Iraq's Post-Withdrawal Crisis, Update 12
March 8, 2012 - Ramzy MardiniMarch 2-8, 2012. Diyala Appoints New Governor, Kurds Continue to Host Hashemi Despite Pressure, Talabani to Head Arab League Summit.
March 2-8, 2012. Diyala Appoints New Governor, Kurds Continue to Host Hashemi Despite Pressure, Talabani to Head Arab League Summit.
February 24-March 2, 2012. Diyala Governor Reportedly Resigns, Postponing National Conference After Summit, Hashemi and Maliki Reportedly Exchange Letters.
This map outlines the location, size, and nature of protests taking place in Afghanistan over the improper burning of religious materials.
Protests emerged in stages across small regions of Afghanistan following the accidental burning of Islamic religious texts at Bagram Airfield on February 20, 2012. Most of the protests are not spontaneous or self-organizing outbursts of anti-Americanism, but rather organized violence orchestrated by insurgent groups, Iran, & Afghan political factions aiming to harm their rivals.
February 18-24, 2012. Judiciary Sets Hashemi’s Court Date, Mutlaq Case to Be Resolved in Parliament, Parliament Passes 2012 Budget.
February 10-17, 2012. Investigation Escalates Hashemi Case, Blocs Debate Agenda for National Conference, Maliki’s Charm Offensive in Basra.
The unilateral moves taken by Maliki’s Shi’a-dominated government against the public faces of Iraq’s Sunni community were unprecedented, sparking a new political crisis that has put the country’s long-term unity and stability at risk. Given the number of red-lines crossed by the government, Iraq has entered a new era of post-Saddam politics.
February 3-10, 2012. Iraqiyya Ends Boycott of Council of Ministers, National Conference Picks Up Momentum, Judiciary Issues Warrants for Parliamentarians.
More than 400 people have died in Iraq since the U.S. withdrawal in mid-December. Coupled with the political struggles that broke out days after U.S. troops departed, Iraq’s worsening instability leaves little hope for developments that could augur an end to the crisis.
January 28-February 3, 2012. Iraqiyya Returns to Parliament, Three Options to Resolve the Mutlaq Case, Some Positive Signs for National Conference.