America unravels Iraq: Kurds, Shiites, and Sunni Arabs compete for supremacy

Abstract

Brief history -- Iraq's internal complexity -- Occupation and administration -- Nominal transfer of sovereignty -- Insurgency sets a pattern -- Collateral damage -- Transitional government -- Struggle for power intensifies -- Consensus government formed -- Appeasement of Sunni Arabs propel violence -- U.S. blames al-Maliki for the mess -- Climax of sectarian violence -- Oil smuggling sustains insurgency -- Multi-dimensional counterterrorism -- Divide and conquer policy bear fruits -- Al-Maliki asserts authority -- Al-Maliki overplays his hands -- January 2009 provincial elections and their aftermath -- U.S.-Iraq strategic agreement