Is religion the main reason for the civil war in Iraq?

Answer 1

Religion, Ethnicity, the history of pitting sides against one another during colonial periods, the vaccuum created by getting rid of a tyrant like Hussein.....

btw, aren't the folks in the white house still refusing to call it a civil war?

Answer 2

No. The main reason for civil war in Iraq is that almost 4 years ago to the day, on March 19th, 2003, President Bush, after misleading the American people and the UN, launched a preemptive illegal war. 10 years of economic sanctions that starved and prevented over half a million children from getting medicine probably didn't help, nor did the sale of US arms to Iraq and Iran back in the 1980s. In conclusion, I guess there are a lot of reasons for the civil war in Iraq, but I think it is more important to remember how this all started in the first place.

Answer 3

Yes and no, it depends on which combatants you are talking about...

First of all, when you talk about religion, you are talking about something that tends to define groups of people and that those groups of people may have other differences from each other beyond their religious beliefs that drive conflict.

For example, the Kurds are often Muslim of various sects, but as a group, tend to stand together more based on historical and cultural reasons making them often at odds with other religious groups in the region.

At this level, religion tends to be a source of defining "us vs. them" and seems to be a major factor in which Iraqi's are targeted by other Iraqi's.

Beyond this level, are differences in ideals, economics, and self-protective measures.

The reason US forces were originally committed to invading Iraq was the belief that, if it wasn't done, there was a potential risk for further attacks on American soil with weapons of mass destruction. (Yes, I understand that at least some of the intel available at the time was wrong and some of it can't be proved either way.) Economics and its potential for increasing cultural stress was also a motive (and probably should be).

Currently though, economics and idealism are the main factors for continued US presence and therefore part of the conflict in Iraq. The US ideals of democratic (or at least representative) government based on an individual's worth and a (more) progressive ideal of personal liberty seem to be confounded by many of the cultural and religious beliefs many Iraqi's hold. In this way, you can also argue that this might be religious conflict also.

So... You can argue it either way and be right.

Answer 4

I hate to say it but America is the main reason for civil war in Iraq. Iraq is not a natural nation and the only thing that ever held it together were strong armed dictators. Take away those strong armed dictators and it will revert to it's natural form ; which is three seperate countries.

Answer 5

Religion is definitely contributing to the problems in Iraq, it's not making the situation any better.

Answer 6

when the jewish and christians name God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob-NOTE not Ishmael, that's the split. The current 'tribes' of muslim culture descended from Ishmael, so in a way it's like sibling rivalry that never quits. see Genesis17:18 "And Abrahm said to God, "IF only Ishmael might live under your blessing!" "Then God said, "Yes but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him." That's why some jewish people and chritians are united, we are both descended from 'the covenant.'

Answer 7

no...the United States is the MAIN reason for the civil war in Iraq. Religion is secondary.

Answer 8

Absolutely. Religion is the cause of many wars, and a major factor in the rest.

Atheism. You know it makes sense.

Answer 9

No, who gets to make the oil deals with the USA and run the country is what it is about. The religious aspect is just a way for different groups to identify each other.

Answer 10

no religion in the world whether you believe in it or not can lead to a "War", because no religion encourage "Hurt, suffer, war ... etc".
but if anybody say that "Religion" is the reason, its not because of the religion itself, it because of the "people" who miss understand the religion.