While I and many others often talk about the Kurds as being the ones pushing hardest for getting out of Iraq, this CS Monitor article proved an interesting change in coverage. The Shia, long oppressed by the central government and now, like the rest of the country, largely underserved by the government, are pushing for ever more autonomy.

In Iraqi south, Shiites press for autonomy
Momentum is building for a federation of southern provinces in a further challenge to Iraq’s national unity.

BAGHDAD - When Najaf unplugged its power station from the national grid last week, it was a sign of provincial dissent over the unequal distribution of electricity. But it also indicates a new assertiveness in the south, as Iraq’s regional leaders seek to wrest control from a central government in Baghdad paralyzed by political infighting.

Multiple visions for unifying the county’s southern provinces are emerging. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), one of the most powerful Shiite parties, is leading the charge to form an autonomous “South of Baghdad Region.”

It would seem everyone but Sunni Arabs want out. However, although this may look negative on the surface, there may be a silver lining. Increased calls for autonomy translated into an increase in the Shia Arabs’ responsibility and therefore stake in the system. While it may be a blow to a barely functional Baghdad, stronger and more popular regional governance would be a positive development. In addition, it would lesson the burden on the US as more duties and responsibilities shift to natives. It would seem that, very slowly, things are starting to go our way.

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