Divisions deepen within Iraq's government

As Iraqi leaders scramble to reach an agreement on the political structure of their government, inexorable sectarian violence has made the realization of a unified government coalition increasingly unlikely. Despite popular opposition, the Shiite majority in parliament approved a measure to partition the country into Kurd, Shiite and Sunni regions with substantial self-rule powers. Sunnis are afraid that carving up the country in this manner will leave them in the mostly barren lands of central and western Iraq, while other groups take control of oil rich regions.
However, without a strong central government with the capacity to curb sectarian violence and restore civil order, Iraq’s descent into civil war is certain. The Associated Press quoted Anthony H. Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies as saying “Iraq is already in a state of serious civil war.” Entrenched divisions within the Iraqi leadership weaken the government’s ability to take control of the deteriorating security situation in Iraq.

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