Sunni , Iraq

Sunni Muslims in Iraq make up one of the country’s key religious and political communities, historically influential but now a minority within a Shia-majority state.

Their position has shifted dramatically over the past century due to changes in governance, demographics, and conflict.

#Sunni

#Iraq

1. Demographics & Distribution

Population share: Estimates vary, but Sunnis make up roughly 20–35% of Iraq’s ~44 million people.

• Ethnic composition:

Arab Sunnis: Concentrated in central and western Iraq — e.g., Baghdad (parts), Mosul, Tikrit, Fallujah, Ramadi.

Kurdish Sunnis: Form the majority in the autonomous Kurdistan Region in the north.

Turkmen Sunnis: Smaller communities in Kirkuk, Tal Afar.

Sunni Arabs and Sunni Kurds share religion but differ ethnically and politically.

2. Historical Role

Ottoman era: Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire, ruled under Sunni Muslim administrative structures.

Monarchy (1921–1958): The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq had a Sunni Arab political elite, even though Shia Arabs were numerically dominant.

Ba’athist era (1968–2003): Saddam Hussein’s regime, though nominally secular, was dominated by Sunni Arabs from the Tikrit area; Sunnis held disproportionate power in the military, intelligence, and bureaucracy.

3. Post-2003 Changes

US-led invasion (2003) toppled Saddam Hussein; new political system favored Shia majority parties.

De-Ba’athification: Many Sunnis lost government and military positions; fueled discontent.

Insurgency (2003–2011): Sunni-majority areas became centers of anti-U.S. and anti-government insurgency — included nationalist groups and al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).

Sectarian conflict (2006–2008): Sunni-Shia violence escalated, leading to mass displacement and segregated neighborhoods.

Islamic State (2014–2017): ISIS, rooted in Sunni extremist networks, captured major Sunni cities (Mosul, Fallujah) but brought devastation; many Sunnis opposed ISIS rule and later cooperated in liberation efforts.

4. Current Political Landscape

Sunni Arabs now have less centralized power; representation comes through political alliances in the Iraqi parliament.

Key Sunni political figures often serve as Speaker of Parliament under Iraq’s informal ethno-sectarian quota system (muhasasa):

• Shia: Prime Minister

• Sunni Arab: Speaker of Parliament

• Kurd: President

• Many Sunni-majority provinces (Anbar, Nineveh, Salah al-Din) still struggle with reconstruction, economic recovery, and return of displaced populations.

5. Challenges Facing Sunni Communities

1. Political marginalization: Post-2003 power shift reduced their influence in central government.

2. Security issues: Insurgent remnants, ISIS sleeper cells, and militia activity remain in some areas.

3. Reconstruction delays: Cities like Mosul and Fallujah suffered massive destruction; rebuilding is slow.

4. Trust deficit: Sunni-Shia mistrust persists after years of conflict and sectarian violence.

5. Regional politics: Gulf states, Turkey, and Jordan show interest in supporting Sunni political actors in Iraq as a counterbalance to Iranian influence.

6. Sunni Kurds vs. Sunni Arabs

• Sunni Kurds: Have autonomous governance in the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok); relatively stable and economically more advanced than Sunni Arab areas.

Sunni Arabs: Directly under Baghdad’s authority; more affected by the insurgency, ISIS occupation, and subsequent military operations.

#Sunni

#Shia