Anbar tribes key to security, political backing ahead of Iraq's October vote
Following the introduction of a new electoral law and with many of the region’s population still looking more toward their tribes for protection than the central government, Iraq’s Sunni-dominant Anbar province is likely to be highly affected by tribal relations and figures in the October elections.
AL-OBEIDI, Iraq — Sheikh Sabah’s face showed signs of weariness that became more marked as the evening wore on, as members of his tribe arrived to request assistance.
Tribal leaders serve as mediators and advocates for their tribal brethren toward other tribes, security forces and the government. In the western part of Iraq’s westernmost province, they are often the first port of call for those in need.
In return, there is to some extent an implicit expectation that those they back in elections will be supported by members of their tribe as well.
The foremost sheikh of the Albu Mahal tribe, one of the largest in the Qaim district along the Syrian border, told Al-Monitor during a visit to his home in early April that parliamentary elections slated for October 10 would see a “a lot of new faces from Anbar,” as the population wants more focus on and funds for the western part of the province.
