The effect of Arab nationalism ideology on expanding Iraq social gaps (1921-1991)

Iraq was established in 1921 as a result of World War I changes and direct interference of colonization. At that time, the authority was possessed by the Sunni nationalists who were supporters of Arab unity. The main question of the study is that how did Arab nationalism affect the expansion of Iraq social gaps? The hypothesis of the study is that the main factor affecting the expansion of Iraq social gaps was Iraq rulers’ acceptance of Arab nationalism and their attempt to assimilate the society within Arab nationalism. This study by analyzing library data indicates that from the beginning of establishing the government in Iraq, the minority group of Sunni, who were supporters of Arab nationalism, gradually dominated the structure of the government, authority, and society. In order to overcome identity problems, Iraq rulers attempted to attract other ethnic-religious groups in Arab nationalism. Consequently, Kurds were influenced by Arabization policy and Shi'ites were put aside from power under the excuse of lacking commitment to Arab nationalism. Government policies regarding tribal identity also added to problems of society. Attention to archaism for overcoming the identity problem of society has also increased Iraq social gap.