In the hands of Isil
Ever since the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) crisis began, it has centred the world’s focus on Iraq and the Levant states, namely; Syria, Palestine, Israel, Jordon, and Cyprus (‘UN: At least 1,075 killed in Iraq in 17 days,’ Gulf News, June 25). With Iraq now a major part of the Isil crisis, the region may not return to normalcy anytime soon because Iraq not only shares borders with Syria and Turkey, and bridges a regional link with other Middle Eastern countries, it still echoes with the US war in Iraq that, I think, triggered conflicts like this in the post-9/11 era.
Recently, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair assured that his government is not involved in tarnishing the peace in this region. No one country is to be blamed for Iraq’s present state of affairs. The future of the region now remains in the hands of the Isil fighters, who will impose their rules on a region that has ample quantity of oil reserves. Perhaps, Isil is looking at an economic might by seizing control of oil fields in the Middle East. Moreover, the Shia-Sunni divide has also fuelled their objectives in a region, which has a dominant Shia population in some countries. In the future, the war on resources and an ideological battle for religious supremacy will form the basis of the Isil versus Middle East crisis.
From Mr Mohammad Omar Iftikhar
UAE
Fear of expansion
I believe that the region’s powers have ignored the threat that Isil has issued to the entire Middle East. Groups like this have been supported monetarily and logistically by individuals and to a certain extent, governments in various countries. It’s like accumulating dirt under the rug. Now that Isil has its stated objective of capturing Iraq, it won’t be long before they try for bigger prizes in the region.
All the nations in the region need to unite and take on this threat. They are mercenaries operating in the garb of Islam and Jihad. They give Islam a bad name.
From Mr Ali Wahab
Excuse to intervene
This might create more dominance in international relations for neighbouring countries and the US. I think that Isil is an excuse to create more Middle Eastern interventions. We have to face Isil to save our children’s lives.
From Mr Hani Amro
Dubai
More troubles
May God save us from the evils of the world. There always seems to be trouble in all Islamic countries.
From Mr Eslam Hussain
Sukkur, Pakistan
United
The Isil organisation is a threat to Iraq. Muslims need to understand that what is going on in the Middle East is a big game. If Sunni-Shia fighting persists, the region will have more difficulties.
A common Muslim should do a detailed study to create a better understanding. In all these situations, all Muslims are victims. It’s a knife that kills both Shia and Sunni Muslims. Iraq needs to remain strong and united to deal with international relations.
From Mr Emran Riaz
Dubai
Inevitable conflict
I think in a multi-sect country like Iraq, the government should have been secular. Otherwise, there is bound to be conflict.
From Mr Syed Shams
UAE
Viruses
It’s really bad for democracy and for the kingdoms. I think we are already living harmony and peace. These types of organisations are like a computer virus because they break into and corrupt all the social and economic files.
From Mr Ali Jaffri
Dubai
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