Civil Strife Engulfs Iraq
As violence in Iraq is making headlines around the world, questions started to stir, asking if Iraq is in a state of civil war.
In an interview with Alexander Marquardt of ABC in Erbil in Iraq, US Secretary of State John Kerry addressed the issue that Iraq is in civil strife rather than a civil war.
Secretary underscored that what is happening in Iraq is that Sunni leaders and even some of the Shia leaders are all determined to follow the constitutional process to try to form a government that can be a unity government and that can pull people together.
However, even with the Iraqi leaders having the same ground to end the violence, ISIS otherwise is pulling some people towards a potential for civil war.
ISIS A Threat to the World
Secretary Kerry said ISIS is a threat to global security particulary to the region as well as to Iraq itself and the integrity of Iraq.
Secretary Kerry highlighted that the US is committed to try to help Iraqis be to fight back. However, there is a need to be able to know that there is a government in place that is not going to exacerbate the sectarian divisions of this country.
“We need to know there’s a government that’s prepared to pull people together, share power, end the sectarian division, and focus on ISIL and on the long-term future.” – Secretary Kerry
In addition, Secretary Kerry reiterated President Barzani’s statement that the solution to the areas where ISIS is today is not going to be found in American military might.
“The real solution is going to be found in the Iraqis in those areas wanting their community back and wanting their lives back.” – Secretary Kerry
ISIS Insurgents Sow Terror in Iraq
Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham or ISIS carried out a savage massacre in four villages in Iraq, killing 40 people.
According to reports, more than 1,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the start of violence earlier this month in Iraq.
ISIS attacked villages and fired on fleeing civilians. The militants were armed with machine guns and waving the black flag of ISIS.
In addition, the ISIS militants continue to bring terror in the northern province of Tikrit and the Sunni village of Al Alam earlier this month as well.
