Sub-affiliations and national identity in Iraq after 2003

Abstract

The issue of national identity, if addressed correctly and with well-considered plans aimed at achieving the common good rather than narrow sectarian interests, will contribute to building a healthy and sound society and a political system characterized by sustainability and political and institutional stability. This research discusses the rise of sub-identities in Iraq after 2003 and the growing conflict between these identities, which poses a serious challenge to the unity of the state and its social stability, threatening the cohesion that prevailed during decades of coexistence. When examining the reasons that led to the disintegration of national identity and the rise of sub-identities, we find that sectarian power-sharing is one of the most important reasons for the rise of these identities. Iraqi political forces have attempted to exploit this winning card and play on sectarianism to gain more followers, political gains, and votes in elections, then present themselves as the only defenders of their sect or nationalism. Furthermore, foreign interventions have actively contributed to exacerbating the crisis and attempting to perpetuate and reproduce the conflict by infiltrating and penetrating the leadership and decision-making processes and supporting ideologically aligned forces within Iraq. This has led to the country suffering from instability. And a constant struggle, all of this has led citizens to the conviction that these policies, which express sub-affiliations, do not meet the requirements of a decent life and equality based on citizenship, but rather represent a narrow partisan, sectarian, and nationalist vision that expresses the interest of the political forces that adopt them at the expense of the homeland and the citizen. Consequently, the citizen has lost confidence in the political system and the law, and has resorted to his clan, region, party, sect, or nationalism, hoping that they will protect his existence and guarantee his rights and requirements to live in protection and security.