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6/9/2025, 2:04:42 PM
The Long Shadow of Saddam: Civil War Returns to Iraq
January 10, 2023
Iraq collapses under the weight of its religion and cultural tension into outright civil war. If there were American international analysts left, they might look on in horror as trillions of dollars and a decade worth of effort went up in smokes across shattered Iraq.
First, the Republic of Iraq, led by Abdul Rashid. This is the Western-backed, internationally recognized government of Iraq. It has an Islamic democratic-style government, and its victory would see a continuation of the policies set forth by Iraq since the withdrawal of American troops in 2011.
Second, the Naqshbandi Order, led by Izzat al-Douri of the Iraqi Ba'ath Party. This is the same party of Saddam Hussein, and it is rumored that his daughter, Raghad Hussein, might vie for power should al-Douri and his forces succeed in seizing Iraq.
Third, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, led by Qais Khazali. Iran backs this Sharia faction with military and diplomatic support. Should it succeed in the civil war, it is likely to enter into an alliance with Iran.
Fourth, the Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr. This faction is Sharia as well, but it is not backed by Iran. Al-Sadr is considered a populist by Western observers.
January 10, 2023
Iraq collapses under the weight of its religion and cultural tension into outright civil war. If there were American international analysts left, they might look on in horror as trillions of dollars and a decade worth of effort went up in smokes across shattered Iraq.
First, the Republic of Iraq, led by Abdul Rashid. This is the Western-backed, internationally recognized government of Iraq. It has an Islamic democratic-style government, and its victory would see a continuation of the policies set forth by Iraq since the withdrawal of American troops in 2011.
Second, the Naqshbandi Order, led by Izzat al-Douri of the Iraqi Ba'ath Party. This is the same party of Saddam Hussein, and it is rumored that his daughter, Raghad Hussein, might vie for power should al-Douri and his forces succeed in seizing Iraq.
Third, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, led by Qais Khazali. Iran backs this Sharia faction with military and diplomatic support. Should it succeed in the civil war, it is likely to enter into an alliance with Iran.
Fourth, the Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr. This faction is Sharia as well, but it is not backed by Iran. Al-Sadr is considered a populist by Western observers.
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