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Will genocide occur if the US pulls its combat troops out of Iraq?

Topics: Iraq War

Background

Iraq has three major ethnic groups, the Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds. Under Saddam Hussein's rule, the ethnic tension was contained, but Iraqi society favored Sunnis (despite having less numbers than Shiites). After the invasion of Iraq, violence has escalated massively, with a violent death-toll in the 6-figure range. There is the fear that if the US pulls out of Iraq, the ethnic tension will spiral out of control.

Expert Opinions

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Agree

Quote

U.S. Senator, Republican

I fear the potential for genocide and ethnic cleansing in Iraq is even worse [than Rwanda]. The sectarian violence, the social divisions, the armaments, the weakened security apparatus of the state - all the ingredients are there. Unless we fight to prevent it, our withdrawal will be coupled with a genocide in which we are complicit.

11 Apr 2007 Source

Neutral

Quote

United States President 2009-

[maybe, but] if that's the criteria by which we are making decisions on the deployment of U.S. forces, then by that argument you would have 300,000 troops in the Congo right now - where millions have been slaughtered as a consequence of ethnic strife - which we haven't done. ... We would be deploying unilaterally and occupying the Sudan, which we haven't done. Those of us who care about Darfur don't think it would be a good idea.

20 Jul 2007 Source

Neutral

Daniel Serwer	Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace
Sam Parker	Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace

This policy risks a complete failure of the Iraqi state, massive chaos and even genocide. Should genocide occur, advocates of this policy believe the U.S. would have to intervene to stop it.

01 Apr 2008 Source