In Iraq, could we be creating conditions for the return of the Baathist party?

Question

The Bush clan is now trumpeting success on dealing with al Qaeda in Iraq.

There is one problem though: They are doing this by arming Sunni tribesman, many of whom are former members of Saddam's party.

This has the Shiite government terrified that we are arming groups that may try to overthrow the extremely weak government in Iraq.

Might it be possible we will go back to square one?

MikeGolf · Accepted Answer

No.

The Sunni factions are already armed.  In fact those factions have been negotiating with the Iraqi government for a deal.  

Last November we were close to a deal but the Iranians sent in death squads to fan the flames. (Iran is terrified of an Iraqi democracy.)  Now that the 'surge' has suppressed those death squads the Iraqi Sunni are trying to get Al Quaeda out of their areas so the fighting will stop.

BTW - there is no Shia government in Iraq.  There is a coalition in Parliament that is made up of political parties dominated by the Shia, the Sunni, the Kurds and non-secular Iraqis.  The results of the 2005 elections ensured that no single religious faction can rule Iraq without forming a coalition with other groups.

Anonymous · Answer

The Sunnis (Baathist) have to get back into power, otherwise Iran (shiites) will run the country. That Bush can't see that, is beyond me. The intelligent solution would be, to give the Kurds autonomy on top of it and lots of firepower. They would keep the region under constant control, like the Israel does with the Lebanon.

Fern O · Answer

After making the mistake of disbanding the Iraqi army, I wouldn't be surprised

Anonymous · Answer

Square one will never been seen again in Iraq.

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In Iraq, could we be creating conditions for the return of the Baathist party?

4 Answers