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Aftermath of suicide bombing. (AP Photo/Khalil Mohammed)
This past week has witnessed a surge of violence in Iraq. Sensational attacks killing dozens have been carried out in Baghdad, including a suicide bombing that targeted a Shiite shrine on Friday. More than 60 people were killed in that attack. This followed two attacks on Thursday that left more than 80 dead.
The uptick in violence threatens to derail President Obama’s commitment to draw down troops in Iraq. Though strategies for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are not linked, some analysts state that the surge expected in Afghanistan is dependent upon a draw down of troops in Iraq. As such, any change in the planned troop presence in Iraq may in turn affect Mr. Obama’s strategy in Afghanistan.
General David Patraeus, who overseas both the Iraq and Afghanistan operations, warns that there is still a threat from al-Qaeda in Iraq. The recent attacks there are believed to be the work an al-Qaeda group funneling fighters from Tunisia, through Syria and into Iraq.
The foreign dimension to the recent attacks in Iraq eases some policymakers. The real concern in Washington is that sectarian violence between Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis will return as US troops withdraw. Though no violence is positive, the recent attacks may reflect al-Qaeda’s desperation to rekindle the conflict. The Obama Administration will likely monitor the response from Iraqi civilians to this recent wave of violence. If sectarian violence re-emerges, the phased withdrawal of US troops will need to be delayed.
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