Iraq is once again making headlines. This time around it is because of the recently concluded parliamentary elections. Initial results show that Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki is all set to start a third term.

I believe that it will not bode well with Iraq. Al-Maliki’s divisive policies have polarized the country and the sectarian gulf has widened in Iraq. I am surprised over the results. How could Iraqis choose this man once again? What has he done for Iraq and Iraqis? He is acting in the hands of foreign powers.

Iraqis should realize that sectarian conflicts would only weaken their already war-torn country. They should try to see the big picture. It seems that most, if not all, Iraqi politicians are suffering from political myopia. They are not thinking in the long run. The ghosts of Saddam-era continue to haunt Iraqis. People of Iraq should have rejected the divisive policies of Al-Maliki and his likes.

In this modern age, adhering to such policies would spell disaster to a country, which has been devastated by a war initiated on false pretexts. Iraqis should forget the past and try to forge unity among their ranks for a better future. They should say no to sectarianism and join hands to work for the betterment of their country.

Lala

Jeddah