This is with reference to the report “Anti-IS coalition seeks stronger Iraqi Army” (Feb. 20). In order to effectively fight the self-ascribed Islamic State (IS), it is very important for all Iraqis to set aside their sectarian differences and join in the efforts to root out the evil from their country, which if left unchecked might lead to the dismemberment of Iraq.

As per media reports, Tehran is supporting the Shiite groups in Iraq and trying to suppress the country’s Sunni population with the aim of gaining a stronghold in the Sunni Arab world. The Shiites of Iraq should give priority to the interest of their own country and should not fall prey to the Iranian sectarian agenda.

The sectarian divide in Iraq will only work in favor of the IS and its likes. An autonomous Kurd region is already in place, if the trend of dividing Iraq along sectarian or ethnic lines continues, there will be nothing left to feel proud of. It is up to the Iraqis to defend their country from foreign powers bent on destroying them. It is a known fact that Iraq possesses huge natural resources but a divided Iraq can never effectively reap the fruit of this immense natural wealth. The Iraqi Army could play a critical role in forging unity among the Iraqis and could easily emerge as the sole unifying factor. Unity among Iraqis is a must to effectively counter the IS threat.