Iran should stop meddling in the internal matter of Iraq. Even top Shiite leaders are openly opposing Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki and have called for his ouster. Unfortunately, Tehran appears to be oblivious to the entire situation in the region particularly Iraq. Due to Al-Maliki’s divisive policies have pushed Iraq to the verge of disintegration. Perhaps, Iranian policy is part of some grand scheme based on the division of Iraq into smaller sectarian states.

If there is any truth in that then Tehran should not forget that forces using Iran are simply using it. Once they are done with Iraq, they will set their gaze on Iran. Instead of instigating sectarian hatred, Iran should have had focused on restoring peace and harmony.

Such a course of action would have helped Iran gain respect in the region. Hezbollah is a Shiite organization but until its involvement in the Syrian crisis, it commanded respect in the Sunni world as well mainly due to its unwavering stance on Palestine. Sectarianism will only aggravate the situation.

It is in the greater good of the region and Muslims that Iran shuns its sectarian agenda and work to control the situation in Iraq and Syria before the brutes of the Islamic State make further gains.

Shahnawaz

Dammam