Besides the real causes behind the disputes in Iraq, there are a great number of conflicts revolving around figments of the imagination in the collective mindsets of the country's sects. These illusions have a great impact on the ground and feed the conflict, adding fuel to the fire of the hell taking place in Iraq.
The fighters of this war resemble Don Quixote, who went out on an adventure to spread truth, justice and noble values, only to embark on a delusionary path to fight enemies who only existed in his mind.
Everyone knows that Iraqis do not agree on how the nation's economic wealth is distributed and how politicians are running the country, among other issues. Similar disputes also exist in other nations. However, what differentiates Iraq from other countries is that so many disagreements only exist in the historical and religious memory of its sects.
Religion and history have been exploited to a large extent. The warring parties are prolonging the religious conflict by invoking historical struggles linked to ancient religious figures forgotten by many.
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.