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Iraq's unknown future

It's no secret that Iraq’s present situation is dire; however, the question is still pertinent regarding what we can expect for the nation’s future.
Iraqi Sunni Muslims wave the old flags of Iraq during an anti-government demonstration in Falluja, 50 km (31 miles) west of Baghdad May 3, 2013.  Tens of thousands of Sunni Muslims poured onto the streets of Ramadi and Falluja in the western province of Anbar following Friday prayers, in their biggest show of strength since the outbreak of protests last year. REUTERS/Mohanned Faisal (IRAQ - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION CIVIL UNREST) - RTXZ987
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How can we understand the future of Iraq? In the minds of Iraqis, Iraq's future is worse than the present. Many Iraqis perceive their coming days will be dark and grim. Intellectuals do not hesitate to acclaim the past and dwell on it, as if it were the perfect era.

This situation has psychological, historical and philosophical dimensions, and is certainly related to Iraqis having always had low expectations of the future.

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