|
Description
Unlike in other areas, the Marines had an opportunity to cut deals with the Anbar shaikhs in part because of the relative homogeneity of the Sunni-dominated province. In more mixed areas, the Anbar model may not work. Critics worry that engaging with the Sunnis and arming them to fight Neo-Salafi extremism in their own backyard will contribute to sectarianism elsewhere. But experts argue it is the political dynamic within a tribal family - not the religious one - which ultimately motivates individuals to act.
Experts say Sunni and Shi'ite groups can coexist as long as the tribal dynamics are stable. A US Naval officer in Anbar was on Sept. 5 quoted as saying: "Tribal identity trumps sectarian identity". There is some evidence that what is good for Anbar is good for Iraq. In some areas south-west of Baghdad in... |
More articles from APS Diplomat Strategic Balance in the Middle East
Bush's Challenge To Democrats., September 10, 2007
US Wants To Stop Ahmadi-Nejad Visit., September 10, 2007
Maliki Meets Sistani., September 10, 2007
Helsinki Talks., September 10, 2007
Bin Laden Tells US To Convert To Islam., September 10, 2007
Looking for additional articles?
Click here
to search our database of over 3 million articles.
|
