This is with reference to the article by Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg “Unity govt in Iraq is the only way out” (June 16). I fully endorse the views of the writer. It is true that without getting rid of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, the situation in Iraq cannot be stabilized.

Al-Maliki’s wrong policies have provided the militants — belonging to the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) — the opportunity to move swiftly without resistance. Had Al-Maliki adopted all-inclusive policies, the situation in Iraq would have been different. It has become fashionable in our part of the world to criticize the West for all ills plaguing our countries but nobody bothers about the internal or domestic factors playing in favor of militants. Beyond any shadow of doubt, the western actions against Iraq were unjustified.

Not a single so-called weapon of mass destruction was found in Iraq. However, after the withdrawal of US troops, it was up to the Iraqis to work for the development of their country. Unfortunately, Al-Maliki chose to become a satellite state of Iran. It was his divisive policies that had placed Iraq on a powder keg. Be it Al-Qaeda, Taleban or the ISIL, all these groups are notorious for exploiting such situations. That is what the ISIL is currently doing in Iraq. Had Al-Maliki not marginalized Sunnis, they would have resisted the ISIL in Anbar, Mosul and other areas.

The call from a Shiite leader to wage a war against Sunnis was ill timed. He should have, instead, asked all Iraqis to defend their country. Stoking sectarian tensions at this critical junction shows that these leaders are not patriotic enough to set aside their petty differences.

Raheem

Jeddah