ABSTRACT
In order to analyse the Iraqi federal experiment, its origin, operation and significance, it is necessary to start with a brief historical introduction to the modern history of Iraq for the purpose of understanding the historical context in which the Iraqi Federation was created. This chapter briefly examines Ottoman rule of Iraq and its impact on Iraqi society in order to understand its legacy for the British and how they dealt with it. It then examines the British role in creating the modern state of Iraq and its impact on the causes and their consequences in terms of political, territorial, social, ideological and economic aspects of Iraqi society at that time and later extending to contemporary Iraq. The five pillars that Iraq was built on needed to be restructured on liberal democratic bases that would preserve and accommodate the diverse character of the state and satisfy the political demands of its political groups.
