Iraq's Defining Moment

Abstract

The socio-political drivers of conflict in Iraq have shifted. For the first time since 2003, Iraqis are seeking to form a representative government led by competent officials rather than choosing representation through customary ethno-sectarian quotas. Yet, Iraqi political parties opted for negotiating the formation of Iraq’s next government based on the post-2003 communal quotas system. Through protests, Iraqis are pressuring the political elites to form a technocratic government capable of delivering essential services, fight endemic corruption, create jobs. For Iraqis, the new government must be capable of good governance.

Keywords: Iraq, Islamic, Islamist, Middle East, Governance, Iran, GCC, Qatar, Turkey, Politics, International Relations, Terrorism, ISIS