To extinguish the fires that burn in Iraq, one must discover why it is ablaze, what would move Iraqi politicians to put out the fires, and what would induce Iraq's neighbours to quench the flames. So, what are the causes of violence in Iraq? This book offers ideas on how to put out the fires.

Following the liberation of Iraq in 2003, why are Iraqis still fighting? To extinguish the fires that burn in Iraq, one must discover why it is ablaze, what would move Iraqi politicians to put out the fires, and what would induce Iraq's neighbours to quench the flames. So, what are the causes of violence in Iraq? First, the occupation of Iraq provided the initial spark and ongoing heat for the insurgencies. Second, ethnic and religious strife, prior discrimination by Sunnis against Shiites, disputes over federalism, de-Baathification policies, differences over a proposed national oil law, and disputes about equitable distribution of oil and natural gas revenues contribute to Iraqi instability. Third, Tehran's subversive sponsorship of militias is like oxygen fanning the flames of conflict in Iraq. This book will offer ideas on how to put out the fires.