Compared to the years following the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Kurdish political parties have achieved greater maturity and sophistication in administering their autonomous enclave (Kurdistan Region-Iraq or the KRG), but have been too lax in synchronizing their short-term with long-term goals. Iraq's Kurds have so far established the basic pillars of a state with a flourishing economy and a functioning government that is protecting the security of the region, providing basic social services, and maintaining diplomatic and commercial ties with over 20 countries. However, one wonders if the Iraqi Kurds still think that the constitution would protect them from Baghdad's threats and provocations. The Kurds have often declared that they will remain within Iraq as long as the central government respects the constitution, and if not they would declare independence. The Iraqi Arabs and outside observers have always suspected that the Kurds were preparing themselves to declare independence when they feel that the time is right. If this assumption is correct, at what point and under what circumstances would the Kurds declare independence? Since time is of the essence, some observers believe that the Kurds might have already missed the boat for taking the best opportunity for becoming independent. Others argue that this opportunity has not yet arrived. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze those factors affecting the KRG’s decision to declare independence under the rapidly changing Middle East geopolitical map. This paper will be based on primary sources gathered through several visits to the KRG, interviews with leading KRG officials, and secondary sources. The tentative conclusion will be that the Iraqi Kurds have begun to play a significant role in the changing political map of the Middle East, but that no perfect answer can be given to when their independence might be best achieved.