The Iranian regime is actively contributing to the mess in Iraq, as Shiite militias affiliated with the terrorist Quds force continue to spill the blood of innocent Sunnis in various regions. Taking advantage of the crisis created by the Islamic State (IS), Iran is playing a game of its own through Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, Quds force and militias, which are no less barbaric than IS.
The Iranian regime is actively contributing to the mess in Iraq, as Shiite militias affiliated with the terrorist Quds force continue to spill the blood of innocent Sunnis in various regions. Taking advantage of the crisis created by the Islamic State (IS), Iran is playing a game of its own through Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, Quds force and militias, which are no less barbaric than IS.
European Iraqi Freedom Association (EIFA) President Struan Stevenson has also issued a press release on the subject. Mr Stevenson has expressed serious concerns on behalf of his organization over the violence being unleashed on unarmed Iraqi Sunnis by Shiite militias.
In some cases, the Iraqi military personnel operate along with the militias. The Diyala province has specifically been hit. Events narrated by survivors paint a picture quite familiar with the images affiliated with IS. People were taken from their homes, their hands tied and made to kneel before they are killed at point blank range one by one. Children were targeted as well. In the villages of Sherwin, so-called militias blew up 1400 houses and 12 mosques were set on fire.
This isn’t random, mindless violence. The genocide is aimed at altering the demographics of certain regions by killing people or forcing them to move elsewhere. As are a result of the bloody campaign in the Diyala province, 90% population of village north of Meqdadia has been displaced.
The killings of Sunnis by Shiite militias and Iraqi security personnel are undermining efforts against IS and will lead to worsening of the situation in Iraq. Sectarian killings carried out at the behest of Iran will only spread hatred and create a greater recruiting pool for IS. Seeing that Iraqi government and the international community are failing to prevent bloodshed, the Sunni populace will lose faith in both entities and turn towards militancy. The vicious cycle will remain intact as long as Iran is allowed to operate inside Iraq under one pretext or the other.
The international powers owe it to the Iraqi people to ensure the eviction of Iran from their country. Currently, they don’t seem to be paying heed to the concerns raised by EIFA. The US and other coalition members cannot afford to be fixated on one enemy while another wreaks havoc. They will have to be more vigilant and wake up to the reality of Iranian meddling in Iraq.
Iran will neither leave voluntarily nor put an end to violence against Sunnis. The international powers will have to raise their voice on the issue, the same they have done to oppose IS. Once Iran has been called out on its actions, no time should be wasted before securing its eviction. Only then can there be hope for a peaceful future in Iraq.
