Iraqi Shia militia fighters celebrate near the wreckage of a tank during a battle with Islamic State militants in the northern town of Amerli in September, 2014. (Photo: Reuters)
Mar 09, 2015
In an interview with the Real News Network, professor, author, and activist Vijay Prashad examines the rising power of Iran and the declining influence of the United States in war-torn Iraq.
"The Iraqis are, as it were, standing up," said Prashad. "I think an Iraqi could turn around now and say, this is our fight, and we have asked the neighboring country to join us. We don't need the United States at this point to give us assistance."
Prashad argues that "the United States need not be the sort of last resort for providing security."
However, he warns against framing efforts to provide security and safety from ISIS in ethnic-religious terms.
Prashad argues, "It's very important, I think, for the region to look at this in a much more broadly post-sectarian way, rather than to allow security to become a sectarian matter."
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
In an interview with the Real News Network, professor, author, and activist Vijay Prashad examines the rising power of Iran and the declining influence of the United States in war-torn Iraq.
"The Iraqis are, as it were, standing up," said Prashad. "I think an Iraqi could turn around now and say, this is our fight, and we have asked the neighboring country to join us. We don't need the United States at this point to give us assistance."
Prashad argues that "the United States need not be the sort of last resort for providing security."
However, he warns against framing efforts to provide security and safety from ISIS in ethnic-religious terms.
Prashad argues, "It's very important, I think, for the region to look at this in a much more broadly post-sectarian way, rather than to allow security to become a sectarian matter."
In an interview with the Real News Network, professor, author, and activist Vijay Prashad examines the rising power of Iran and the declining influence of the United States in war-torn Iraq.
"The Iraqis are, as it were, standing up," said Prashad. "I think an Iraqi could turn around now and say, this is our fight, and we have asked the neighboring country to join us. We don't need the United States at this point to give us assistance."
Prashad argues that "the United States need not be the sort of last resort for providing security."
However, he warns against framing efforts to provide security and safety from ISIS in ethnic-religious terms.
Prashad argues, "It's very important, I think, for the region to look at this in a much more broadly post-sectarian way, rather than to allow security to become a sectarian matter."
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.