Another day, another set of bomb blasts. Attacks in Iraq on Monday killed at least 46 people. While the world’s attention has been focused on other issues — the bloodbath in Syria for instance — the carnage in Iraq has continued. In fact, it has reached a level not seen since 2008.
So far this year, more than 6,000 people have been killed in the mindless violence that has engulfed this unfortunate nation. The fact that at least 162 people have been executed so far this year — including 11 “terrorists” put to death yesterday — attests to this grim reality, especially when compared to 129 for all of 2012.
It is abundantly clear that the Nouri Al Maliki government has failed Iraqis miserably. It has done nothing to address the root causes of the unrest, especially when it comes to complaints of discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities.
The present situation is untenable. Simply put, the security situation must improve drastically if Iraq is to stand on its two feet. This situation, and the never-ending political deadlock, are being exploited to the hilt by terrorists who have been wreaking havoc on the hapless Iraqis at will.
Elections are slated to take place in April next year, but the exercise will be meaningless if security is not restored.
