The Future of f raq... Background: Relations between Iraq's ethnic and religious groups have of ten been contentious. From the end of the First World War when European allied powers drew - borders to suit their own economic interests to the current struggle for democracy, the Iraqi ethnic population has never been homogenous. The two major religious groups are Sunni Islam and Shia [Shifite) Tslom. These ore the two major sects of Islam throughout the world, with Sunni Islam being the Ic~rgest. the two sects were created after the death of Mohummad, when questions over the leadership of Islam arose. The two sects have a history of distrust and dislike towards euch other based on historical acts of violence and a struggle for power. The two largest ethnic groups in Iraq, the Kurds and Arabs, also have o history of violence towards euch other. The Kurds are spread throughout She Middle East and do not have a country to cull their own. For over a century the 25 million Kurds living in the Middle East have unsuccessfu tly fought for an independent country that would require Arab nations to give up a portion of their own lands. The Arabs represent an ethnic group that has an estimated 250,000 million people. Most Arabs reside in $he Middle East and speak Arabic as their primary language. In this activity, you will look at issues surrounding Iraq's ethnic and religious population in. relation to their future in a democratic government. 1 Part I: Ethnic and Religious bivisions in Imq J Look at the two maps provided and answer the f oilowing questions (on a separate piece of paper) 1. Who are the ethnic groups represented in the map? 2. Where does each of them live? 3. What are some of the smaller ethnic groups living in Iraq? 4. What ethnic group is in the majority in Iraq? 5. Which ethnic group is located nearest an ocean outlet? 6, Which ethnic group has the greatest use of the two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates? 7. Which ethnic group(s) is located near Iraq's largest oil reserves? Part fi: kmocrocy Read the "Essential Elements of a bemocracyu and *Shariaa and answer the questions below. 1. Summarize the basic of democracy using key words or phrases. -- 2. Summarize the hsics of Shuria using key words and phrases. 3. Based on your prior knowledge and the basics of a democracy, what are some possible problems that might arise as a dernocractic form of government is created in Iraq?
-- I Part III: Building o Democracy in Iraq Read about each of the four issues and answer the questions. A). F ederalisrn - provision creates a dual government structure with a central government....- -. - and the potential for semi-autonomous governments in regions along Iraq's three ethnic/religious groups, Since the implementation of the "no-f ly zone" after the Gulf War, the Kurd population has enjoyed near autonomous conditions in the north. Federalism was I introduced into the constitution draft discussions to allow similar consideration for Sh@ Arabs in the south. Sunni Arab groups reject the idea of a federal Iraq US a threat to their existence and far it will split up the country. What isn't clear is how much responsibility for its economy, resources, and security each of these groups wilt have (the central government responsibility over the federal regions and the f edercll regions over their own affairs) and what are the allowances in forming a federal region. Another key issue is Iraq's militias. The general agreement is that central government will control all armed forces, but Shia and Kurd militias are heavily armed and serve as security forces for their respective terri Tories and loyal to their regional political leaders. Ques $ions: 1. In theory, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a federal form of government where the central government is either stronger or weaker than the regional governments? 2. Much of the Sunni population didn't vote in the January 30th election and thus are underrepresented in the current government. Should special consideration be given to this segment of the population regarding their concerns over f ederalisrn and what might these considerat ions be? 0). Role of Islam - The central quest ion is "Can f raq be a democracy and an Islamic state at the Same tlme?" lhe const~tutton states that Islam should be ottlcial state rellgfon. Disagreement rises over the role of clerics and Islam's place in making and interpreting low. Specifically, should Islam be the main source of law or just one source of law. It is unclear what role the Iruqi clerics have the Iruqi Supreme Court and their numbers on the court should be, though much of the population support the participation of clerics in all parts of government. There are also differences over the role of Islamic Sharia law with many Shia delegates urging for Sharia to be adopted in family and civil law. Ultimately, Iraqi judges will have to rule on a case where democratic principles and Sharia law are in possible conflict. I. Should Islam be the main source of law or just one source of law in Iraq? Explain. 2. What role should Iraqi clerics have in important positions in government, especially in the judicial branch? 3. What types of legal/civit rights conflicts might arise with a democracy based on religious law? Give some examples.
- consultation C). Natural Resources - Tied to the issue of federalism is how the wealth of the world's third largest oil reserves will be managed. It is generally agreed that the central government would have primary responsibility for the oil that exists and it would divide up resources in with the various regions. However, still unclear is how national resources would be controlled by the individual regions that possess those resources. Sunni Arabs want revenues from oil and other natural resources to be controlied by centralized govt structure. Kurds are seeking to annex oil-rich areas around Kirkuk currently in their autonomous area of control where they receive revenue from these fields. Shia Iraqis want their share of revenue from and control of the southern oil fields. The goal for all parties is a fair distribution of resources but defining that is difficult. I. What are the consequences to the Sunni population if natural resources are primarily under the control of regional governments? 2. What options do Sunnis have if an equitable agreement over resources can't be achieved in the Constitution writing process? 3. AS Iraq's oil revenues increase in time, what problems might occur for the different population segments if the Iraqi government doesn't resolve the resource distribution issue? b). Women - Iraqi women's rights organixat ions are concerned about how much I slam will play a role in Iraqi law. While it has been generally agreed that 25 percent of the legislative, seats will go to women, this does not extend their representation in other parts of the governmen*, especially at the regional and local level. The constitution is said to prohibit discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, origin, color, religion, sect, or economic or social status. However, under Sharia law, women may not receive the same share of inheritance money as men and cannot initiak divorce proceedings. Evidence presented by a woman in court would count for only half that of a man. Qm tions: 1. What are the concerns held by many Iraqi women's groups if the Sharia becomes the main source of law in Iraq? 2. What is the threat to Iraq's legal foundation if laws pussed according to the Sharia are direct violations to women's (and all citizens') rights protected in the constitution? 3. What are the potential problems for Iraq if minorities' rights are not secured in this new constitution?
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