Why did civil war break out between different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq?
The civil war in Iraq can be attributed to a combination of historical, political, and social factors. Here are some key reasons for the conflict between different ethnic and religious groups:
1. Sectarian Divisions: Iraq is home to various ethnic and religious groups, predominantly Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds. Under Saddam Hussein's regime, power was concentrated among Sunni Arabs, leading to marginalization and oppression of other groups. After the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, these sectarian divisions intensified as power dynamics shifted.
2. De-Baathification and Disempowerment: Following the invasion, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) led by the U.S. disbanded the Iraqi Army and initiated a process called de-Baathification, which aimed to remove former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from positions of influence. This move disproportionately affected Sunni Arabs, creating a sense of marginalization and grievance.
3. Political Fragmentation: The post-invasion political landscape was marked by a fragmented and weak state. Ethnic and religious divisions were exploited by political parties vying for power and influence. This created competition and hostility among groups, leading to political instability and further exacerbating sectarian tensions.
4. Rise of Al-Qaeda and Sunni Insurgency: Following the invasion, an insurgency emerged, fueled by various factors including the disempowerment of Sunni Arabs, anger over the presence of foreign forces, and the rise of extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The Sunni insurgency targeted both foreign troops and Shia civilians, deepening sectarian animosity.
5. Escalation after the Samarra Mosque Bombing: In 2006, the bombing of the revered Shia Askariya Shrine in Samarra triggered large-scale sectarian violence. Retaliatory attacks between Shia militias and Sunni insurgents intensified, leading to a spiral of -for-tat violence, further polarizing communities.
6. Weak State Institutions: Iraq's weak state institutions, particularly its security forces, were ill-equipped to contain the escalating violence. Sectarian militias, often backed by political parties, gained prominence and engaged in acts of violence, exacerbating the civil war dynamics.
7. Regional Influences: Regional powers, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, played a role in exacerbating sectarian tensions by supporting and funding various factions within Iraq. Their involvement deepened the divide and prolonged the conflict.
It is important to note that this answer provides a simplified overview of a complex conflict. The civil war in Iraq involved multiple factors and dynamics, making it challenging to attribute the conflict to any single cause.