Americans Between Two Options in Iraq

The U.S. administration is not the only one that is confused and hesitant concerning the new crisis in Iraq. Everyone is confused and waiting to see how the conflict will unfold, as the political outcomes of the Arab Spring fail, Sunni-Shiite sectarian violence mounts, and terrorist groups cross-infiltrate the war in Syria. In this crisis, because time means blood, we must enact deliberative and urgent means and understanding and move fast!

Therefore, we hope that the Obama administration will not make the same mistake and deal carelessly with these issues so as to allow these events, which threaten the region and world, to unfold without intervening. But we hope that it will not follow in the footsteps of the Bush administration and advance a military resolution to reconcile the factions of Iraq.

The U.S. government can support the government and military of Nouri al-Maliki against the factions of tribes, Baathists, terrorists and rebels. However, one shouldn’t expect a landslide victory, but a deepening of the situation’s complexity, given the formidable presence of Daesh [I believe the media refers to them as ISIS] and al-Qaida. The Sunnis are the only ones capable of confronting the terrorists because they live in their region and speak their language. Thus, the only solution is a political one, in which the Sunnis agree to prosecute Daesh and al-Qaida.

On the ground in Iraq, 130,000 U.S. troops proved that a political solution was out of reach. Here, we’ve come to a similar impasse. Angry about being marginalized, extremist groups descended upon Maliki after his election and filled the power vacuum as a result of the chaos of war, leaving no clear victor after a decade.

There is no solution except a comprehensive political one. And the opportunity exists. Otherwise, we can expect more violence in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. As a political solution in Syria has failed, how can one be achieved in Iraq? The reason lies in that Iraq, unlike Syria, has a fair democratic political system, but an unjust dictator. Therefore, one can take expansive political measures to reconcile factions and end arrests and prosecutions.

The rebels oppose Maliki and his government, not the entire political structure. Therefore, it is easier to negotiate with them. However, Maliki hastily posed this as a security problem and urged the U.S. and Iran to support his government militarily, while he shifts to blame Saudi Arabia in order to stay in power. He is personally to blame for this crisis due to his political failings, as he has not so much as attempted to reconcile the sectarian forces in the country. So, his opponents are tired of seeking help from their leaders and representatives! He has hijacked the political system and consolidated his own power for four years while blaming the military leaders, of whom he is the supreme commander. But then again, he declared himself the head of security and intelligence too!