Iraqi Sectarian Politics Contribute To Mismanaged Economy
Sectarian politics has limited Iraq's ability to benefit from qualified economists and financial specialists in top government positions, writes Omar al-Shaher.
One does not need an economics degree to become the minister of finance or to run the economic and investment portfolio in Iraq. A degree in medicine, electrical engineering or even veterinary science is enough to qualify for these positions.
Observers consider the credentials of government officials to be a major obstacle to building a qualified administration, one that can move beyond the transitional phase in which the country has stagnated for a decade.
The performance of Iraq’s administrative upper circles has been slack. As a result, the government has failed to meet the most basic needs of citizens who depend on government services.
Since 2003, Iraq has failed to establish a financial environment favorable to foreign investment, something it desperately needs to reconstruct its crumbling infrastructure. Iraq enacted a special law for just this purpose, but legislation alone was not enough.
