Ethno-Sectarian Tensions Beyond the Baghdad Bombings

The Dec. 22 bombings in Baghdad represented the largest and most coordinated attack on the Iraqi capital since August. Most of the explosions targeted mainly Shiite neighborhoods. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iraqi Sunni have the skills and expertise to remain a large and formidable force. However, with the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the Shiite majority enjoys both legal and extra-legal means with which to consolidate power over Iraq — a plan that will tip the regional balance of power toward Iran. A Sunni response supported by interested outside Arab powers like Saudi Arabia could turn Iraq into a proxy battleground between regional powers.