Unfortunately, some Sunni leaders have also remained silent about the bombing of the Shias’ holy shrines, the murder of Shia youth, and the desecration of their mosques.
The terrorists surely would not be able to carry out acts of violence against the Shias unless they were receiving domestic and regional support, because they use complicated technologies to implement their operations.
It is clear that the continuation of such circumstances will worsen the internal situation in Iraq and encourage neighboring states to interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs in order to prevent the instability from spreading to their countries.
After the collapse of the Baath regime, the Iraqi majority made efforts to play a role in the political structure of their country through the use of peaceful means such as elections, but it seems that a segment of the Iraqi minority community does not want others to participate in the process of determining their destiny.
The discontent of the minority and the fact that certain neighboring Arab countries support the irrational wishes of some members of the minority community have divided the country and given rise to serious internal dissension.
If this dissension continues and a significant number of Sunni clerics remain silent about the disrespect shown toward Shia religious sanctities, Iraq will begin to head toward civil war, and this will have dangerous repercussions for the region and the entire world.
Although most of the Iraqi Shia clerics are disturbed about the situation created by the terrorists, in the spirit of forgiveness, they have called on the people to stay unified and accept things stoically.
Yet, the patience of the Iraqi majority about the crimes committed by the Arab terrorists, who are possibly being supported by some Sunni clerics, will eventually run out, and the world must then be prepared for their angry response.
The situation in the country has changed drastically since the fall of Saddam Hussein, with the minority no longer enjoying their former privileges. When the Baathists were in power, most political issues were influenced by ethnic and sectarian biases. For example, the Baathist regime did not allow educated Shias to participate in political affairs and the decision-making process.
The government discriminated against the Shias during the 24 years of the Saddam dictatorship, key posts were all in the hands of the minority, and the Shia were not even allowed to hold their religious ceremonies.
With the overthrow of Saddam and through the implementation of democratic criteria that are even approved by the West, the majority should definitely gain the ascendancy. However, certain discontented members of the minority community are trying to marginalize the majority once again through their efforts to cancel the election.
Undoubtedly, most Sunni clerics are concerned about the country’s future, but if more of them do not adopt a clear position in regard to the terrorists, the Shias will be forced to defend themselves.
If this happens, the situation in Iraq will change again, and a civil war may break out along sectarian lines which would be difficult to bring under control.
Thus, holding a free and fair election based on the votes of the majority, but also allowing the minority to attain their rights through casting their ballots, is the only way to end the current crisis in Iraq.
FK/HG
End
MNA