...in a country where nearly half of marriages are between first or second cousins, a statistic that is one of the more important and least understood differences between Iraq and America. The extraordinarily strong family bonds complicate virtually everything Americans are trying to do here, from finding Saddam Hussein to changing women's status to creating a liberal democracy.
Iraqis frequently describe nepotism not as a civic problem but as a moral duty. The notion that Iraq's next leader would put public service ahead of family obligations drew a smile from Iqbal's uncle and father-in-law, Sheik Yousif Sayel.
"In this country, whoever is in power will bring his relatives in from the village and give them important positions," Sheik Yousif said, sitting in the garden surrounded by some of his 21 children and 83 grandchildren. "That is what Saddam did, and now those relatives are fulfilling their obligation to protect him from the Americans."
The main difficulties in making Iraq a republican country were rooted in the country's history and cultural dynamics. Iraq had a long history of authoritarian rule under the Ottoman Empire and later under British influence. This led to a weak foundation for democratic institutions and a lack of experience with democratic practices. Additionally, Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious groups often struggled to find a common ground, making it challenging to establish a unified republican system.
The legacy of Saddam Hussein played a significant role in the difficulties of establishing a republican government in Iraq. During his reign, Hussein implemented policies that suppressed opposition and limited freedom of speech, leading to a lack of political participation and a weak civil society. His regime was also characterized by corruption and human rights violations, which further hindered the development of democratic institutions. After his fall, Iraq faced the challenge of rebuilding and reforming its political system while also addressing the deep-seated trauma and divisions caused by Hussein's rule.
External factors played a significant role in the difficulties of making Iraq a republican country. The US-led invasion and subsequent occupation in 2003 destabilized the country and led to widespread violence and political turmoil. The lack of a clear and comprehensive plan for post-war reconstruction and governance also contributed to the challenges faced in establishing a republican government. Additionally, neighboring countries, such as Iran and Syria, have also been accused of meddling in Iraq's internal affairs and exacerbating sectarian tensions, further complicating the process of democratization.
Sectarian divisions played a significant role in the difficulties of establishing a republican government in Iraq. The country is composed of multiple ethnic and religious groups, including Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish populations, who have a long history of conflict and mistrust. These divisions were exploited by Saddam Hussein and have continued to be a source of political instability and violence in Iraq. The challenge of creating a fair and inclusive political system that addresses the needs and concerns of all groups has been a significant obstacle in the path towards a successful republican government.
The ongoing insurgency in Iraq has significantly impacted the difficulties of making the country a republic. The rise of extremist groups, such as ISIS, and the persistent threat of violence have made it challenging to establish a stable and democratic government. The constant threat of attacks on government institutions and civilians has created a climate of fear and instability, making it challenging to implement democratic reforms and foster a sense of national unity. The ongoing insurgency has also hindered economic development and reconstruction efforts, further impeding the progress towards a successful republican government.