This is with reference to the report “IS rounds up ex-Baathists ‘to eliminate potential rivals’” (July 9). Finally the self-ascribed Islamic States has started to show its true colors in Iraq. This group is nothing but a conglomerate of thugs, killers and psychopaths. Unfortunately, the sectarian agenda of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki had pushed the Sunnis of Iraq to the wall and they had no other choice but to join hands with the IS formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Analysts had feared that once these militants gain control of large swathes of Iraq, they would turn their guns toward the Sunni population to suppress them. As per the report in question, the IS thugs have started targeting former Baathists. This is the first phase; most probably in the second phase they will target Sunni leaders. Iraq is also turning into another Syria. I fear that it will be even worse. Sane political leaders of all hues should convene an immediate meeting to agree on a joint strategy. Sectarianism will not help Iraq or the Iraqis. If the leaders fail to rise to the occasion, history will never forgive them. They should realize that Iraq is on the verge of disintegration. The IS militants are on the move. This once great country has enemies within and without. The situation is highly inflammable and presence of a leader like Al-Maliki is not in the interest of the country. Sunni, Shiites and Kurdish leaders should force Al-Maliki to step down and form a national unity government with the sole objective to jointly fight the militants belonging to the Islamic State and its likes. They should not allow foreign forces to slice their beautiful country into three pieces. It is now or never! — Lala,
Jeddah
Iraq on the brink
