| The main purpose of our recent trip to Iraq was twofold. First of all, we were there to listen to the voices of the people of Iraq, who have been continually left out of the equation in regard to the future of Iraq. Second of all, to see how Canada can play a role in improving the crisis in Iraq. The information gathered will help CANDIL (Canada, Democracy and International Law) formulate its policies in regard to Iraq.
The situation in Iraq is deteriorating day by day and is the country now on the brink of civil war. One of the main reasons for this is the deepening divide between the ethnic, religious and geographic communities. We believe this segregation of the people is being deliberately encouraged by the policies of the American administration.
The stated reason for the policies is the protection of the rights of those minorities who suffered under Saddam Hussein. While this may be a seemingly worthy intention, the execution of these policies has seen the removal of rights and voice from other parts of the population (e.g. the Sunni Muslims). The administration’s now-familiar style of black and white, them or us, is a concept that is new inside Iraq. The U.S. government, preying on our ignorance of Iraq, would have us believe this was always a divided nation. While talking to local Iraqis, we found this to have never been an issue. When it came to Saddam’s brutality, no one was safe.
To imply that all Sunni supported Saddam, because he was Sunni himself, is both incorrect and dangerous. This attitude towards Sunni is reflected in their meager representation on the General Council and their exemption from the newly proposed militia. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) has asked five members of the General Council to form this militia. All five members are Shiite and some have close ties to Iran. This further removes the involvement of Sunnis in the future of the country and increases the divide both geographically and religiously between communities in Iraq.
Many Iraqis now fear Iran’s behind-the-scenes involvement in Iraq. The Iranian government has an obvious interest in a destabilized Iraq, as this removes the possibility of the U.S. turning their attentions towards them. This involvement by Iran is a major force behind a possible civil war.
This apparent push towards civil war has two obvious benefits for the American administration. First of all, the worsening situation for the people of Iraq acts as encouragement for the international community to get involved. Second of all, if this encouragement fails, civil war gives the U.S. government an opportunity to withdraw. Neither of these two outcomes is acceptable, as one gives the administration legitimacy and the other leaves the country in turmoil.
To avoid this situation, the international community must demand the withdrawal of U.S. troops and deploy a full humanitarian and peacekeeping mission. It is time for the international community to speak as one and intervene before inadequate U.S. foreign policy destroys a nation.
Julie Hrdlicka and Noel Ainsley are members of CANDIL and returned from a two week fact finding mission in Iraq on December 14th. They will also be speaking on January 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Parkdale United Church. |
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