PROBLEMS in Iraq threaten the entire West Asia. The country is in the grip of sectarian conflict. Sunny militants from the Islamic state of Iran have captured major cities like Mosul and Tikri. They had taken Falluja and Ramadi earlier. A deeper malaise exists. Sectarianism born of Islamic radicalism is fast spreading across West Asia and North Africa. The US plans to keep out of the imbroglio and that has aggravated the menace. What is happening in Iraq can grip Afghanistan when the US pulls out of Afghanistan at the end of 2014. The Taliban meanwhile have been acquiring greater striking power and the chaos of the 1990s can emerge again. The Taliban attack on the Indian embassy in Heart proves it. There is also suspicion about collusion between the Taliban and the military-ISI complex in Rawalpindi. The Jihadi onslaught will gain sharper teeth. The US over the years has failed to assist the formation of inclusive, democratic regional governments in West Asia and is now determined to end its presence in these countries. The US could not protect Mohammed Morsi in Egypt where the ex-military chief al-Sisi has assumed power. The Gulf states supported radical Islamist militants linked to al-Qaida to fight Assad’s regime in Syria.
The US should work out a strategy to ensure stability in West Asia. Iran can be an ally in stabilizing the critical situation in Iraq by balancing sectarian forces. There is a strong feeling that the time-table may be put back for withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The new Afghan President should be given ample time to strengthen state institutions.
