Death Tolls Rise in Iraq

In today's world, many countries are trying to have inclusive institutions that give its citizens equal opportunities to vote and be represented. Iraq, after much turmoil with extractive institutions in place, finally formed a new government in recent years that claimed to be a democracy. This new government held elections, and leaders were elected into office. However, according to an article in USA Today, the conflict has far from ceased. Even though the government is technically representative of the masses, there are opposers in the country to the leaders due to their religious association. There are two types of Muslims, the Sunni and the Shiite, who oppose each other and both hold power in the government under a Shiite president.

The opposition between these two groups is so great that there have been several terrorist attacks within the country that are being attributed to Sunni groups. Bombs are being deployed at funerals and on the streets. The violence reached a peak on Sunday when two vehicles filled with explosives exploded in front of the Directorate of Security in the country's capital, increasing the death toll to 1000. It has gotten so bad within the country that the government has requested help from the US Government to try and stop the violence. Iraq's government is a perfect example of how going from an exclusive to an inclusive political institution is not just a simple transition. People will always oppose the transition, especially if the leaders they want do not get elected into office. The situation becomes complicated when groups are tied to religion like in the case of the Muslims in power, and when two groups so opposite exist in politics.