For man as above, it's safe. I'm here one year and it was ok. But for women it's different. I wouldn't recommend taking taxi alone. Walking on the street with my wife always bring attention, almost every guy stares and when she's alone they throw sometimes inappropriate comment. No offence to normal people, but it is middle east and respect for women is still a new thing. Just few weeks ago 16yo Syrian girl was raped by 6 men. Good thing they caught them all.
But as I said, from professional point of view it's safe. On business meetings my wife has no problems when she's alone. We can go together to the park and have a picnic.
If you want to check latest news about Erbil and Kurdistan google Rudaw website, that's local news website.
