If religious and ethnic identities are the organs of Iraq, then tribes are its DNA. Previously, there were some encouraging signs that tribes might help push back against fundamentalist movements. More recent reporting indicates the tribes, too, are racked with sectarian divisions (h/t Juan Cole):
Both Arab and Kurdish tribes still wield influence in the country and many thought they could play a decisive role in halting the current bloodshed . . . Affiliation particularly among Arab tribal hierarchy has little to do with sectarian divisions as many major tribes have both Shiite and Sunni members. But the ferocity of the present strife and its heavy toll in casualties is setting them apart . . . There are reports that the tribes have divided themselves on sectarian grounds and have began fighting each other, using rocket propelled grenades and mortars.In three years, I've never seen an article on U.S. efforts to reach out to tribes, to engage tribal leaders in an attempt to head off or even reduce sectarian conflict. Perhaps it's happening, but I haven't seen it. And now one of the last remaining integrated elements of the society is falling apart.
And with the tribes -- as with sectarian groups -- once it starts, it's hard to stop:
A written document that forbids inter-tribe fighting was signed last week to halt fighting and sectarian killings for 20 days as a prelude for reconciliation. Only two days later, sectarian killings resumed with at least nine more people killed and 12 injured.Iraq isn't getting better, our troops aren't getting safer, and our national security isn't getting stronger. Our continued massive presence is exacerbating the problems, not helping them. Our troops are doing the best they can, but national leadership has failed them.
