The problem of Iraqi national identity

Abstract

Building a contemporary Iraqi state, which has been established since 1921, does not succeed in laying the basis of a national identity that combines all different Iraqi components. Despite raising slogans of nationalism during this era of Iraq's contemporary history, but this identity is unable to unify Iraqis. The variety of Iraqi community hinders strengthening and reinforcing this identity. Therefore, the research addresses the attempt to impose national identity and how it is an obstacle to establish the Iraqi national identity, and that the transformation after 2003 and the adoption of the sectarian quota system complicate the problem. Hence, the Iraqis today; authority and community, have to reach to a shared mechanism that unite them and lead them to formulate the Iraqi identity. Perhaps this agreement will beaky to solve the various crises that prevailed in Iraq decades ago.