ASSESSMENTS

The Iraqi Conflict Enters Its Next Phase

Jun 20, 2014 | 20:14 GMT

The Iraqi Conflict Enters Its Next Phase
Mosul Gov. Athil al-Nujaifi responds to questions June 11 in Arbil, Iraq.

(SAFIN HAMED/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

The previous days of the conflict in Iraq were focused on the jihadist surge led by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. The following days will see negotiations develop involving the Shiite leadership in Baghdad, the United States and a number of influential players in Iraq's Sunni political and tribal landscape designed to wean Iraqi Sunni support away from the militant group. At the same time, the Iraqi government is preparing a military counteroffensive that will be reinforced by Shiite militant proxies. While sectarian violence will continue growing, the current political efforts will likely succeed in taking the momentum from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-led offensive, thus insulating Iraq's core around Baghdad and the Shiite south from a jihadist siege.

Baghdad is focusing on negotiations with Sunnis to take away militants' support and quell the insurgency. ...

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