The National Democratic Institute released a new survey that found Iraqis feeling deeply divided. There were only three questions asked of why people felt that way. It appeared that sect was no longer such a big issue, but rather the distribution of goods and services that piqued the public.
Traditionally, sectarian relations were a major source of
stratification in Iraq, but the poll found that to not be so true anymore. When
asked if Sunni-Shiite relations were getting better or worse, 83% in Baghdad,
66% in the south, and 85% of the west replied with the former. Only in
Kurdistan did 74% believe things were worse. Similarly, when questioned about
sectarianism, 78% in Baghdad, 52% in the south, and 64% in the west said it was
getting better. Again, 80% in Kurdistan said it was worse. The negative
responses in Kurdistan were once more a reflection of the fall out of the
independence referendum.
The one issue people felt divided over was the provision of
services. 52% said other groups were getting more than they should versus 21%
that said their group was getting their fair share. There was little variation
on this issue across the regions with only 18% in Baghdad, 18% in the south,
23% in the west and 25% in Kurdistan feeling like they were getting adequate
services. Issues such as electricity shortages have led to annual protests in
Baghdad and the south for the last several years. In 2018, there was a water
shortage as well leading more people out into the streets. This has also been a
concern in Kurdistan in recent years.
The problem with the survey was that it only asked a few
questions about why Iraqis felt like their country was divided. There might
have been other issues at play, but that's unknown because they weren’t
questioned about them. It is good to see that sect is playing less of a role.
Only in Kurdistan where many people were still feeling angry about the
independence referendum, was there still widescale resentment over religion.
Services were seen as much more important with a general feeling that other
groups were taking more than they should. That anger exploded in the summer of
2018 in Basra with riots, burning of buildings, etc. As sectarianism recedes it
was inevitable that things like electricity and water would come to the fore as
Iraq has suffered shortages of both since 2003. The problem for Iraq is due to
poor planning and corruption, these things are not going to be solved anytime
soon, which will mean more demonstrations in the coming years.
SOURCES
National Democratic Institute, “Iraqis Call on the New
Government for Jobs, Services, and Reconstruction, August-October 2018 Survey
Findings,” November 2018
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