For the last few days Iraq, like the neighboring Syria, has been making the headlines of international newspaper. However, presently it looks naïve to foresee the future of Iraq as another Syria, but the situation has taken a worrying turn. Al-Qaeda linked militants and government dissents have overruled part of Anbar province. Last week, Fallujah city fell to hands of militants which seriously dealt blow to prestige of Prime Minister Nouri-al-Maliki administration that is also blamed of discrimination against Sunnis. The situation in provincial capital city, Ramadi, does not seem good at all. Based on reports, violence around the city has left at least 22 soldiers and 12 civilians dead, as well as an unknown number of militants. Officials in Iraq’s western Anbar province has said on the condition of anonymity that fighting between the army and Al-Qaeda militants has killed 34 people while 58 have been wounded.
Meanwhile, in order to bring the situation under the control, Mr. Prime Minister, Nouri-al-Maliki urged residents and tribes of Fallujah to “expel” Al-Qaeda militants from this western city to avoid an all-out battle. He also urged Iraqi troops to avoid targeting Fallujah’s residential areas. In the meantime, dozens of families flee the city in fear of major fighting between government and militants. However, his remarks reflect an imminent military operation to retake the city.
No matter how security forces can deal with the problem hereafter but till now the situation reflects a blunt failure of security and intelligence. How the Al-Qaeda linked groups can collect arms and make up a force that seriously challenges the security establishments? How such anti-government movements remained un-noticed while the Iraqi government sent strong message to civilians, when it did not extend the US military presence, that “it can protect them”.
It appears that militants are strong enough that they are able to overrule the city. They are confident that they can keep the city under control or deal serious blow to Iraqi soldiers. Otherwise, they would have continued fighting government through devising explosives and making suicide bombs.
Secondly, the incident of Fallujah reflects the increasing gap between government and people. Militants definitely were not able to hide and develop underground without sympathy or support of local residents.
Anyhow, it is not clear whether government decides to wage an all-out war against Al-Qaeda or not. But it needs to make some tough decisions in the few weeks to come.