Iraqis already arguing over land they haven't yet freed from IS
As efforts advance to liberate Mosul, the capital of Ninevah province, disputes are brewing over proposals to divide up the governorate.
BAGHDAD — If forces in Iraq succeed in liberating Ninevah province and its capital, Mosul, from the Islamic State (IS), many observers fear conflicts are likely to ignite over disputed areas and their management — and to pose a threat to minorities as well.
People of many different ethnicities, religions and sects reside in the province, including Arabs, Kurds, Sunnis, Shiites, Sabians, Yazidis, Shabak and Christians.
Mosul has been under IS control since June 2014. As the liberation effort grows, the controversial idea of dividing up Ninevah province has started to circulate. On Sept. 9, Atheel al-Nujaifi, the former Ninevah governor, told the Turkish Anadolu Agency, “A project is underway to divide Ninevah into six or eight provinces, which the local population will be determining.”
The State of Law Coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, also accused Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani of seeking to expand his influence by taking over some parts of Ninevah province.
