CENTCOM
PROFESSIONAL
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
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As we continue to fight against ruthless enemies, whether it’s Daesh or Al Qaeda, we have to acknowledge and understand the existence of a bigger and more complex issue - an increasing sectarian divide in the Middle East. This divide has inflicted a lot of harm on a region already plagued with violent extremism. Now there exists not only a moderate vs radical divide, but an increasing Shia vs Sunni one, which has increased intolerance and pitted brother against brother.
CENTCOM Commander, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin, recently stated that, “ISIL is not a monolith; rather it is a symptom of the larger problems that continue to threaten the Central Region. In particular, the growing divide between ethno-sectarian groups and between religious moderates and radical Islamists, have created ideal conditions for a group like ISIL to take root. Over a period of years the previous government alienated important segments of its society, notably the Sunni and Kurdish populations, which resulted in growing disenfranchisement among these groups. ISIL capitalized on this opportunity and launched a successful blitz into Iraq absent much resistance and with support from local Sunnis who viewed ISIL as a means for bringing about a change in their government. The Sunnis simply refused to fight; and, in so doing, they facilitated ISIL’s offensive. The remaining Iraqi security forces were largely incapable of mounting a credible defense against ISIL.”
Ultimately, in order for Iraq to be peaceful, it will not be enough to defeat Daesh; the leadership should avoid sectarianism and value competent and skillful people in order to build and maintain an inclusive well-represented form of government. A well represented government has the potential to achieve greater stability and progress for Iraq.
Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu
CENTCOM Commander, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin, recently stated that, “ISIL is not a monolith; rather it is a symptom of the larger problems that continue to threaten the Central Region. In particular, the growing divide between ethno-sectarian groups and between religious moderates and radical Islamists, have created ideal conditions for a group like ISIL to take root. Over a period of years the previous government alienated important segments of its society, notably the Sunni and Kurdish populations, which resulted in growing disenfranchisement among these groups. ISIL capitalized on this opportunity and launched a successful blitz into Iraq absent much resistance and with support from local Sunnis who viewed ISIL as a means for bringing about a change in their government. The Sunnis simply refused to fight; and, in so doing, they facilitated ISIL’s offensive. The remaining Iraqi security forces were largely incapable of mounting a credible defense against ISIL.”
Ultimately, in order for Iraq to be peaceful, it will not be enough to defeat Daesh; the leadership should avoid sectarianism and value competent and skillful people in order to build and maintain an inclusive well-represented form of government. A well represented government has the potential to achieve greater stability and progress for Iraq.
Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu
