Iraqi Tribes Become 'State within a State'

He added, “Although Iraqis have condemned this phenomenon, it has spread, killing and injuring dozens of people on celebratory occasions.”

As a sign indicating that the tribal role has grown bigger in politics, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki formed tribal support councils in 2007, and showered them with money and weapons. Iraq’s current prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, has halted paying the salaries of these tribal councils.

In a phone interview with Al-Monitor, Sabah Kadhim, an author and researcher in social affairs and Iraqi tribes, said, “This phenomenon has become widespread and is threatening civil peace.” He called for “the imposition of financial penalties on the violators, and the enforcement of the law.” He added, “I do not see an end to the phenomenon in the near future.”

On Jan. 26, Abadi announced he would take “deterrent and urgent measures to prevent the firing of guns during events and to hold those responsible to be accountable, because they are terrorizing citizens and causing victims and injuries.”

In November 2014, the religious authority in Najaf called for “avoiding the shooting of firearms during events, such as during the funerals of the deceased in battles against [IS].”

Mohsen Lafta, an independent Iraqi author and a researcher in social affairs, told Al-Monitor, “The roots of the phenomenon of firing guns goes back to old beliefs that are connected to the nomadic culture, and are based on showing off with the largest number of weapons and men.”

He said, “For many Iraqis, firearms are the decisive factor in conflicts between rival tribes. Every tribe is showing its strength to survive, and trying to avoid suffering and being humiliated in a society where men fight over gains, land and water.”