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Source: Getty

In The Media
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Can Iraq's Government Stem Rising Sectarianism?

With the Iraqi state relying on Shiite paramilitary groups to combat ISIS, there are growing fears that such groups will only exacerbate sectarian tensions in the country.

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By Renad Mansour
Published on Jan 16, 2016
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The Middle East Program in Washington combines in-depth regional knowledge with incisive comparative analysis to provide deeply informed recommendations. With expertise in the Gulf, North Africa, Iran, and Israel/Palestine, we examine crosscutting themes of political, economic, and social change in both English and Arabic.

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Source: Al-Jazeera

Carnegie's Renad Mansour joined Al'Jazeera's Sami Zeidan, Ali Al-Dabbagh former spokesman for the Iraqi government, and Juan Cole of the University of Michigan to discuss the Iraqi government's problematic use of Shiite militias to fight ISIS and the growing tide of sectarian violence on the Sunni civilians in Iraq as a result. The discussion centered on the consequences, specifically the expanding sectarian tension, and growing concerns over the Iraqi government's reliance on, and lack of control over, Shiite militias. 

Mansour argued that the Shiite militias, many under the umbrella group of 'Popular Mobilisation Forces', lack a common command structure, which prevents their effective oversight or accountability, and increases their risk of committing sectarian attacks. Mansour pointed to Prime Minister's assertion that Popular Mobilisation Forces are part of the state, which implies a state sanctioning of sectarian attacks and the risk this poses to Iraqi politicians and figures who want to reconcile with the Sunni community and others wishing to stop Abadi's reforms.

This broadcast was originally aired on Al-Jazeera.

About the Author

Renad Mansour

Former El-Erian Fellow, Middle East Center

Mansour was an El-Erian fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, where his research focuses on Iraq, Iran, and Kurdish affairs.

    Recent Work

  • Paper
    The Popular Mobilization Forces and Iraq’s Future

      Renad Mansour, Faleh A. Jabar

  • Commentary
    Game of Thrones in Baghdad

      Renad Mansour

Renad Mansour
Former El-Erian Fellow, Middle East Center
Renad Mansour
Political ReformLevantIraqMiddle East

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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