Federalism and mixed cities

There has been concern about how cities with mixed populations of Sunnis and Shiites would be handled in regards to federalism as a possible solution to sectarian violence. I have two suggestions.

1) The mixed cities would be governed by the region in which they are located. There would be an understanding that the rights of the particular minorities living within the different regions would be respected as is the case with minorities living in Kurdistan.

2) The mixed cities would be considered as their own particular sect or tribe and would govern themselves similar to the way that the regions would govern themselves. I am assuming that the vast majority of people living within these mixed cities oppose sectarian violence, have enjoyed peaceful relations with members of different sects before the rise in sectarian violence and that their identification as residents of their particular city is strong.

related posting
Iraqi public seems to want strong central government, not “looser confederation.” / Suggestions for federalism poll. September 30, 2006.

posted: sunday, october 1, 2006, 1:14 PM ET
update: sunday, october 1, 2006, 1:17 PM ET