REPUBLIC OF IRAQREPUBLIC OF IRAQ

Seminar on Iraq’s Political Seminar on Iraq’s Political System System

A Brief HistoryA Brief History

Iraq is home to the first human Iraq is home to the first human civilization, Sumer (Mesopotamia).civilization, Sumer (Mesopotamia).

What is currently Iraq resulted from What is currently Iraq resulted from the break-up of the Ottoman Empire the break-up of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. When France and after World War I. When France and Britain split up the Middle East, Britain split up the Middle East, Britain go the “Fertile Crescent” part Britain go the “Fertile Crescent” part of land that includes today’s Kuwait, of land that includes today’s Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt.Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt.

The Beginning of IraqThe Beginning of Iraq

Iraq’s first form of government was a Iraq’s first form of government was a monarchy.monarchy.

Throughout the 20s and 30s, there Throughout the 20s and 30s, there was a lot of political instability – was a lot of political instability – different groups wanting control. different groups wanting control.

The inhabitants of Iraq were angry The inhabitants of Iraq were angry how the borders were drawn up; how the borders were drawn up; most felt Kuwait should have been most felt Kuwait should have been under Iraq’s control. At this time it under Iraq’s control. At this time it was under Britain’s control.was under Britain’s control.

KuwaitKuwait

In 1939, Iraq made a first attempt to In 1939, Iraq made a first attempt to invade Kuwait but the King of Iraq invade Kuwait but the King of Iraq died before it happened.died before it happened.

In 1961, Britain gave Kuwait In 1961, Britain gave Kuwait independence so Iraq planned to independence so Iraq planned to invade. Britain sent in troops so Iraq invade. Britain sent in troops so Iraq retreated.retreated.

Political SystemsPolitical Systems

In 1958, the Iraqi monarchy was In 1958, the Iraqi monarchy was overthrown (slaughtered in a coup).overthrown (slaughtered in a coup).

Iraq became an Islamic Republic.Iraq became an Islamic Republic. In 1959, another coup was attempted In 1959, another coup was attempted

(with Saddam Hussein as a young (with Saddam Hussein as a young officer is this squad), but it failed.officer is this squad), but it failed.

In the 1970s, Saddam Hussein had In the 1970s, Saddam Hussein had gained incredible power and by gained incredible power and by 1979, he took sole power.1979, he took sole power.

Iraq-American RelationsIraq-American Relations

To counter-balance mounting power in To counter-balance mounting power in Egypt, the U.S. supported Iraq to gain Egypt, the U.S. supported Iraq to gain an ally.an ally.

During the 50s, America sent technical During the 50s, America sent technical and military assistance to Iraq.and military assistance to Iraq.

In the early 80s, America poured in In the early 80s, America poured in billions of dollars to Iraq to help it billions of dollars to Iraq to help it against a war with Iran. By 1988, both against a war with Iran. By 1988, both countries lost a million people and a countries lost a million people and a ton of money.ton of money.

The Persian Gulf WarThe Persian Gulf War

In 1990, Hussein went after Kuwait.In 1990, Hussein went after Kuwait. Kuwait had financed Iraq in its war against Iran. Kuwait had financed Iraq in its war against Iran.

It wanted its money back and lowered oil It wanted its money back and lowered oil prices.prices.

In August, Hussein invaded Kuwait, with ease. In August, Hussein invaded Kuwait, with ease. The United Nations condemned the action and The United Nations condemned the action and

imposed a blockade.imposed a blockade. The U.N. demanded Iraq get out of Kuwait. The U.N. demanded Iraq get out of Kuwait.

When that didn’t happen, a coalition (U.S., When that didn’t happen, a coalition (U.S., Canada, Britain, France) invaded January 1991.Canada, Britain, France) invaded January 1991.

The equivalent of SEVEN Hiroshima bombs hit The equivalent of SEVEN Hiroshima bombs hit Iraq, killing 100,000 people (mostly military)Iraq, killing 100,000 people (mostly military)

Tens of thousands died of disease and Tens of thousands died of disease and malnutrition.malnutrition.

After the war, it became known that Iraq had After the war, it became known that Iraq had loads of “weapons of mass destruction”.loads of “weapons of mass destruction”.

It had used some in a Kurdish uprising in 1988.It had used some in a Kurdish uprising in 1988. The U.N. investigated this with extreme The U.N. investigated this with extreme

difficulty.difficulty.

SanctionsSanctions

The U.N., while investigating, The U.N., while investigating, continued sanctions.continued sanctions.

Since Iraq is an oil-rich country, it Since Iraq is an oil-rich country, it quickly became poor and hungry.quickly became poor and hungry.

The sanctions left Iraq in short supply The sanctions left Iraq in short supply of food and medicine.of food and medicine.

More than a million people have died More than a million people have died as a result.as a result.

Saddam HusseinSaddam Hussein

The U.N. offered a special arrangement to The U.N. offered a special arrangement to Iraq: sell Iraq oil on the market in exchange Iraq: sell Iraq oil on the market in exchange for food and medicine (not money).for food and medicine (not money).

Saddam Hussein refused.Saddam Hussein refused. As long as the suffering continued, he would As long as the suffering continued, he would

be a champion to the Iraqi people.be a champion to the Iraqi people. In 1999, the U.N. relieved sanctions against In 1999, the U.N. relieved sanctions against

the country.the country. The next year, Iraq was accused of being The next year, Iraq was accused of being

behind the anthrax deaths of five Americans, behind the anthrax deaths of five Americans, and Bush pushed for weapons inspections.and Bush pushed for weapons inspections.

Saddam HusseinSaddam Hussein

In 2002, a U.N. inspector went into Iraq.In 2002, a U.N. inspector went into Iraq. No weapons were found.No weapons were found. The U.S. continued to press on Iraq, The U.S. continued to press on Iraq,

threatening the American army on threatening the American army on them.them.

The army invaded in 2003.The army invaded in 2003. In 2004, the U.S. Senate released a In 2004, the U.S. Senate released a

report against Bush’s comments.report against Bush’s comments. Saddam was captured in 2004.Saddam was captured in 2004.

Iraq’s Government under Saddam Iraq’s Government under Saddam HusseinHussein

““I CAME IN ON A TANK AND ONLY A I CAME IN ON A TANK AND ONLY A TANK WILL EVICT ME.”TANK WILL EVICT ME.”

~ Saddam Hussein~ Saddam Hussein

The documentary by CNN, The documentary by CNN, Desert Desert StormStorm

Invasion of IraqInvasion of Iraq

The United States The United States invaded Iraq in invaded Iraq in alliance with alliance with Britain on March Britain on March 20, 2003, winning 20, 2003, winning a quick military a quick military victory and ousting victory and ousting the government of the government of Saddam Hussein. Saddam Hussein.

Though the US and the Though the US and the UK claimed they acted UK claimed they acted in accordance with in accordance with international law, an international law, an overwhelming majority overwhelming majority of the world’s of the world’s governments and governments and people thought people thought otherwise. otherwise.

Since then, the US-UK Since then, the US-UK occupation has occupation has encountered increasing encountered increasing armed resistance in armed resistance in Iraq, and support for Iraq, and support for the war and occupation the war and occupation has steadily declined in has steadily declined in the invading countries. the invading countries.

The End of SaddamThe End of Saddam

In 2004, Saddam was given to the In 2004, Saddam was given to the provisional government set up in provisional government set up in Iraq, along with 11 others.Iraq, along with 11 others.

In November 2006, Saddam was In November 2006, Saddam was executed.executed.

democracy [Gr.,=rule of the people], term originating in ancient Greece to designate a government where the people share in directing the activities of the state, as distinct from governments controlled by a single class, select group, or autocrat. The definition of democracy has been expanded, however, to describe a philosophy that insists on the right and the capacity of a people, acting either directly or through representatives, to control their institutions for their own purposes. Such a philosophy places a high value on the equality of individuals and would free people as far as possible from restraints not self-imposed. It insists that necessary restraints be imposed only by the consent of the majority and that they conform to the principle of equality.

(from http://www.infoplease.com/index.html)

ArticlesArticles

Look at the various leaders in the Look at the various leaders in the Iraqi government or influencing the Iraqi government or influencing the government. government. What do you notice about their What do you notice about their

affiliations?affiliations? What impact will that have on the What impact will that have on the

effectiveness of working together as a effectiveness of working together as a government? government?

Iraq’s Parliamentary ElectionIraq’s Parliamentary Election DECEMBER 15, 2005 ELECTIONDECEMBER 15, 2005 ELECTION

307 official political parties307 official political parties 19 coalitions19 coalitions 7,700 candidates7,700 candidates

8.5 MILLION SHIA (60%)8.5 MILLION SHIA (60%) 4.7 MILLION SUNNI (33%)4.7 MILLION SUNNI (33%) 4 MILLION KURDS (28%)4 MILLION KURDS (28%) 1 MILLION CHRISTIANS (7%)1 MILLION CHRISTIANS (7%)

TWO-THIRDS OF SEATS NEEDED TO TWO-THIRDS OF SEATS NEEDED TO CONTROL THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYCONTROL THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

THE VOTES ARE INTHE VOTES ARE IN

Just under 60% voted (8.5 million).Just under 60% voted (8.5 million).

¼ of the seats reserved for women.¼ of the seats reserved for women.

More than 1.5 million Iraqis living More than 1.5 million Iraqis living outside of Iraq were given the right outside of Iraq were given the right to vote.to vote.

Party/CoalitionSeats won Jan. 2005

Seats won Dec. 2005

United Iraqi Alliance (Shia) 140 128

The Kurdistan Alliance (Kurdish) 75 53

Iraqi Accordance Front (Sunni) (boycotted Jan. vote) 44

The Iraqi List (secular) 40 25

Iraqi Front for National Dialogue (Sunni) (boycotted Jan vote) 11

Kurdistan Islamic Union (Kurdish)(part of Kurdistan Alliance in Jan vote)

5

Iraqiyun Party 5 Joined Iraqi List

Turkomen Iraqi Front (represents ethnic Turks) 3 2

National Independent Elites and Cadres party 3 -

Iraqi Communist Party 2 Joined Iraqi List

Islamic Kurdish Society 2 -

Islamic Labour Movement in Iraq 2 -

National Democratic Alliance 1 -

National Rafidain List (Assyrian Christians) 1 -

Reconciliation and Liberation Bloc (Sunni) 1 3

Risaliyoun (Shia)   2

Iraqi Nation List (Sunni)   1

Yazidi minority religious sect   1

Al-Rafidian List (Christian)   1

GovernmentGovernment

The current cabinet was appointed in The current cabinet was appointed in May 2006, following elections for the May 2006, following elections for the Council of Representatives (national Council of Representatives (national assembly) in December 2005. assembly) in December 2005.

The prime minister and cabinet have The prime minister and cabinet have executive authority, whereas the executive authority, whereas the positions of president and two vice-positions of president and two vice-presidents, who make up the presidents, who make up the presidential council, are largely presidential council, are largely ceremonial.ceremonial.

The governmentThe government

President: Jalal TalabaniPresident: Jalal Talabani

Vice-presidents: Adel-Abdul Mahdi; Vice-presidents: Adel-Abdul Mahdi; Tariq al-HashimiTariq al-Hashimi

Prime minister: Nouri al-MalikiPrime minister: Nouri al-Maliki

Deputy prime ministers: Barham Deputy prime ministers: Barham Saleh; vacantSaleh; vacant

““Iraqi Government Worse than al-Iraqi Government Worse than al-Qa’eda”Qa’eda”

What do you know about al-Qa’eda?What do you know about al-Qa’eda? What does this article indicate about What does this article indicate about

the current government in Iraq?the current government in Iraq? What is happening to civilians in What is happening to civilians in

Iraq?Iraq? What do you predict will be the What do you predict will be the

future of the Iraqi government?future of the Iraqi government?

Members of Iraq’s Governing CouncilMembers of Iraq’s Governing Council

Political Parties & Armed FactionsPolitical Parties & Armed Factions The main Shia Arab-The main Shia Arab-

led parties are:led parties are: the Supreme Iraqi the Supreme Iraqi

Islamic Council (SIIC)Islamic Council (SIIC) Islamic al-Dawa Islamic al-Dawa Islamic al-Dawa-Iraq Islamic al-Dawa-Iraq

OrganisationOrganisation Movement of the Movement of the

Islamic al-Dawa Party Islamic al-Dawa Party (Martyr Izz al-Din Salim (Martyr Izz al-Din Salim wing) wing)

Islamic al-Fadhila Islamic al-Fadhila (virtue) Party(virtue) Party

Islamic Action Front Islamic Action Front HizbullahHizbullah

Kurdish "secular" Kurdish "secular" parties include:parties include: the Kurdistan the Kurdistan

Democratic Party (KDP) Democratic Party (KDP) the Patriotic Union of the Patriotic Union of

Kurdistan (PUK)Kurdistan (PUK) Kurdistan Islamic Union. Kurdistan Islamic Union.

Political Parties & Armed FactionsPolitical Parties & Armed Factions

Moqtada al-Sadr Moqtada al-Sadr has a loose-knit has a loose-knit faction, Jamiaat al-faction, Jamiaat al-Sadr al-Thani. Sadr al-Thani.

Among the Sunni Among the Sunni Arab groupings Arab groupings are:are: Tawafuq (the Iraqi Tawafuq (the Iraqi

Accord Front), Accord Front), dominated by the dominated by the Iraqi Islamic Party Iraqi Islamic Party (part of the Muslim (part of the Muslim Brotherhood)Brotherhood)

the National the National Dialogue Front.Dialogue Front.

National Political National Political Function:Function: The Sunni clerical bodiesThe Sunni clerical bodies the General Conference the General Conference

(Endowment) (Endowment) Association of Muslim Association of Muslim

ScholarsScholars In addition to these In addition to these

more coherent parties, more coherent parties, Sunni Arab insurgent Sunni Arab insurgent groups include:groups include: the Islamic Armythe Islamic Army Jaish Mohammed Jaish Mohammed Saddam's Fedayeen Saddam's Fedayeen al-Awdahal-Awdah

Kurdish Islamist Kurdish Islamist militias include: militias include: Ansar al-Islam Ansar al-Islam Ansar al-Sunnah. Ansar al-Sunnah.

Foreign Islamist Foreign Islamist groups present are:groups present are: "al-Qaida in Iraq" "al-Qaida in Iraq" the Tawhid and Jihad the Tawhid and Jihad

organisationorganisation

Prime Minister Maliki, a Shiite Prime Minister Maliki, a Shiite Muslim, is going to have Muslim, is going to have problems.problems.

Analysts think that a government Analysts think that a government made up of opposing factions made up of opposing factions forced together by US pressure is forced together by US pressure is inherently weak. inherently weak.

In addition, Maliki has a tired and In addition, Maliki has a tired and divided nation to govern.divided nation to govern.

Prospects for Democracy in IraqJanuary 25, 2003By Fend Rahim Franke, Executive Director of the Iraq FoundationPublished in the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies(http://www.defenddemocracy.org)

“We should not underestimate the potential for democracy in Iraq, but nor shouldwe overestimate the ease with which it will establish itself in the wake of decadesof totalitarian rule…

A good starting point is the unity of the Iraqi opposition [to Saddam Hussein] on the goal of democracy. Much has been reported about how diverse, if not fractious, the opposition is. It includes Sunnis, Shia's, Kurds and Christians; Islamists,Secular Democrats and Communists. But what is most remarkable about this diverse umbrella is its unity of vocabulary: Every faction of the opposition speaks the language of democracy. There is a broad consensus that a post-Saddam Iraq should be representative, decentralized and federal, with civilian control of the military and respect for individual rights and ethnic diversity. There are still debates about the precise structure of this federal system, but what is key is the agreement that power in a future Iraq should be devolved. This is a radical idea in the Middle East.

One of the detrimental effects of Saddam's reign is the Iraqi people's loss of faith intheir ability to influence their environment and effect change. Iraqis barely have control over the details of their daily lives; the idea that they can be involved in shaping their collective destiny is inconceivable under Saddam Hussein. We will need to target Iraqi individuals and teach them to organize and advocate for their interests in their local communities and at the national level.”

Other Point of ViewOther Point of View

““There has not been a single day of There has not been a single day of democracy in Iraq in its history. It is democracy in Iraq in its history. It is still a tribal and clan-oriented society. still a tribal and clan-oriented society. Democracy needs a social Democracy needs a social infrastructure that does not exist at infrastructure that does not exist at all in Iraq, or elsewhere in the all in Iraq, or elsewhere in the region.”region.”

Murhaf Jouejati, scholar at the Middle East Murhaf Jouejati, scholar at the Middle East Institute in WashingtonInstitute in Washington