In the recent days, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, known as ISIL, started a series of offences against Iraqi army in Sunni provinces and the Kurdish areas which are outside the KRG's administration.
These areas are in turmoil and Iraqi army is retreating and being weak. ISIL is dominant in some areas where Iraqi army has vacated but other areas are under the control of Peshmarga (Literally meaning "those who confront death"). Concerning this turmoil and the opinion of Kurdish leaders on the case, Soran University website has managed an open talk with "Prof. Dr. Saed Shams" who is the head of Sociology Department and also a political observer.
Regarding the reason behind these conflicts, Mr. Shams stated that the factors are political and they are a consequence of Baghdad's behaviours. He said that after the collapse of Baath regime people predicted the formation of a democratic country but it didn't happen. Another factor, as he assessed, is the existence of an omniscient power.
Mr. Shams once again assured that this is a "political" crisis, so the only solution is dialogue not army because Iraqi army intervened in the crisis of Anbar and other areas but it failed. He said that Iraqi is a "loser" and the only thing that Iraq can do is to find a way to make an agreement between Shiites and Sunnis. Dr. Shams believes that Iraq has been divided into three militant sections; Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites. So the mere option to overcome the current crisis is confederacy.
Concerning the reaction of Kurds to this turmoil, Dr. Shams appreciated the steps that Kurds have made and advised Kurds not to be "Shy" and also not to ask USA, Iran, and Turkey what to do. He said that Kurds are not a part of the problem and should keep themselves away from it. He alarmed Kurds about Sistani's fatwa and said that Sistani's fatwa is very dangerous, not only for Sunnis but also for Kurds.
Interviewer: Rojhat Mahdi
Translation & Photo by: Karwan Özkürt
To know more, you can listen to the interview on YouTube.