The move against Iraq’s highest-ranking Sunni elected leader marked a sharp escalation in sectarian tension, raising fear of a resurgence of mass bloodshed.
Although many Iraqis had welcomed the American withdrawal, there was also considerable fear violence would worsen afterward. “Iraq is slipping into its worst nightmares now, and Iraqi people will pay a high price because of the struggle among political blocs,” predicted one Shia analyst, Kadhum al-Muqdadi, in Baghdad.
In Washington, the White House said the Obama administration had told all the parties involved of its concern at the issuing of the warrant, urging a resolution “through dialogue consistent with rule of law and democratic political process”.
Vice President Hashemi is a longstanding rival to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and the arrest order came two days after the main Sunni political bloc, Iraqiya, suspended its participation in parliament because al-Maliki refused to give up control over key posts.
Al-Maliki, a Shia, has made moves in recent months to consolidate his power. Hundreds of former members of the Ba‘ath party of Saddam Hussein have been rounded up as security threats, although no proof has been given.
Despite the fears, most officials remain adamant that the conflict of interests will not break out into violence.
(아주경제 앤드류 이 기자)
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com