Source: Reuters
BASRA/NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) – United in their fight against Saddam Hussein’s oppression for decades, Iraq’s Shi’ites have become deeply fragmented and disillusioned with their leaders after 15 years in power.
A woman walks past a campaign poster of a candidate ahead of parliamentary election, in Najaf, Iraq, April 20, 2018. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani
In Iraq’s Shi’ite heartlands, many who once voted blindly along sectarian lines are now turning their ire against the Shi’ite-led governments they say have failed to repair crumbling infrastructure, provide jobs or end the violence.
The divisions within the community now risk splitting the Shi’ite vote in a May 12 election, which could complicate and delay the formation of a government, threaten gains against Islamic State and let Iran meddle further in Iraq’s politics.
Categories: Iraq, Middle East, Shia, The Muslim Times