Possibility of Civil War Looms If Anarchy Persists

There is growing concerns over the possibility of civil war in Iraq, where the effects of the war have caused a state of anarchy in the country.

On April 12th, President Hosni Murabak of Egypt warned U.S. and Britain that if law and order is not restored in Iraq with the establishment of a new government, there is a large possibility of civil war.

In a closed meeting with National Democratic Party members, President Murabak commented that if coalition forces neglect the antagonistic situation between the Sunnis and Shiites, it will escalade into a civil war. He emphasized that quick establishment of an administrative cabinet is the only solution to stabilization.

Prior to this on April 10, the antiestablishment organization called the ‘Iraq Islamic Revolution Supreme Council (SAIRI)’ announced opposition to the establishment of an American-led military administration. They also warned that a civil war would break out if the U.S. insists on military administration of the country.

In a press conference with the Iranian State Broadcasting Service on the same day, Chairman Ayatollah Sayid Mohammad Bakir Al-Hakim of SAIRI said that “SAIRI will wait for the people of Iraq to decide their state’s future through a vote. If the U.S. insists on establishment of a military regime, there could be a civil war in Iraq.”

Jung-Ahn Kim credo@donga.com