggle for autonomy within the region of Iraqi Kurdistan. This region, also known as Bashur, is one of the four parts of the divided historical Kurdistan; the others being in Turkey, Iran, and Syria. Kurds in these areas have sought to establish an independent state called Kurdistan, which was first proposed to the United Nations after World War I. The quest for nationhood has been met with resistance and oppression by neighboring states.
Kurdish insurrections have been a recurring event over the years, with various Kurdish groups facing violent crackdowns by the respective governments controlling their territories. The United States has offered inconsistent support to the Kurds. They advocated for Kurdish autonomy post the Gulf and Iraq Wars, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan, but have been reluctant to support Kurdish interests in other regions such as Turkey, due to its strategic alliance. Notably, in 2019, former President Donald Trump controversially withdrew support for Kurdish troops in Syria, highlighting the erratic nature of international support for Kurdish self-determination.
In 2023, the discussion around Kurdish autonomy in Bashur is further complicated by regional politics involving Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. The geopolitical interests of these surrounding nations play a significant role in the future of Kurdish political ambitions, not just in terms of international diplomacy but also in how much these nations are willing to accommodate Kurdish desires for more autonomy or even independence.