Iraq is living dangerously
The defeat of IS in Mosul will uncover a range of festering political grievances
Sunnis, along with Christians, Turkomens and Yazidis, are wondering which of the liberating forces will remain in Mosul and elsewhere in northern Iraq when Islamic State (IS) fighters have left. A key factor in the rise of IS was the marginalisation of Iraq's Sunnis during the Nouri al-Maliki premiership of federal Iraq. His successor, Haider al-Abadi, has sought to accommodate Sunnis, but with only limited success. Sunnis remain isolated from the key positions in Iraqi political life, and see no willingness on the part of the dominant Shia leadership in Baghdad to share power equitably. Therefore, the defeat of IS in Mosul and elsewhere will not eradicate Sunnis' resentment at their exclusi
![](/images/white-fade.png)
Also in this section
26 July 2024
Oil majors play it safe amid unfavourable terms in latest oil and gas licensing bid rounds allowing Chinese low-ball moves
25 July 2024
Despite huge efforts by India’s government to accelerate crude production, India’s dependency shows no sign of easing
24 July 2024
Diesel and jet fuel supplies face a timebomb in just four years, and even gasoline may not be immune
23 July 2024
Rosneft’s Arctic megaproject is happening despite sanctions, a lack of foreign investment and OPEC+ restrictions. But it will take a long time for its colossal potential to be realised