article_snippet.sent: As the Iraqi government today struggles to regain the support of Sunnis in the Iraqi government fight against ISIS -- or even renew intra-Sunni trust -- this invocation of American transgressions by ISIS should be a sobering reminder of the importance of good governance in the pursuit of a solution to the unrest in Iraq.
article_snippet.sent: In bridging a decade of history and in placing the Shiites squarely in the category of "enemy," ISIS is sending a strong message that ISIS current fight in Iraq is about reversing longstanding injustices against Sunnis and restoring a sense of Sunni belonging under the umbrella of the "caliphate.
article_snippet.sent: It is becoming clear that ISIS cannot be defeated in Iraq without buy-in from the country's Sunnis.
article_snippet.sent: Without Sunni help, ISIS will continue to frame the conflict as one where Sunnis are once again being attacked by the U.S. and the Shiites -- particularly as Shiite militias have become a key part of the fight against the terror group in places like Tikrit.
article_snippet.sent: To balance out this Shiite involvement, the U.S. and Iraqi governments are counting on the establishment of a cross-sectarian Iraqi national guard, and hoping to resurrect the "awakening" to re-engage and unify the Sunnis under a nationalist umbrella.
article_snippet.sent: But those plans will not succeed unless serious steps are taken to ensure that good governance measures are in place to hold both Iraqis and all those affiliated with the anti-ISIS coalition to account.
article_snippet.sent: Good governance is the most effective antidote to sectarianism.