Gertrude Bell and the Genesis of Sectarian Division in Modern Iraq

Abstract

Sectarian jargon has become part and parcel of the Iraqi political scene after 2003. Sectarian phenomenon, however, has always been part of Iraqi political life at least since the creating of Iraqi state in 1921. This study, examines specifically the British role in creating the sectarian division in Iraq as viewed by Iraqi Shi’is. Iraqi Shi’is have always put forward their claim as the most affected by the political division resulted after 1921. The paper will present first a varied spectrum of reflections for Shi’a intellectuals and ‘ulama of enduring British role. I shall review then an historical evolution of Shi’a-British encounter to assess finally, how this experience has shaped the attitudes and mentality of present Shi’a personals and forces in Iraq.