Sectarian strife in Iraq forces mixed couples to divorce

[Rose Siding]

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Hundreds of such mixed couples have been forced to divorce due to pressure from insurgents, militias or families who fear that they could be singled out, according to the Peace for Iraqis Association (PIA), a local NGO devoted to the issue.

"Families living in happiness are now victims of sectarian violence," said Ahmed Farid, a psychologist and spokesperson for the PIA. "Children are being forced to see their parents divorced, not because of personal problems but because someone believes that mixed marriages are unacceptable in the circumstances of Iraq."

Farid said forced divorces could cause serious psychological problems for the children involved and further brainwash them to accept sectarian violence.
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Prior to 2003, doctrinal differences were never a problem in Iraq. Mixed marriages between Sunnis and Shi'ites and between Sunni Kurds and Arabs of both sects were common in the days of former president Saddam Hussein.

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