How much did the US occupancy of Iraq contribute to the outbreak of Sunni/Shiite conflict?

Question

Have they always been at each other's throats?

Answer 1

Yes. In fact that is what Saddam was on trial about. His Sunni lead government killed Kurds and Shiites. The fighting may have increased during our occupation, unfortunately.

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Answer 2

There would've been a conflict in the absence of occupation. We keep the lid on what would be a proxy war between Saudi-backed Sunnies and Iranian-backed Shia.

Answer 3

Yes, they've always been at each others throats. How much did the occupation help? It opened the door. What they had prior was not peace, it was fear of tyranny. There is a distinct difference.

Answer 4

They have always been fighting. The only reason you didn't know that is because the media did not report it before the start of our operations. However, they now use it to make it look like the fighting is worse or getting worse. Like the US isn't doing any good. We ARE making a difference. I have seen it personally. Most, not all, of the Iraqi's. I talked to during my past two deployments wanted us there. Most just want to live their lives, like anyone else would.

Answer 5

They have always been hostile to each other but when Saddam was alive he kept them under control.