It is inappropriate to consider the question of national reconciliation in Iraq without first recognizing the unique nature of the challenge.
The best path to redemption in Iraq remains dialogue between those in
power, those in opposition, the forces of the occupation, international
donors and the many different antagonists. The problems that have faced
Iraqis since 2003, between supporters and adversaries of a political
process under occupation, have merged with other challenges,
splintering Iraqi actors and causing an unprecedented fragmentation of
Iraqi society. What is needed therefore is not one sole initiative but
rather a plethora of Iraqi reconciliations. These reconciliations
require the acceptance of an inclusive political process that
guarantees the participation of all Iraqis and builds a nation based on
the principle of equal citizenship and a guarantee of a diverse and
just society for all.
The fragmentation of the Iraqi political scene has evolved in a climate
of complete mistrust and the near-absolute absence of serious dialogue
between the different actors.
Further, the regional and international environment is not making the resolution of Iraq’s
problems any easier:
- The new American administration, while not acknowledging the complete
failure of its predecessor in Iraq, is beginning a new, more timid
approach that has not yet dared to suggest an alternative strategy for
all Iraqis.
- Iran, which has assured itself of a relatively free hand on the Iraqi
chessboard, cannot rest on its laurels; its regional situation remains
critical.
- The alarming results of the Israeli election and internal Palestinian
problems perpetuate tensions throughout the region, making any
resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unlikely.
Reconciliation in Iraq must be a voluntary act and cannot be imposed by
any party. It will not be realized without a decisive and courageous
commitment from all parties to move past hatred and renounce violence
in order to recognize each other.
All reconciliation conferences that have been organized to date have
been little more than red herrings. Some, such as the one that took
place in Helsinki, have final documents signed only by Iraqi Members of
Parliament: was it really necessary to travel all the way to Helsinki
for such a document when the signatories see each other every day in
the legislative assembly in Baghdad? Most of these documents continue
to state “the impossibility of reconciling with those whose hands are
stained with the blood of innocents” but we must ask ourselves: during
the last 50 years in Iraq, whose hands are truly clean?
Political and institutional normalization must first advocate for a
real “disarmament of the hearts” that will help Iraqis – all Iraqis –
to understand that the stability and sustainability of their country
must be achieved by their agreement. This type of agreement, in view of
the complicated regional environment, is the only true guarantee of
internal Iraqi stability.
Successful reconstruction will not be realized through “victor’s
justice” or a political system built on ethnic or religious exclusion;
it will only be accomplished as a result of a political process takes
these three factors into account:
- The effective protection of the civil liberties and political life of all Iraqis and the
preservation of social cohesion while safeguarding fundamental rights and liberties.
- All Iraqi people have suffered both before and after 2003, hence the
absolute need for a democratization that brings the population into the
decision-making process and fosters a respect for pluralism and
difference.
- It must be assured that abuse, mass graves, massacres and genocide are never allowed to take place again.
Finally, no political effort should try to have the people of Iraq and
its beautiful mosaic think that these reconciliations are about
embellishing, or even worse forgetting, the past or present; rather it
is to ensure that these wounds do not remain open and themselves become
sources of resentment and waste of the future.
Letter provided by Matt Eason
Research/Protocol Assistant
The Centre for International Governance Innovation
Centre pour l’innovation dans la gouvernance internationale
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