The Rise and Fall of the Iraqi Sunni Awakening Movement

The article studies the rise of Sunni Awakening (or Sahwa) movement as an example how different groups can be mobilized for collective action and disintegrated by internal external factors. It also examines motives tribal leaders to oppose AQI factors that had a decisive influence on disintegration movement. emergence Iraqi was associated not so much with sense ideological, patriotic, or religious obligation but loss economic power who decided mobilize against AQI. Since 2006, has been key component US strategy combat jihadi groups. growth movement's activity led weakening Islamic State Iraq (ISI) significant decrease in intensity interfaith conflict country. After official transfer control government, relationship tribes Baghdad deteriorated, Prime Minister Al-Maliki pursued systematic policy marginalizing eliminating Awakening. strongly influenced two decisions were strategic importance Iraq: (a) support al-Maliki following his defeat 2010 parliamentary elections, won secular Sunni-Shiite coalition; (b) poor timing withdrawal American troops from Iraq, end 2011, security forces still ready ensure country's security. As result, 2012, numerous supporters Sahwa began participate anti-government revolts, thousands fighters joined ISIL.