Why is Iran and Iraq fighting? This question has intrigued many, as the relationship between these two neighboring countries has been fraught with tension and conflict for decades. The roots of their animosity can be traced back to historical, political, and religious factors, all of which have contributed to the ongoing strife between Iran and Iraq.
Iran and Iraq have a long history of conflict, with their animosity stemming from various historical events. One of the most significant factors is the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the Shah of Iran and established an Islamic republic under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini. This event led to a radical change in Iran’s foreign policy, which was seen as a threat to the secular Ba’athist regime in Iraq. The Islamic fundamentalism promoted by Iran was viewed as a challenge to the secularism of the Iraqi government, further straining the relationship between the two nations.
Another contributing factor to the conflict is the territorial disputes between Iran and Iraq. The two countries have had long-standing disagreements over the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which is a major source of freshwater for both nations. The disputes over the waterway’s boundaries have led to several military confrontations, including the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), which was one of the longest and deadliest wars of the 20th century. The war ended with a ceasefire, but the underlying issues remained unresolved, fueling ongoing tensions.
Religious differences have also played a significant role in the conflict between Iran and Iraq. Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim, while Iraq is predominantly Sunni Muslim. The Shia-Sunni divide has been a source of tension in the region for centuries, and the two countries have been no exception. The Iranian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Shia power in the region have been seen as a threat to the Sunni-dominated governments in Iraq and other neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Iran’s support for Shia groups in Iraq, such as the Islamic Dawa Party and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has been a point of contention between the two countries. Iran’s involvement in Iraq’s internal affairs has been viewed as interference by the Iraqi government, which has sought to maintain its sovereignty and independence from foreign influence.
In recent years, the conflict between Iran and Iraq has taken on a new dimension with the rise of ISIS. The Islamic State’s emergence in Iraq and Syria has posed a threat to both countries, as well as to the stability of the entire region. While Iran and Iraq have joined forces to combat the terrorist group, their cooperation has been fraught with suspicion and distrust, as both nations seek to protect their interests and maintain their influence in the region.
In conclusion, the reasons why Iran and Iraq are fighting are multifaceted, encompassing historical, political, religious, and territorial disputes. As long as these underlying issues remain unresolved, the conflict between the two nations is likely to persist, posing a significant challenge to the stability and security of the Middle East.
