Carrot and Stick

The Sunnis are being shut out from major representation in the new Iraqi government. Some in the West are crying for the Sunnis.

Why is this a crisis?

The Sunnis spent four centuries stomping Kurd and Shia necks and are now ousted.

The Sunnis spent the last two years allied with the jihadi thugs who came to Iraq and have killed lots of civilians.

The Sunnis refused to participate in the January elections.

The Sunnis still haven't laid down their arms even with the writing on the wall for their eventual defeat.

So why should the Sunnis be rewarded with even normal representation when they've done nothing to earn it?

Why essentially allow the Sunnis to fight-fight, talk-talk? Is giving the Sunnis significant representation while they still fight a hot idea? I should think that this would be a terrible idea. Why would the Sunnis lay down their arms if they think that holding the car bombers in their back pockets is a useful strategy should dull parliamentary politics fall short of their demands?

Give the Sunnis some seats at the table in the government so they know what they are missing. And let the Sunnis work on the new constitution in preparation for a new vote next year. Perhaps if the Sunnis see that they must take this new chance after missing past chances, the Sunnis will join the fight against the jihadis and accept their new diminished role in a free Iraq.

The Sunnis have the nerve to portray themselves as victims? They're disgruntled? Is that anything like being dipped in a plastic shredder feet first or having your children raped in front of your eyes? I wouldn't cry about the Sunnis being shut out. They've shut themselves out. The Sunnis should be grateful that they aren't being treated as the losers in the Middle East are usually treated. The Sunnis should be grateful that the Shias aren't sweeping up Sunnis and putting them in camps as partial repayment for all the Shias have endured. I dare say the Kurds might have something to say on the subject of being disgruntled.

The Sunnis should have a path into the government spelled out. But the Sunnis need to earn their way in, as far as I'm concerned.