Sunni Fighting Force still Months Away

Others such as Suleimani defend the idea of an independent province, such as the Kurdistan Regional Government. Other measures mentioned by Mizan are an amnesty for prisoners who were not directly involved in crimes or terror attacks. For Samarrai and Hawi, equal opportunities for all Sunnis and the reintegration of the Sunni military in the system are also important. In 2003, a decision known as the de-Baathification process was taken, allowing the dissolution of all Iraqi security services.

Samarrai and Hawi also believe that the empowerment of the Sunnis cannot take place without a more active involvement of the West and Arab countries in Iraq.

Tribal leaders appear skeptical of gestures of reconciliation by the Baghdad government. Some Sunnis, such as the Juburis, are fighting IS.

Creating momentum within the movement remains a long and difficult process. Years of occupation and political oppression, combined with a corrupt elite and foreign desires, have planted the seeds of an internecine war that are being reaped in Iraq today.

Meanwhile, Iraqi lawmakers are still debating the national guard plan. Even the optimistic prime minister says it will take at least another six months before the much-touted Sunni force could begin to fight.

(Weapons image via Shutterstock)