Question

What are the key challenges to political stability in Iraq? Your response might want to discuss political institutions, economic issues, population trends, and relationships with neighboring countries and other world powers.

Answer 1

After the 9/11 attack on United States, the decision of US to invade Iraq has ignited turmoil in the country which is still there. The US invaded in the year 2005 in hunt of major terrorists that were involved in the 9/11 attack, however, after few years, the US has decided to leave the country citing military and economical challenges for itself. After the withdrawl of US troops from Iraq. Iraq has became a nation with political and economical instability. After saddam hussain's reign ended, there were no effective political alternative that was available with the country and this has given opportunity to radical terrorists group like ISIS to take control over country. This has led to cold war in country among ISIS and Iraq citizens and various external countries were also involved within the same. According to a stats, Iraq is considered as the world's 11th most unstable country in the world. Some of the key challenges that is faced by Iraq are listed as follows:

• Political challenges: The main challenge that Iraq faces is to have a stable government which democratically elected by the people of Iraq and not by external countries. This can be achieved by avoiding external country;s interest in Iraq and keeping Iraq's people and population on priority. A consensus government is the need of the hour. The main challenge is to bring shiite and sunni politicians on the same table to think beyond their religions and cast etc. and think about the country.
• Economical challenges: The economy of Iraq has seen its worst face in the previous decade, it has completely collapsed with inflation skyrocketing, however with third largest oil reserves in the world, Iraq can stabilize it economy with the revenue generated. The country is facing a housing crisis in which demand exceeds supply. There is a need to build around 2.5 million homes which are being destroyed during the war of which only 5% is being fulfilled by the Private businesses and the government. Proper sanitation and water facilities needs to be provided in an effective manner by the government in the longer run.
• Population Trends: The country is having a population of around 37 million. Due to war many people left their home and shifted to neighboring countries. The need is to restore the confidence of such people who evacuated and bring them back to the country. Around 75-80 % population of the country is consist of Arabs while only 15% is Kurd's.
• Relationship with neighboring countries: In order to maintain peace in the country, Iraq has to make sure that it maintains a good relationship with not only its neighboring countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia but also with Super power like US and NATO forces. The superpower countries can help Iraq in rebuilding itself and acting as lender of last resort for most of its issues. Good relations will breed good environment and prosperity in the country and will also boost economic growth in the longer run.