Entrenched Sectarianism Limits Optimism, Impacts Views Of...

Entrenched Sectarianism Limits Optimism, Impacts Views of Democracy Hope for a more inclusive government, however, is tenuous given the deep distrust built over a decade of sectarian tensions and violence. Many participants believe the new government is no more inclusive than the previous one and is driven primarily by sectarian preferences. This hits at a core paradox that casts a shadow over Iraq’s future and its ability to progress: while almost all participants are highly critical of sectarianism in Iraq, many—even in the same statement—demonstrate sectarian attitudes. Though they are all eager to end the sectarian divisions, many participants still use sectarian language that further enhances this division. For example, a Baghdad Shia man says, â€Å"Iraq is one of the most important Arab countries; it is unbelievable that we have a Kurdish president.† Many participants view sectarianism as the underlying barrier to improving lives, strengthening the economy, resolving the security situation, and fighting ISIS. Sectarian tensions affect atti-tudes toward Iraqi leaders and democracy in general. For example, many Sunni and Kurd par-ticipants worry that Abadi will only represent Shia interests and think that someone coming from Maliki’s party, Da’wa, will focus more attention on those within his sect and ignore the needs of others. An Erbil Kurdish woman says, â€Å"Al-Abadi is from the same political party as al-Maliki and they have the same ideas and politics. They are doing the