The legacy of Saddam Hussein continues to divide Iraq. Preparation for the country’s parliamentary election are in a mess over a decision to ban a large number of candidates because of their connection to the Baath Party. A recent massive demonstration in Baghdad showed a section of people venting anger over Saddam’s party. However, we saw what chaos Iraq got into by dismantling the Baathist infrastructure with the invasion in 2003. There are people who feel the process went too far and the disbanding of the police, army and the civil service were mainly responsible for the bloodshed that followed. It is wrong to punish them for being loyal to the government which was in power then, it is the duty of any institution to do so.

All what is needed in Iraq now is a ‘truth commission’ in the South African style but to do this, I doubt there are selfless leaders who care for the country more than themselves. We learn that innocent people are being punished for being members of the Baath Party, but who have not committed any crime. Sunnis feel that this is nothing but a ploy to keep them out of power. This action by the majority Shias will cast a huge divisive shadow over these elections. Reconciliation is the only way forward for Iraq.

S. H. Moulana,
Riyadh.