Iraq needs the assistance of its neighbours

The latest attacks in Iraq, a coordinated series of car bombings that targeted police stations, represent a setback to the security condition in that country. They also underline the urgent need to reach a deal on forming a new government.

Since the elections of March 7, which failed to produce a clear winner, the level of violence and the number of deaths have surged to a level not seen since the sectarian strife of 2006 and 2007.

Obviously, at least some of the violence is the result of a plan to pressure the outgoing government to agree on terms it may perceive as unacceptable. But the majority of the attacks have been carried out by Al Qaida and its affiliates. Their goal is two-fold. Firstly, they want to assert themselves as major players given the security vacuum and the absence of a functioning government. Secondly, the terrorist groups want to test the waters as the US armed forces start withdrawing.

The two goals are being easily achieved due to the confusion that reigns in Iraq today — thanks to the selfishness of its political leaders. Iraqis are shocked to see their politicians fighting for political power while Baghdad burns.

The deadlock also allows the terror groups to rearm and recruit more members and suicide bombers. Five months of political insanity threatens to wipe out more than three years of security and army efforts, which restored some sort of stability in most parts of the country and defeated key terror groups. Many of these groups had actually left Iraq for other hotspots such as Somalia and Afghanistan. But today they are coming back, thanks to the recklessness of politicians.

If Iraqi leaders cannot solve their problems, and they obviously cannot, then Arab countries, especially those most concerned about the security and welfare of that country, must step in to help and mediate.