Preparations Continue for the Iraqi Kurdistan Independence Referendum

ERBIL, IRAQ - SEPTEMBER 22: Supporters wave flags from the stadium statue of Franso Hariri as they wait for the arrival of Kurdish President Masoud Barzani during a rally for the upcoming referendum for independence of Kurdistan on September 22, 2017 in Erbil, Iraq. The Kurdish Regional government is preparing to hold the September 25, independence referendum despite strong objection from neighboring countries and the Iraqi government, which voted Tuesday to reject Kurdistan's referendum and authorized the Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to take measures against the vote. Despite the mounting pressures Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani continues to campaign and state his determination to go ahead with the vote. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)