(Geopolitical analysis of forced migration in Iraq)

Abstract

In the past few decades, the Iraqi society has witnessed a constant dispute and wars. It started with the revolutions in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq and population migration of the region in the last four decades of the past century to central and southern regions of Iraq, and in the 1980s the Iraqi government has destroyed over 4000 villages and transported its population to refugee camps. Furthermore, during the Anfal campaigns in 1988 more than 180000 Kurdish people buried alive. Also, during the central and southern revolutions against Saddam’s regime, the people or marshlands have been forced to leave their territory. The military activities, brutalities of former regime and involuntary resettlement of people have negatively influenced the social structure of Iraq; consequently poverty, unemployment, disregarding of each other, intolerance and resettling Arabs in Kurdish lands have spread and led to further conflicts. These events happened during the era of former regime before 2003, and resulted in a weak administration and lots of political and economic issues. After American invasion in 2003 which was the result of misconduct from Iraqis and American side. The intervention of neighbor countries have worsen the situation in Iraq and led to armed conflict, particularly after the explosions in Askari Imams grave yard in February 18, 2006.