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Jasim Al-Azzawi, presenter of Inside Iraq
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The 2003 US led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq continues to divide opinion both between, and within, the East and the West.
Inside Iraq is a weekly insight into this, one of the most important, and divisive, political issues of our time. The programme will explore some of the fundamental issues affecting Iraq and its people.
Is Iraq a fledgling democracy, a beacon of light for a Middle East largely controlled by kings and dictators, or a disastrous experiment in imperialism, and a breeding ground for extremism?
In the context of escalating sectarian strife and a rising death count, Inside Iraq will examine these central questions, and a host of other key issues, as well as reacting to the very latest news developments in the country.
Primarily a debate programme presented from Doha – and occasionally elsewhere, and with contributions from Al Jazeera English's many bureaux across the Middle East and beyond, Inside Iraq will be a platform for a diverse range of guests from across the spectrum of opinion on Iraq. Not only experts and academics, but politicians and decision makers of the highest levels – from Iraq and elsewhere – will debate the issue of the week in a dynamic environment that doesn't shy away from controversy.
With no agenda of its own, other than a commitment to fair and objective analysis, Inside Iraq will take an uncompromising look at events in Iraq, offering viewers seldom heard opinions, and encouraging the debate to extend beyond the programme.
| Coming up on Inside Iraq: |
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| Dr Muhammad Al-Musfir from Qatar University | One of the declared objectives of the US-led invasion of Iraq was to establish there a Western-style, secular democracy after decades of dictatorship under Saddam Hussein. In the lead-up to the invasion, George Bush, the US president, said that "a liberated Iraq could show the power of freedom to transform the Middle East by bringing hope and progress to the lives of millions".
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| Phyliss Bennis, Institute for policy studies | The strategy backfired. Instead, Shia-backed religious parties were the greatest winners in Iraq's first democratic elections in January 2005. US-supported secular and nationalist political leaders were humiliatingly defeated at the polls. Religious fundamentalists now have the upper hand. Sectarian war between Shia and Sunni is tearing the country apart.
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| Mundher Adhami, London's King college | Indeed, the effects of the American push for a pro-Western style of governance in Iraq has raised religious and Islamist sentiments across the Middle East. Hezbollah has flexed its muscles in Lebanon. Hamas has shown growing resistance and influence in Palestine. Are Iraqi religious leaders and fundamentalists using religion as tools for their political ambitions? What are the wider implications for the future of Middle East politics?
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| Ali Al-Dabbach, spokesman of the Iraqi government |
Jasim Al-Azzawi speaks with Dr Muhammad Al-Musfir from Qatar University, Phyliss Bennis from the Institute for policy studies, Mundher Adhami from London's King college and Ali Al-Dabbach, spokesman of the Iraqi government.
Inside Iraq looks at these issues.
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