Paper
Renad Mansour, Faleh A. Jabar
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"primaryCenter": "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center",
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Source: Getty
In The Media
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.
Published on Jan 16, 2016
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.
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.
- The Popular Mobilization Forces and Iraq’s Future
- Game of Thrones in BaghdadCommentary
Renad Mansour
Recent Work
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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