Just when it seemed that the turmoil in Iraq had subsided, the nation has once again plunged into chaos and terror. The roots of this persistent conflict trace back to the 2003 U.S. invasion, which was justified by alleged links to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. At that time, Iraq was under the rule of Saddam Hussein, a Sunni minority leader who oppressed the Shia majority.
The U.S. swiftly conquered Iraq, but lacked a comprehensive plan for its future. This power vacuum allowed the previously suppressed Shia majority to seize control and begin oppressing the Sunni minority, a move that predictably led to a Sunni uprising. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, infiltrated Iraq, and former Sunni military personnel joined the fight against U.S. forces and the newly established Iraqi government, culminating in a bloody civil war by 2006.
Since then, Iraq has been largely divided along religious lines. Ironically, the U.S. invasion inadvertently created a breeding ground for the very terrorists it sought to eliminate, as Iraq became an ideal training ground for terrorism.
To fully grasp the complexity of Iraq’s conflict, one must understand the Sunni-Shia divide within Islam. Sunnis constitute about 80% of the global Muslim population, while Shias make up around 20%. Tensions between hard-liners on both sides have fueled ongoing conflicts. Saudi Arabia and Iran, two powerful nations with no separation between state and religion, have exacerbated these tensions by supporting groups that oppose the other’s religious orientation.
One such group, supported by Saudi Arabia, was the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). The Arab Spring in 2010 further destabilized the Middle East, particularly in Syria, where dictator Bashar al-Assad’s refusal to step down led to a brutal civil war. Various foreign groups, driven by religious motives, joined the conflict with the aim of establishing an Islamic state. Among them was ISI, which evolved into the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
ISIS, with its well-trained and fanatical soldiers, had already gained control over parts of northern Iraq and was determined to establish a religious state. Their extreme violence and radicalism shocked even al-Qaeda and Saudi Arabia, leading to a withdrawal of support. ISIS has been responsible for numerous atrocities, including massacres, suicide bombings, and executions, as they sought to expand their territory in Iraq.
Since the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, Shia Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has consolidated power, marginalizing Sunnis and fostering widespread discontent. The Iraqi government is perceived as corrupt and ineffective, with the Iraqi army, despite significant investment, lacking loyalty and retreating in the face of ISIS advances. By June 2014, ISIS had captured significant portions of Iraq, including Mosul, and amassed considerable wealth, becoming the richest terror organization globally.
The dire situation has even prompted discussions of cooperation between Iran and the U.S. to combat ISIS. The ongoing events in Iraq underscore the futility of exploiting defeated populations and denying them a role in rebuilding their country, as this only sows the seeds for future violence. Breaking this cycle remains a critical challenge.
Research the historical origins and key differences between Sunni and Shia Islam. Prepare a presentation that explains how these differences have contributed to the conflict in Iraq. Use maps, timelines, and key figures to enhance your presentation.
Participate in a structured debate on whether the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq was justified. Consider the invasion’s long-term impacts on Iraq and the broader Middle East. Form teams to argue for and against the invasion, using evidence from the article and additional research.
Create a detailed timeline of significant events in Iraq from the 2003 invasion to the present. Include political changes, major conflicts, and the rise of ISIS. Use visuals and annotations to highlight the connections between these events.
Engage in a role-playing activity where you represent different stakeholders in Iraq, such as Sunni and Shia leaders, Kurdish representatives, and international actors like the U.S. and Iran. Conduct a mock peace negotiation to address the ongoing conflict and propose solutions.
Write a reflective essay on the lessons that can be learned from Iraq’s history of conflict. Discuss how these lessons could be applied to prevent similar situations in other regions. Use examples from the article and your own insights.
Turmoil – A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. – The political turmoil in the country led to widespread protests and demands for reform.
Invasion – An instance of invading a country or region with an armed force. – The invasion of Normandy during World War II was a pivotal moment in the Allied campaign against the Axis powers.
Conflict – A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. – The conflict between the North and South in the United States culminated in the Civil War.
Majority – The greater number or part; more than half of the total. – The majority of the population supported the new policy, leading to its swift implementation.
Minority – A smaller number or part, especially a number that is less than half the whole number. – The minority groups in the region often faced challenges in having their voices heard in the political process.
Divide – A difference or disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility. – The cultural divide between the settlers and the indigenous people led to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Terrorism – The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. – The rise of terrorism in the region prompted international efforts to enhance security and cooperation.
Crisis – A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. – The economic crisis of the 1930s, known as the Great Depression, had a profound impact on global economies.
Violence – Behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. – The violence during the protests highlighted the deep-seated issues within the society that needed to be addressed.
Government – The governing body of a nation, state, or community. – The government implemented new policies to address the economic challenges facing the country.
