Economist: Iraq is on its way to stability

Iraq is on the threshold of a new era

London – The Economist published a report in which it noted that the situation in Iraq is different today than four years ago, when the Islamic state organization was “standing up” at the gates of Baghdad and raising its black flag over many Iraqi cities. Today, Dahesh and the number of civilians killed every month in armed confrontations have lost a small percentage of the number in 2014, oil production is abundant and the state’s treasury is full of its revenues.

They are wrong

According to Economist, the influence of foreign powers, especially Iran and the United States, has declined, “after Iraqi politicians learned how to play against each other.” Within weeks, parliamentary elections will be held.

This improvement in the situation in Iraq tempts some to say that the US invasion 15 years ago was justified, but they are wrong. Many of the blood was shed during those years, in Iraq and elsewhere after the occupation unleashed a wave of violence, and then Iraqi politicians contributed their share in further violence by fueling sectarian divisions.

“They have to learn from these mistakes, otherwise they will waste the moment that is very optimistic,” says Economist.

Iraq looks like it was in 2010, which also witnessed parliamentary elections, shortly after the defeat of al Qaeda with the decisive contribution of the Sunni “Awakening” fighters. But after Barack Obama’s withdrawal in 2011, Economist says that then Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki “ruled the Sunnis out of the security services and cut money on the Kurds and jailed Iraqis who were complaining” of his policies.

Abadi is the best

The report describes current Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi as “better,” indicating that he is popular among the Sunnis, although he is Shiite, and that he now has a chance to unify the country. The report suggests that Abbadi should integrate the militias of the popular crowd, who fought with the regular forces and pay the salaries of their fighters directly rather than their leaders’ way to be loyal to the state.

Adults can be referred to retirement, enrolling young people in universities and those who have had jobs returning to their jobs.

The report emphasizes the need to “exclude sectarianism from politics,” criticizing the quota system that “led to corruption and stagnation rather than unity. Appointments based on sectarian and ethnic affiliation rather than merit, ministries are looted, the state is so polluted that many Iraqis are skeptical. In the usefulness of democracy, and no opposition to hold the executive accountable. ”

At the end of its report, the Economist noted the broad coalitions formed by the political parties and the electoral campaign on the basis of issues that concern citizens in general. After the election, the test of promises made by politicians comes to fight corruption, preserve civil peace and rule on behalf of all.

Elaph prepared this report in response to Economist. Original publication on the following link:

Article Credit: https://www.economist.com/
Special Thanks to Charles Bright!!