which of the following best describes why civil war broke out between different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq
There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why civil war broke out in Iraq between different ethnic and religious groups. Several factors contributed to the conflict, and it is essential to understand the complexities and historical context of the situation. However, some of the significant factors include:
1. Sectarian and ethnic tensions: Iraq is a diverse country with multiple ethnic and religious groups, primarily Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen. Tensions between these groups, amplified by historical grievances, power struggles, and competition, played a role in fueling the conflict.
2. Political instability: The fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003 created a power vacuum that led to a struggle for dominance among various groups. Disputes over political representation and resource distribution further exacerbated existing tensions.
3. Marginalization and discrimination: Under Saddam Hussein's rule, the Sunni minority held power, leading to the marginalization of Shia Arabs and other groups. After the U.S. invasion, power dynamics shifted, and this power imbalance fueled retaliatory actions, discrimination, and grievances.
4. Ineffective governance and corruption: Corruption, inadequate governance, and the failure to address socioeconomic disparities contributed to a lack of trust in the government, exacerbating divisions between groups.
5. External influences: Regional powers, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, have played a part in exacerbating sectarian tensions in Iraq, often supporting different factions for their own strategic interests.
It is crucial to recognize that these factors are interconnected and have influenced each other in complex ways, leading to the outbreak of civil war in Iraq.