The Beginning of the End of Sectarian Violence? Writing the War 2008–2009
The security of the 2008-2009 period is assessed through editorials and annual security analysis. The narrative continues both ‘live’, as events are recounted through the editorials, and reflective. It looks at the consequences of state collapse, at the impact of enforcing a neoliberal system on Iraq, in terms of exploitation and economic insecurity, but also in terms of leading to deepening socio-economic divisions which have marginalised, alienated and angered millions of people, thus increasing instability and insecurity, nationally and regionally. Iraq’s economic transformation that has led to low standards of living, dismal economic and employment conditions, energy and food shortages, all of which plague Iraq today, is discussed within the context of power, leadership and hegemony. Causes and weapons of war, nation-building ‘military style’, community trauma, energy security and state vulnerability are also discussed within the framework of a discussion on threats, risks and impact.