Iraq has gone through significant changes in the last three years. The U.S. invasion and occupation, insurgent violence, electoral process and intra-Iraqi violence are few facets of this complex interplay of powerful forces which are shaping Iraqi state and society. The unexpected quick collapse of Saddam's regime and initial hesitation on part of Washington to exert full control either due to cautiousness or poor preparation created a vacuum which was quickly filled by religious based groups and parties. Only exception was northern Iraq where ethnic Kurds strengthened their hold due to their peculiar advantageous position spanning over a decade old self rule free from influence from Baghdad.
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