Iraqis dive deeper into sectarianism
Regional conflicts and shifting alliances since 2003 have led many Iraqis to view every development through a sectarian lens.
The Middle East is experiencing several conflicts at the regional level (Russia-Turkey), the religious sectarian level (Sunni-Shiite), the ethnic level (Kurd-Arab-Turkmen) and the political level (US-led front-Russian-led front). The situation has plunged the Iraqi public into conflicts that remain unresolved despite numerous attempts to address them. Regional as well as international parties have invested heavily in these conflicts in an attempt to protect their interests.
The involvement of major powers in the Middle East has turned communities into political tools. Each community relies on its patron power to fight an opposing community. As the situation changes, the roles of the conflicting powers shift in the sectarian collective imagination.
