Japan’s Lesson of Tolerance for Iraq

The concept of coexistence should have been highlighted. The past 10 years of Iraq’s history, as well as the previous decades, were proof of the lack of true initiatives to promote coexistence as a way toward the future. The most interesting thing is that the concept of coexistence in Iraq is still based on “the past.”

The past — whether in terms of deep sectarianism or social confusion that occurred in Iraq over the past decades — was at the core of the internal Iraqi conflict, and it continues to revolve around memories and mutual social blame, failing to become a realistic formula for coexistence.

Japan provided a model of social initiatives that would consolidate social ties, rather than deepen rifts.

Iraq is in desperate need of a vision along the lines of the Japanese model to achieve reconciliation and develop behaviors that would go beyond old wounds and overcome mutual uncertainties. Yet, such initiatives have always been challenged by social and religious elites, who are capable of fomenting anger among the people.

Not long ago, Sunni and Shiite clerics took the initiative to pray together in a number of mosques. Although this step is significant, it is not enough. Iraq's Sunnis must be able to live in southern Iraq — and the Shiites in the west and north — without the need for military presence. Social initiatives and strong ties are the answer to all this.

Perhaps, both Sunni and Shiite businessmen ought to think of similar initiatives that could have an effect on the ground. Sunni and Shiite politicians ought to be present in each other’s regions, and clerics should give moderate speeches in the mosques of the south and the north. What’s more, social and cultural organizations should consider adopting projects to help understand the other, before providing services.

Mustafa al-Kadhimi is an Iraqi writer specializing in defense of democracy. He has extensive experience in documenting testimony and archiving documentaries associated with repressive practices.

(Picture: Hoshyar Zebari meets the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Masato Takaoka, on 15th of May 2013)