Iraq continues to experience violent attacks, similar to what it experienced when US forces were present in the country. It is difficult to tell whether the reason behind these attacks is ideological Islamic militancy, sectarian differences between Shias and Sunnis or a combination of the two. In other words, do they constitute a law and order problem or are they due to some kind of full-blown sectarian strife ? The answer to this question is crucial for any kind of policy-making that aims to end these conflicts. Despite its global vision, the exact shape and form that ideological Islam takes differs from country to country since the specific local political and socio-economic conditions can vary a lot.
If one considers Sunni militancy in Iraq, those Al-Qaeda groups who are active in Iraq will have to decide what exactly their goal is in Iraq after US troop withdrawal. If it is Al-Qaeda activity inspired by a desire to impose a specific brand of ultra-conservative Islam on Iraqi society, it will have to come face to face with several crucial questions. One is the level of popular support that these Al-Qaeda groups command, or expect to command, inside Iraq. Another question that they have to contend with is - since Al-Qaeda is based on Sunni ideology, is there not a possibility that their militant activities in Iraq can contribute to a broader Shia-Sunni split ?
A lot will depend on the intentions of the Nouri Al-Maliki government, on the kind of vision Mr. Nouri Al-Maliki has for Iraq and how well the political process is able to counter sectarian divisions and to respond to the needs of different groups in the country. No one should be under the illusion that the conflicts within Iraq will be easy to put an end to. The need of the hour in Iraq is mature leadership that can build on its economic strengths and that can prevent the existing violence from spiraling out of control.
by C. Jayant Praharaj ( send comments to [email protected] )
If one considers Sunni militancy in Iraq, those Al-Qaeda groups who are active in Iraq will have to decide what exactly their goal is in Iraq after US troop withdrawal. If it is Al-Qaeda activity inspired by a desire to impose a specific brand of ultra-conservative Islam on Iraqi society, it will have to come face to face with several crucial questions. One is the level of popular support that these Al-Qaeda groups command, or expect to command, inside Iraq. Another question that they have to contend with is - since Al-Qaeda is based on Sunni ideology, is there not a possibility that their militant activities in Iraq can contribute to a broader Shia-Sunni split ?
A lot will depend on the intentions of the Nouri Al-Maliki government, on the kind of vision Mr. Nouri Al-Maliki has for Iraq and how well the political process is able to counter sectarian divisions and to respond to the needs of different groups in the country. No one should be under the illusion that the conflicts within Iraq will be easy to put an end to. The need of the hour in Iraq is mature leadership that can build on its economic strengths and that can prevent the existing violence from spiraling out of control.
by C. Jayant Praharaj ( send comments to [email protected] )