Sectarian conflict in Iraq - Essay Example

The first two pages provide an in depth analysis and commentary on the evolving nature of the conflict. It argues that the roots of the conflict have been present since the creation of the country in the aftermath of World War I by the integration of former Ottoman Empire provinces. Further the politics of the country has been based upon totalitarianism and centralized government that has been effective and efficient in suppressing any manifestation of Shiite or Kurdish nationalism and fundamentalism.

After this the research study focuses on the efforts of the Iraqi and American administrations in resolving the sectarian problem. Despite superficial attempts to negate the concept of sectarianism the root causes of the conflict persist. The research paper uses the political theory of realism in order to understand the causes and nature of the sectarian conflict in Iraq. Finally it makes recommendations which will assist policy makers in eradicating the scourge of sectarianism in the country.

Iraq was created after World War I by the British administration by joining together former provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Three ethnic and sectarian groups, Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites inhabited this area. During the Baath party regime of Saddam Hussein, the Sunni elite had managed to suppress any manifestation of Kurdish or Shiite resurgence. However the United States invasion of Iraq and overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime has dangerously changed the balance of power and monopoly once enjoyed by the Sunni elite.

Shiites and Kurds have carved out their respective zones of influence where they dominate the state and security apparatus. Fighting in Iraq has increasingly turned towards a sectarian conflict between Shiites and Sunnis. The struggle has also been a broad part of the struggle between Arab states and Iran to protect and defend their interests in Iraq. Sectarian clashes have led to the wholesale expulsion or killings of minorities with enclaves being carved out