tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042587494012331021.post2037766145130993779..comments2023-09-07T03:20:24.100-07:00Comments on Revolutions and Political Violence: Sunni Protests In Iraq Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669512353829041768noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042587494012331021.post-80123120754809869872013-02-28T18:08:36.856-08:002013-02-28T18:08:36.856-08:00Given Iraq's recent history of sectarian blood...Given Iraq's recent history of sectarian bloodshed, this situation seems like it could escalate very quickly. I think it will be very important for Nouri al-Maliki to seriously address these human rights issues. If not, the protests could intensify, accompanied with increased bombings by Sunni insurgents. These large crowds of peaceful Sunni protesters could very well then be the target of reprisal bombings by Shia insurgents. A self-reinforcing cycle of violence seems dangerously easy to start. If the conflict in Syria spills over into Iraq, things could deteriorate even further.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18428716739747071501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042587494012331021.post-10625998410474896322013-02-17T21:14:14.174-08:002013-02-17T21:14:14.174-08:00It's hard to say that "instability has ri...It's hard to say that "instability has risen to the point where violence is slowly beginning to take hold" or that Iraq has been anywhere near peace considering its longstanding position as the Middle Eastern country with the most suicide bombings per year. Otherwise, I agree. It will also be interesting to see how and if the nature of the protests in Iraq will change depending on the potential success of the Syrian opposition in overthrowing their Alawite (Shia) president, which would greatly change regional dynamics. Additionally, instability resulting from the inflow of Syrian refugees to Iraq could potentially shift the protests. Lastly, the Kurdish question remains an interesting one with the current volatility in Iraq and Syria and the increasingly powerful role of Turkey. It will be interesting to see whether or not Sunnis and Kurds will work together (violently or nonviolently) against the Iraqi government, especially since the (relatively powerless) current president Jalal Talabani is Kurdish.Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15685901557506318232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042587494012331021.post-85441628904741545362013-02-17T14:03:24.434-08:002013-02-17T14:03:24.434-08:00Most of the time it seems like small violent acts ...Most of the time it seems like small violent acts of terror overshadow large peaceful protests. Instead of the other way around. An act of terror remains in people's minds for a long time which can cause them to change their everyday lives drastically. If this violence spreads further to more and more unhappy people who were previously using peaceful means. Soon those large numbers that were peaceful may stay home in order to avoid a random act of terror. On all levels these violent demonstrations will hurt the peoples chance of having their voice heard. First by making their voice less respected from violence, second by creating a more hostile society and third they may eliminate/intimidate peaceful protests.Meaghanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05770016559257262875noreply@blogger.com