By Ala Al-Huwaijel
BAGHDAD, May 6 (KUNA) -- Sectarian rhetoric seems to simmer down in Iraqi parliamentary campaigns as the date for the election, scheduled on May 12, approaches.
Observers have noticed that campaigners from all political and religious ideologies and backgrounds began to make alliances and deals to secure a coveted seat at parliament.
While some in the past might say that candidates from some areas and provinces in Iraq aimed at attracting votes from specific groups catering to their ethnic, sectarian, and political needs, observers claim that campaigners were now using a different kind of approach to win the trust of the people.
Speaking on this issue to KUNA, candidate Rafee Al-Fahdawi, a clan leader in Al-Anbar province, said that using the sectarian card only resulted in breeding "corrupters, thieves, and criminals." "Citizens now are more politically aware than politicians themselves, which is a positive and yet strange outcome in today's Iraq," said Al-Fahdawi who indicated that voters were looking for someone that would put the welfare and stability of Iraq over all affiliations and interests.
He affirmed that those standing in the face of sectarianism are in for a fight; however, it is a battle worth taking if it meant achieving the dreams of all Iraqis especially the youth.
Riffing on the same subject, political science professor at the University of Baghdad Ali Al-Jabouri said that the war of the so-called Islamic State (IS) and the numerous sectarian upheavals had certainly transformed the viewpoints of Iraqis who want only to live in prosperity and harmony.
Though sectarian rhetoric did decrease in Iraq, this did not mean that the problem had disappeared because it would be impossible to rid the country from such dilemma, said the academic who added that not all hope is lost.
Whereas the argument over finding means to subdue sectarian strife would continue to be discussed in Iraq, politicians from Shia, Kurdish, and Sunni affiliations seemed to be on the same page when it comes to unity and coalition government working for the interest of the people, but it would remain to be seen whether their efforts were sincere or otherwise. (end) ahh.gta