Tensions in Iraq after American withdrawal

Iraq's vice-president could be arrested after terrorism allegations as tension between Sunnis and Shiites increases

Daiy Mail, 20 December, 2011

Iraq's top Sunni official is set to be arrested on terrorism charges by the country's Shiite-led government.

The issue of an arrest warrant for vice-president Tariq al-Hashemi came after state-run television aired what it claimed to be confessions by alleged terrorists linked to him.

The move, a day after the last U.S. troops left Iraq and ended the eight-year war, signalled a sharp new escalation in the sectarian tensions that drove Iraq to the brink of civil war just a few years ago.

Since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein and his Sunni-dominated Baath party regime, the Sunni minority has constantly complained of attempts by the Shiite majority to sideline them.

Mr Al-Hashemi is one of the leaders of the Sunni-backed political bloc Iraqiya, which has just suspended its participation in parliament to protest against the control of key posts by Shiite prime minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The boycott decision by Iraqiya, headed by Ayad Allawi, was in response to the government's failure to share more powers, particularly authority over the security forces.

Iraqiya narrowly won the most seats in last year's parliamentary election, but Mr Allawi was outmanoeuvered by Mr al-Maliki, who kept the premier's post after cobbling together key support from Shiite parties.

For over a year now, Mr al-Maliki has effectively controlled the interior and defence ministries, which oversee the police and military, while conflicts between Sunni and Shiite politicians have delayed the appointment of permanent ministers.

The dispute is a reminder that the West left behind an Iraq still riven by sectarian division. The last American troops crossed the border into neighbouring Kuwait early on Sunday.

An Iraqiya MP warned that the party could pull its seven ministers out of the coalition government if its demands are not met.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Iraqiya criticized the 'unjustified' random arrests conducted by the government's security forces in Sunni areas.

From al-Jazeera

Arrest warrant issued for Iraqi deputy