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THE
peaceful integration of Iraq is a non-starter, and a
civil war (May 20) is only one of several options
facing the people. Probably the most important
factor in this sorry affair is the fact that
although some Iraqis welcomed the election, the
remainder did not for the simple reason that most of
the politicians are viewed as incomers and US
placemen.
Closely allied to this was the failure of the US to
have a post-war, rebuilding strategy ready for
prompt implementation after the fall of Saddam
Hussein's regime.
Religion is also a major factor in this continuing
internal conflict, with the minority Sunnis at war
with the dominant Shi'ites, added to which is the
ethnic divide with the Iraqis of both sects in an
uneasy alliance with the northern Kurds.
The unduly influential US-Israeli link has a direct
bearing on the neighbouring Palestinian-Israeli
stand-off, encouraging terrorist incursions from
neighbouring states. Viewing the present scenario,
it is likely that there will be two levels of
outright civil war, the Sunnis against the Shi'ites
and the Iraqis against the Kurds; at a third level,
the present chaos within may tempt neighbouring
nations to openly interfere internally.
What are the options available to end the conflict
on a permanent basis? Undoubtedly, the most
important option would be for the rapid withdrawal
of the illegal "occupying coalition" forces, to be
replaced by an Iraqi-accepted UN force for a stated
limited period, within which fresh, more openly
democratic elections could be held. It is vital that
there is also a thawing of religious discord between
the two main sects. However, a major problem
concerns the northern Kurds.
Serious consideration must be given to the
possibility of establishing an independent Kurdistan
by Iraq, Turkey and Iran, for this ethnic group is
deserving of far more serious consideration
internationally. Without a settled
Palestinian-Israeli accord and an Iraqi state, there
will never be peace in this area of the world, for
peace depends on good, democratic government
wherever possible.
Ian F M Saint-Yves, Dunvegan, School Brae,
Whiting Bay, Arran.
www.theherald.co.uk
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