Iraq is slipping back to home violence that revives the historic pain caused by such antagonism. On Wednesday, series of bombings across the country left 12 dead and numbers injured. According toreports only, within last two weeks, more than two hundred people have been killed due to sectarian clashes.

Prime Minister Noori Al Maliki has also warned of sectarian violence as the byproduct of sectarian violence in neighboring country Syria. Right after 9/11 when anti-terrorism hatred changed into gigantic storm and global mentality supported US military activities to go after them and hunt their leaders like al-Qaeda, proportionately Washington decision makers resolved to ride on the waves and pressurize countries opposing or challenging its policy across the globe.

President Bush clearly said that those who were not with US were with al-Qaeda and terrorism. He made very stark distinction between friends and foes. His statement clearly was based on the ideology---good and bad, nothing else. He attacked Iraq with no UN’s mandate, which cost Washington a lot in diplomatic sphere.

After serious discussion with Iraqi officials, no agreement was reached for continuance of presence of US soldier in the country. When US started pulling out, the concern was Iran. It was feared that the country could interfere and tilt the central government to Iran-like Islamic government. But years have passed from withdrawal; the ground situation shows that Iran could not affect the Iraqi government much.

The present bilateral relation shows that Baghdad did take serious efforts to restrict the influence of its neighbor. The recent persistent checkup of Iranian airs bound to Syria is also another sign that Iran is no match to US in terms of exerting influence.

What has changed into an obsessing problem which is not of course in the interest of all sides is increasing sectarian violence in the country. Indeed, the past nightmare of violence is increasingly changing into reality.

Series of attacks in several cities of the country and murder of more than two hundred people just within two weeks is definitely horrible. Perhaps, such high number of death due to sectarian violence should press the alarm.

Hope Iraqi officials put away their religious linkages and bring the situation under the control. Otherwise, the country will soon follow the path of Syria.