الله الاسلام العراق (Arabic) ("God, Islam, Iraq") | |||||||
| Capital | Basra | ||||||
| Largest city | Basra | ||||||
| Language | Arabic | ||||||
| Religion | Shia Islam | ||||||
| Ethnic Group | Arab | ||||||
| Government | Islamic Republic | ||||||
| Legislature | Grand Shura Council | ||||||
| Supreme Leader | Sayyid Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim | ||||||
| Established | 1991 | ||||||
| Independence | from Republic of Iraq | ||||||
| declared | 1991 | ||||||
| Currency | Iraqi Dinar | ||||||
| Organizations | Muslim Liberation Army | ||||||
Islamic Republic of Iraq (Arabic: جمهورية العراق الاسلامية ), officially the Islamic Republic of Iraq but more commonly called the ISR is a self-proclaimed state in Southern Iraq. Declared during the Iraqi Civil War by Shi'a Islamist rebels against the recognized Republic of Iraq. The ISR is viewed as a terrorist organization supported by Iran. The proto-state is recognized only by Iran and help supply and support groups like the Muslim Liberation Army.
History[]
Iraqi Civil War[]
The Iraqi Civil War was a series of armed conflict taking place within Iraq. Lasting from 1990 to 1992, the Iraqi Civil War would see the formation of Kurdistan, Assyria, and the Islamic Republic of Iraq.
Initial Shia Uprisings[]
Following the death of Saddam Hussein and reports of an Iranian invasion, many Shi'a factions and demoralized Iraqi units within Iraq would mutiny against Baghdad's control. Most of the defection and ensuing chaos would be centered in Southern Iraq in regions like Al-Basrah, Al-Najaf, and Wasit. Even with massive Shi'a uprisings in Southern and Central Iraq. Iraqi units would be able to maintain control over the city of Basrah and Zubayr but would be placed under siege with the . This isn't to exclude uprisings in Shi'a neighborhoods within Baghdad, Where many Shi'a dominated neighborhoods within Baghdad would revolt against the Iraqi government control and then be placed under siege by Iraqi units. The Iraqi Republican Guard would lead a terror bombing campaign using artillery and armored units to bomb and besiege many rebel neighborhoods with the aim of breaking the civilian population instead of beating the rebels. The last Baghdad rebel holdout would surrender after a brutal 8 month siege. Even with the recapture of Baghdad, throughout the war Baghdad would fall victim to multiple terrorist attacks and a low level insurgency against the state mostly from Shi'a rebel groups.
Operation Faith in God and the battle for Southern and Central Iraq[]
Following the recapture of Shi'a neighborhoods in Baghdad, the Iraqi military would begin to set it sights on retaking Southern and Central Iraq. Iraqi Republican forces and Sunni units would then conduct operation "Faith in God" and lead a counterattack into the Iraqi Marshland, Karbala, and Najaf. Many of the initial gains by Shi'a rebels were rolled backed by the much trained and better armed Iraqi Republican forces in a few months.
Siege of Basrah and Zubayr[]
From the start of the Shi'a uprisings, Basrah and Zubayr would become a hub for retreating loyalist units. Many of these units would organize defenses within the cities but also on roads connecting Basrah and Zubayr. The two cities would be placed under strict military rule as the military had a constant fear of a popular uprising against the government. During the early stages of the Civil War, The two cities would find themselves well supplied but as the prolong siege went on and supplies began to run out. The city of Basrah would suffer a massive uprising against the government that was suppressed at the personal orders of Uday Hussein. Following this uprising in Basrah and a ever depleting supply. Iraqi units would dissolve into looting against the Shi'a population with any sign of an uprising being brutal suppressed via reprisal operations within the city. As the war went on Zubayr would become a pit stop for Saudi smugglers who also helped supply the city. Republican control of Basrah would see two more failed uprisings within the city.
Operation Saddam Strom and the battle for Central Iraq[]
Iranian and ISR fighters fighting side by side
The new year of 1991 would begin with Operation "Saddam Storm", the aim of "Saddam Strom" was getting rid of Shi'a insurgents within central Iraq and retake Southern Iraq. Unorganized Shi'a resistance and terrorist groups within Baghdad and Central Iraq would begin to erode due to the onslaught of Republican weaponry, foreign support, and the newly formed "Counter Terror Units" that were lead by Qusay Hussein. Cities that became a hub of Shi'a resistance like Kut, Najaf, Samawah, and Karbala would become a battleground between Shi'a insurgents and Iraqi forces. The battle of Karbala would become the most brutal battle in the war at that point, as Shi'a rebels and Iranian volunteers would fight around the idea of martyrdom and following in the footsteps of Hassan and Hussein, while many loyalist units would fight with a vengeful vigor against the Shi'a population. During the battle, orders could be heard on loudspeakers at the shrines of Abbas and Hussein, directing orders to insurgents against Iraqi forces. After a brutal two week fight, the destruction of the city, and the fall of the shrines of Abbas and Hussein. Shi'a resistance would collapse in the city and Iraqi units would round up Shi'a men and lead reprisal operations against the city. One reason for the success of Saddam Storm was the fact that while many Iraqi units did defect, many Sunni units and generals would remain loyal to the Ba'athist party and would lead loyalist attacks and reprisal operations with new and effective weaponry. With the success of Saddam Strom. The many disorganized Shi'a rebel organizations would be shocked and would unite under a single command called the Grand Shura Council and proclaim the Islamic Republic of Iraq.
Battle for the Marshes and the fall of Basrah[]
a Muqawium fighter looking over the city of Basrah during the Iraqi Civil War
The summer of 1991 would see Operation Saddam Storm 2 and the retaking the cities of Najaf and Samawah . Following the two Saddam Storms. The Iraqi civil War would begin to stall into a war of attrition by 1992. Many Republican offences were organized to take the city of Nasiriyah and the Al ' Hammar Marshes defended by the newly proclaimed armed group and heavy Iranian backed "Al Muqawium". The war of attrition would see both Republican and Shi'a rebels fight on land and sea. As Iranian arms, volunteers, and money began to make its way into the newly proclaimed Islamic Republic of Iraq. With a organized leadership and heavy Iranian backing, Shi'a Islamist groups were able to recapture Ash Shatrah while the Al Muqawium group was able to hold out against Republican forces within Nasiriyah. The highly secretive at the time Al Muqawium would capture the city of Zubayr after tunnel bombing the center of military command in the city and then attack the disorganized Iraqi units. Once capturing Zubayr, the supply lines of Basrah was cut and the Al Muqawium would capture Basrah after sparking a uprising by tunnel bomb against the city lead a counterattack taking Basrah. Following the fall of Basrah, Full Iranian support would be placed behind the Islamic Republic of Iraq, leading to the creation of the Kut Accords. The short Iraqi Civil War would be greatly known for its brutality, gas attacks, the introduction of suicide bombing, and a list of unanswered war crimes mostly committed upon the Shi'a population from the mostly Sunni government.
a Republican tank looking over destroyed oil pipe lines
The Oil War[]
Is the term used for the series of combat operation that lasted for five months over oil rights in Southern Iraq in late 1993 and early 1994. By the end of the War, no territorial changes were made and the Kut Accords was once again reinstated by Iran and GSU observers. While both sides claim innocence, it is widely believed by Republican Iraq that Al Muqawimun fighters were discovered sneaking into Republican Iraq trying to make contact with Shi'a insurgents, while the Islamic Republic believes local border guard troops were ambushed by Republican forces ... some also think that local border guards were wandering around and wandered into an unmarked minefield and hell was let loose when someone stepped on a mine.
The Euphrates and Tigris Crisis[]
Began right after the Oil War, and has become a huge problem for the Islamic Republic and population. Following the end of the Oil War, Republican Iraq under Uday Hussein would begin to cut water flow towards the Islamic Republic of Iraq, increasing it exponentially in 2003 and 2004 following the establishment of official Iranian military bases within the Islamic Republic.
The effects upon the Iraqi Marshes[]
Iraqi fisherman looking at what remains of the marshes
The Euphrates and Tigris Crisis has begun to reduce the size of the Southern Iraqi marshes. Which has greatly impacted fishing companies within the Islamic Republic. It has also begun to greatly affect the populations living within the Iraqi Marsh, many who are Shi'a refugees from the Civil War. Many of these people find themselves forced from their homes and work having to move to major cities like Basrah leading to a fear of a looming homeless and economic crisis within the country.
The effects upon the Islamic republic's Government[]
The Euphrates and Tigris crisis has lead to great debate within the Grand Shura Council over how to react to this. Many of the more ideological driven and Al Muqawium members have begun to call for the Islamic Republic to pull out from the Kut Accords with some eluding to a war over water rights within Southern Iraq and the official rearming of Shi'a rebels. While experienced leaders would like to gain international support (mostly neighbors in the region) and lead sanctions upon Republican Iraq, fearing that Shi'as within Republican Iraq could face reprisals attacks worse than the Iraqi Civil War. The way the government reacts to the crisis is all depended on the Supreme Leader.
A water protest in 2012, aimed at the Grand Shura building in Basrah
The effects upon the Islamic Republic's population.[]
The government's popularity has noticeably dropped following the crisis, much of the disapproval comes from the government reaction to Republican Iraq, the looming homeless crisis, and the effect that the crisis has upon the economy. This has lead to protest kicking off in 2011, being called the "Water protest". While most of the water protesters aren't aimed at taking down the government, the rising number of violent clashes between police forces and water protesters grow every day.
International condemnation and border skirmishes[]
the Islamic Republic of Iraq is a political pariah and has no relationship with any country other than Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iraq within the region is simply seen as a Iranian puppet state and international seen as a Proto-State sponsor of terrorism due to the ISR having links to the MLA group.
Government[]
Being formed during the Iraqi Civil War with Iranian support, much of the Islamic Republic is based off the Iranian form of government following the Islamic Revolution.
Supreme Leader[]
Formed in 1991 after the Iraqi Civil War, the Supreme Leader is seen as the political and religious head of the Islamic Republic. The Supreme Leader is able to form laws and policies but can be overturned by the GSC. The Supreme Leader can lead until his death or being voted out by the Guardian Shura Council.
The first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iraq Sayid Muhammad Muhammad-Sadiq al-Sadr
History of the Supreme Leader[]
Current Supreme Leader[]
Guardian Shura Council[]
The Guardian Shura Council is based on the Iranian form of government and is viewed as a form of checks and balanced against the Supreme Leader. The GSC can replace the Supreme Leader and can pick who could be allowed to run for the Supreme Leader role. Members of the GSC, are picked by running for office in the NCI.
Current Supreme Leader of Iraq Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim
National Council of Iraq[]
The Islamic Republic of Iraq is broken up by local regional and city council that partake in votes about domestic and local politics within the country. They are able to push for laws and actions but must wait for the GSC and Supreme Leader approval.
Economy[]
Illegal Oil smuggling[]
Due to the Islamic Republic of Iraq being a political pariah and international seen as a Proto-State sponsor of terrorism. The ISR mostly finds itself selling Oil to Iran, the MLA, and anyone else who wants it.
Military[]
Muqawimun (Resisters)[]
the Muqawimun (Resisters) is a military branch of the Islamic Republic of Iraq, who prescribe to Velayat-e-faqih and are viewed as the defenders of the Islamic Republic ideas and work on defending the Islamic Republic from "outside" and "foreign" actions. Only being loyal to the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Shura Council. Formed during the Iraqi Civil War, the group became an effective combat force against Baathist Iraqis during the Iraqi Civil War and the Oil War.
Iraqi National Army[]
the Iraqi National Army is the main conventional arm of the Islamic Republic of Iraq, is initially formed as an umbrella term for the many local Shia militias, the Iraqi National Army would become more centralized following a series of Iranian involvement with forming and organizing the leadership. The Iraqi National Army prescribes to Velayat-e-faqih but is seen as a defender from conventional "foes" of the Islamic Revolution.
[]
the Iraqi Navy currently consists of speedboats with Machine Guns and Rockets attached to them.
Iranian Involvement in the Islamic Republic's Military[]
Iraqi Civil War[]
Iranian involvement within the ISR has been their from the start of the Iraqi Civil War. The most prominent signs being the formation and layout of the ISR's government and Military. Initially started off as just volunteers with Iranian blessing for sympathetic Iranians , the quick escalation and brutality of the Iraqi Civil War, the battle of Karbala, and the persecution of Shi'as within Iraq would have the Iranian IRGC begin covert operations in Iraq.
Forming the Muqawimun[]
Iranian military officers who served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would help form the Iraqi Al Muqawimun group in late 1991 under the command of Yahya "Rahim" Safavi. Where previously exiled Iraqi Islamist, hardened Shi'a rebels, and extremists Shi'a Islamist would be trained in Iran and then be led by Iranian advisors in early 1992 in Iraq. Where the Al Muqawimun would become one of the most effective fighting forces against Republican Iraqi forces and quickly began to work independently from Iranian advisors. With the help of Iranian advisors, the Al Muqawimun would defend the city of Nasiriyah against multiple Republican Iraqi assaults into the city gaining popular support from the city. Contrary to Republican Iraqi claims, the Al Muqawimun group would independently take over the cities of Zubary and Basrah proving themselves to be their own independent and effective fighting group.
Post Civil War[]
Al Muqawimun fighters in a propaganda video
Even with the success of taking Zubary and Basrah independently from Iranian advisors. The IRGC and the Al Muqawimun have a strong connection between each others with the Al Muqawimun viewing the IRGC as a "father and son" relationship. Due to the close connection between the IRGC and the Al Muqawimun, Iran would constantly arm and train the Al Muqawimun in warfare and understanding Velayat-e-faqih with the group being giving the term "Farsi" by their political foes. Due to Iranian support the Al Muqawimun is stronger than the current Iraqi National Army Official Iranian support for the ISR would only begin in 2003 when Iran and the ISR would form agreements to establish Iranian bases due to the straining relationship with Republican Iraq.
International relationship[]
With the exception of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iraq is not diplomatically recognized by any legitimate state.