With the sentencing of fugitive Iraqi Vice-President Tariq Al Hashemi, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s plans for governing a stable country have now been put to test.
Sectarian violence has been steadily increasing and Al Maliki’s pledge to ensure basic security for the citizens, since the US withdrew its troops last year, is now being punched with holes. Furthermore, the country is fast becoming the playground for Al Qaida affiliated groups, that are taking advantage of the prevailing crisis to exercise their influence and authority.
The coalition between the country’s Sunnis, secularists and Shiites can at best be described as fragile. This brittle relationship is now being put to a severe test with an escalation in bombings and random violence, leading to loss of innocent lives.
The time has now come for a coherent strategy in terms of governance and communication with all stakeholders since chaos and fear among the populace can no longer be the answer. Many thought that Iraq had climbed out of the deep, dark pit that had been dug during the era of Saddam Hussain. However, there is growing evidence that it could slip back into a free fall. Knowing fully well how to play their cards, the insurgents are feeding off this insecurity.
At stake is the bigger issue of regional stability, given Iraq’s proximity to Iran and Syria. The area just cannot afford another crisis and Al Maliki must display greater level of statesmanship to avoid another catastrophe.
The Iraqi people deserve a lot more than just violence, suicide attacks and political infightings. The state institutions must rise to the challenge and allay these fears.
