The various Shiite militias that are fighting against IS under the banner of the Popular Mobilization Units have become a political force, as they seek to participate in elections — which no Iraqi government can ignore in the future, especially when it comes to any potential decision regarding the liberated areas.
The Kurdish separatist forces have become stronger and more candid regarding their separatist project. Some minorities have formed military forces to defend themselves in the current and future conflicts.
In this context, a return to the pre-IS status is impossible.
The Iraqi government should focus its efforts on a comprehensive and realistic national reconciliation in which the various Iraqi parties can agree on a single national decision. This reconciliation should include confronting and settling comprehensive details about the future of the liberated areas or the disputed areas to prevent bitter conflicts in the future.
(Terrorism image via Shutterstock)
There's an old saying about different factions who are at odds with one another but at the same time are at war with a common enemy "The enemy of my enemy is my friend!"
However once the common enemy is defeated the "STUPID" factions resume their differences with one another. Are you people that stupid that you learned nothing when fighting your common enemy. You just finished working together towards a common goal. Why can't you keep doing that? You're like little children playing in a sandbox. The sand is there for everybody. No one is entitled to all the sand for themselves. Learn how to share and how to respect one another. Remember: A donkey who is stubborn does not get fed.