Iraq: A Battleground for Waning Factions Settling Their Scores
Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, January 19
Living harmoniously between diverse components within a society is an achievable feat, as exemplified by nations like Switzerland and Malaysia. However, accomplishing this requires specific conditions, namely internal stability and an inclusive democratic system that values equality. These factors are integral to reducing tensions and fostering a sense of coexistence among citizens. Regrettably, the situation in Iraq differs greatly. The modicum of peace enforced within Iraqi society, encompassing Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds, was a direct result of the authoritarian rule and oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Following the disintegration of this regime, the societal components also dissipated, and the subsequent American occupation failed to establish a functional institutional state. Instead, the occupation merely fueled existing resentments, exacerbating sectarian divisions for opportunistic gain. This was evident in the growing loyalty of Shiite groups to Iran over the interests of Iraq. Similarly, Kurdish factions sought independence and initially declared it before retreating due to unresolved issues with the federal formula under the Baghdad government’s oversight. As for Sunni Muslims, their loyalties were torn between Baathists yearning for a return to past glory and those striving for closer ties with external powers capable of balancing Iranian influence within Iraq. These divisions have become glaringly apparent in recent months following the escalated Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, supported by the United States. One manifestation of this fragmentation is the missile strikes launched from Iraqi territory, targeting Israeli and American bases in Syria and Iraq. It is not my intention to pass judgment or endorse these strikes, but rather to emphasize that they are occurring under the nose of the Iraqi state. Naturally, the Americans respond with retaliatory strikes, violating Iraqi sovereignty and further embarrassing the central government in Baghdad. Additionally, Turkish bombings have been ongoing within Iraqi territory, aimed at suppressing the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which operates from the Kurdistan region. Turkey’s actions serve to counteract the US effort to support the Kurds. Such actions reveal the Iraqi government’s inability to rein in organizations operating outside its authority. A striking demonstration of this weakened authority emerged through recent attacks launched by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against purported Mossad headquarters in the city of Erbil. Under immense pressure, the central government condemned the Iranian assault and filed a complaint with the United Nations against this act of aggression. This grim picture reveals that all conflicting forces in the region regard Iraq as a battleground to settle their scores. The current federal formula governing Iraq is incapable of restraining any party striking its enemies from Iraqi territory or confronting any party bombing its enemies within Iraq. This cycle of permissibility will persist unless the state’s components recognize the necessity of a comprehensive democratic order, wherein every faction understands the importance of a unified Iraqi state that transcends its sectarian interests. —Osama Ghareeb (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
