Iraq: Fighting between Sunnis and Shiites – Iraq: Al

The series of attacks in Iraq are still continued and there is no end in sight. These series of attacks could harm everybody in Iraq, no matter what religion or ethic he has or from which region of Iraq he comes from.

Nevertheless, a fight between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq is clearly visible. The Kurds are not interested to be dragged into this conflict, but how long can they really stay out of this conflict between Shiites and Sunnis within Iraq?

After the last American soldier left the country, the level of violence rose again. If it is to believe that really all American soldiers are gone. It is questionable whether this rise of violence happens, because the U.S troops have left the country. More probable could be that this rise of the level of violence within Iraq happens because of the policies of al-Maliki.


Al-Maliki is the leader of the Shiite bloc in the Iraqi government. At least until recently, the Sunnite Iraqiya bloc was the counterpart in the government. While the Sunnis had the political power in the Iraqi government under the former “administration” of Saddam Hussein, the Shiites have the final say at the moment – more and more. This is a reversal of what could have been observed under Saddam.

The Sunni minority people had to leave the field for the Shiite majority. This was not foreseen in the “plan for Iraq”. In order to overcome the possible religious differences, they agreed that Shias and Sunnis share the power in the Iraqi government even before the elections and the government formation.

In theory, the sharing of the various political offices between Sunnis and Shiites sounded very good, but unfortunately the reality teaches us currently, that it does not work. Al-Maliki wants to extend the power of the Shiites. What a surprise..

He does not fill the post of defense minister because the person, who shall be the Iraqi defense minister, has to be Sunnite origin. Sometimes it is so easy for leaders as Al-Maliki..

He also handed other positions in the Iraqi government to Shiites or directly to himself, usually with the proviso: It should be temporarily.

Same time, Al-Maliki accused his Vice President al-Hashimi, to be responsible for bomb attacks and violence against Shiites. He also accused him, that al-Hashimi was behind the orders of bomb attacks and terror against Shiites. Of course, al-Hashimi denied these allegations by al-Maliki. Afterwards, al-Hashimi fled to northern Iraq, where he is no subject of the Iraqi judiciary.

He only comes back to Baghdad, if a fair trial can be guaranteed. Even if these allegations are correct, we all should keep in mind, that a lot of Iraqi politicians use violence and corruption to protect their positions or to increase their power.

To that extent, a lot more Iraqi politicians have to be accused with such allegations. Even al-Maliki should be accused. The level of violence was widespread in Iraq and it seems currently, that the level of violence again spreads even further.

So while the violence in the streets escalates and the Iraq seems to slide into civil war, al-Maliki has vehemently maintained his power and influence and is still trying to go further, without considering the consequences for a lot of people in “his” country.

Perhaps, the only chance for Iraq could be the resignation of al-Maliki and a completely new government. But this will not happen in the near future. Al-Maliki has no interest to give up his power and also the neighboring states of Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia, have no real interests in a stable, independent Iraq.

Both, Saudi Arabia and Iran, want to increase their influence in Iraq and want to also decide which developments can be “achieved” there, which finally are just for their own benefit. Of course, since al-Maliki and his ruling party are Shiites, the Iraq moved closer to Iran.

The American influence is long gone, if the influence ever was so “enormous”, which it was said to be, shortly after the alleged war of “liberation” for Iraq. The Saudis are not interested that the Iraq falls further under the influence of the rival Iran, and so, both countries, Iran and Saudi Arabia, are going to support their religious brothers so as to provide them with funds, money and advice, that the “other side” can be weakened.

There is a tug of war over a country that is also without any external influence in a difficult situation. It is even hard to predict the future of Iraq, even for the upcoming weeks.

But it does not seem hard to predict, that there will be new battles and attacks within Iraq. The Sunnis sure have no interest that they are pushed further and further to the back and to have in mind, that al-Maliki builds up his new empire, which remembers us to a new “country of a despot”.

Currently, the Iraqi government is only a one-party system. If the trend continue as usual, we will probably soon have only a one-man government within Iraq. It is sure an interesting question whether the United States will then at least try to secretly stoke the inner Iraqi struggle between the religions.

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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