Fate Of 'Sons of Iraq' To Test Reconciliation

September 2008 | Political Risk Alert

While Iraq's security situation has improved markedly over the past 18 months, thanks in large part to the US troop surge, long-term stability will require significant reconciliation between the Shi'a majority and the Sunni minority (leave aside the minority Kurds for now). Therefore, the fate of the 'Sons of Iraq' will provide a useful insight into the likely success of reconciliation attempts. A significant test will begin next week, when the central government will take over responsibility from the US military for paying the roughly 54,000 Baghdadi 'Sons'.

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