As Iran spreads to the west through Basra, Iraq struggles to keep its own sovereignty. Basra –an oil city close to the Persian Gulf Coast– is most likely being targeted by Iranian proxy fighters because of its strategic location and resources. However, the local population is resisting external influence and is primed to establish a democratic state.
In between Kuwait and Iran, Iraq’s southeastern most jurisdiction, Basra is Iraq’s third largest city with a population of 1.299 million people. Iraq’s largest export is crude oil, accounting for ninety-nine percent of all exports, fifty-nine percent of which come from Basra. The city holds a strategic location as Iraq’s only seaport to the Persian Gulf Coast. Because of its resources, proximity, and access to the gulf, Basra is a very sought-after location for eastern groups that are expanding westward.
(Credit: Wikimedia Commons/TUBS)
Even though Basra is predominantly a Shi’ite city, the local population is placing nation before religion. According to Hajar Youssif –a twenty-four-year-old woman who spoke out in a report to The National– Iranian militias are capturing peoples and intimidating them to cooperate with Iranian objectives. The White House also claims that the source of the militia uprising is a proxy war backed by Iran. Additionally, a lack of resources available for individual livelihood –such as food and water– have become a leading cause for resistance. According to NPR, “hundreds of anti-government protesters have descended on the city [Basra]…demanding much needed government services.” Due to the increased violence, the U.S. Consulate is reducing its operations and personnel in the area. With a strong certainty, Iran is trying to coerce the indigenous population to bend toward Tehran’s objectives, possibly even toward Chinese interests.
China, Iran’s largest export partner at 27.5 percent, has been putting a lot of pressure on an expansion westward with its One Belt One Road initiative. In 2014 it was established that the Bank of Kunlun Co. –an Iranian bank– was financially sponsoring terrorism. The United States’ recent sanctions have neither removed China’s nor Iran’s desire for the initiative. Instead, it is probable that Iran, China, Russia, Syria, and other interested nations are uniting against west relations in the Middle East. However, none of these circumstances account for the endemic population of Basra. The local people have become dystopian and are starting to build a national narrative.
Oppressive leadership neither represents nor understands the social complexities of what society is built upon. Much like a micro-managing boss that dictates every movement at work, it is frustrating for both parties and stifles progression. At the same time, the state of the people must be able to understand the problem and willing to stand up for what is right. In essence, what we are witnessing in Basra is the necessary foundation required to create a sovereign state, despite the desire of all the parties involved. Shia and Sunni are unifying, which traditionally doesn’t happen, for individual livelihood over religion. As we stand on the precipice of World War III, anomie is primed, and the will of the people must be bridled. The question is: Who will do it and what direction will it go?
