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2.1 Overview: legitimate grievances on the rise
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A fragile state in peril
Notwithstanding five years of international involvement in Iraq and proclamations of
security and prosperity, the Iraqi people are progressively becoming disillusioned and
frustrated with the economic hardships and political upheavals. Conflict and civil strife
have paralysed the Iraqi state and stability remains fragile; despite enormous expenditures,
performance falls far short of official goals. Iraqis increasingly oppose foreign interference,
expressing their distress for their country’s lack of economic and political autonomy. A
number of domestic and external factors hinder Iraq’s stability and contribute to legitimate
grievances – from crippling poverty, mass displacement and unemployment to corruption
and the foreign exploitation of Iraq’s natural resources. Crucially, these grievances are an
integral part of the broader debate on Iraq’s sovereignty and future independence.
The lack of national unity is weakening Iraq
At present, frustration at powerlessness and a lack of national unity is further weakening
the Iraqi state. Given how failing policies are maximised by extremists to promote their
radical agendas, it is imperative to overcome this impasse of negative perceptions and
grievances. Ignorance must be overcome; genuine efforts must be made to understand the
local realities in Iraq and the various dynamics and interests at play.
Iraqis’ needs must be prioritised
National, regional and international proclamations must translate to collective, affirmative
action resulting in a substantial and sustainable impact on the lives of ordinary Iraqis.
Vitally, Iraqi voices must be heard and the people of Iraq ought to have a greater stake in
decisions and actions directly affecting their lives. With the support of the international
community, Iraqis must be allowed to take the lead in their country’s reconstruction and
the peacemaking process. Implementing policies consonant with the needs and aspirations
of the Iraqi people would contribute significantly to the country’s unity, stability and
prosperity. In turn, this will foster trust and lead to closer economic and political
partnership with members of the international community.
"God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have
removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country
when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever. Commerce between master
and slave is despotism. Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these
people are to be free. Establish a law for educating the common people. This it is the business of
the state and on a general plan.”
Thomas Jefferson |
The bleak reality of life in Iraq
Social facets: Poverty, unemployment and mass displacement
Conflict-torn Iraq is ravaged by poverty and its people are increasingly frustrated with
failed promises and policies unresponsive to their pressing needs. Infrastructure is old and
dilapidated, and investment is inadequate. Proclamations of aid provision and improving
services, especially in southern Iraq, have failed to translate into action. The scale of the
challenge is considerable and improvements will require sustained levels of investment: the
World Bank estimates that Iraq needs to invest USD20 billion over ten years simply to
upgrade the country’s power sector.
Economic aspects: Debt and the oil political debate
Iraq’s enormous debt poses a direct impediment to the country’s security and stability. A
stagnant and highly indebted economy will create further friction and public
disillusionment, allowing radical elements to exploit these grievances and garner support.
Furthermore, corruption and mismanagement of Iraq’s USD40 billion worth of oil revenues
is eroding public confidence in the Iraqi government.
As Iraq’s economic potential dissipates, the debate on the country’s resource sovereignty
builds up and opposition to foreign investment rises.
Political landscape: Power devolution and factional aspirations
Formerly a highly centralised state with restricted representation and limited
accountability, the Iraqi government is now facing an immense challenge: to develop and
empower provincial bodies, be responsive to the needs of local communities and to
promote a sense of national unity, especially amongst the warring factions.
The way forward: building the foundations of a stable and prosperous state
Addressing basic needs of Iraqis is a priority
Building the capacity of the Iraqi government to capitalise on the country’s invaluable
resources, enabling economic growth and prosperity, is a priority for the Iraqi leaders and
their international partners. Particularly, Iraq’s most vulnerable groups must be supported
and primary medical care and shelter should be provided. A new, effective way to deliver
humanitarian aid must be put in place, aiming at improving the lives of ordinary Iraqis in a
substantial and sustainable manner at both the local and national levels. Humanitarian
action must be recognised as an essential instrument promoting stability and security in
Iraq.
“The people are hungry in the land of fortunes. The ongoing situation corrupts everything, we
feel lost and very anxious.”
Student, 23
Baghdad, May 2008 |
Building a healthy and sovereign Iraqi economy
A conciliatory decision based on a set of agreed principles regarding Iraq’s debt obligations
must be reached without delay: Iraq’s creditors would contribute to alleviating the
country’s financial burden and setting the foundations of a healthy economy. Promoting
prosperity in Iraq requires not only a flourishing economy but also a sovereign economy;
Iraqis must have a principal stake in their future and be able to manage and maximize the
potential of the country’s natural resources. An economic partnership between the Iraqi
government and its international partners seeking to build capacity and develop Iraq’s
invaluable resources, as guided by the interests of the Iraqi people would crucially
encourage closer cooperation and trust between Iraqis and the developed world.
Building a representative, functioning Iraqi state
With the support of the international community, Iraqis must take the lead in decisions and
actions directly affecting their lives and their country’s future. Formulating policies
consonant with the needs and aspirations of the Iraqi people and implementing structural
reforms seeking to devolve power to the local communities in a fair manner and strengthen
the private sector would contribute to improving the overall social and political situation as
well as and to promoting national unity.