The Baghdad demonstrations
The huge demonstrations in Baghdad calling for national unity, particularly between Sunni and Shi'ite communities, and the withdrawal of the invading forces were perhaps the first positive development in Iraq following a series of disappointments.
The participation of so many demonstrators indicates that the Iraqi people are still strong, and cannot be pushed in a direction determined by others -- even the sole superpower. To be taking to the streets in protest, and with such determination amid suffering in the absence of water and electricity, jobs and salaries, is an indication not only of strength, but of the insurmountable free will on the part of a people, the collective power to resist.
The focus of these demonstrations on national unity cuts short all efforts to engender sectarian strife. Such conflict would have the potential to spark a civil war -- as occurred in Lebanon -- between the Shi'ites of the south, the Sunnis of the north and the Kurds of the central area and perhaps draw in other minorities as well. The public appearance of mosque preachers from both sects to affirm unity will no doubt force many to put an undivided sovereign Iraq ahead of other aims.
In the absence of a government and civil institutions, the use of the principal mosque as a point of departure for demonstrations points to an intuitive awareness and ability to find and employ alternatives in times of need.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 24 - 30 April 2003 (Issue No. 635)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/635/op6.htm