Why have Egypt and Iran seemingly able to form a national identity but Iraq cannot ?

[Taiko]

Originally Posted by AmFest

The Greek city-states were in constant conflict in ancient history as well. What makes this situation different?

They settled the conflict internally and did not have artificial borders set by disinterested European powers.

[Troyfan]

Originally Posted by AmFest

The Greek city-states were in constant conflict in ancient history as well. What makes this situation different?

Were they? The Peloponnesian War, but constant conflict? I guess I didn't know that. Mesopotamia was more like a real life version of King of the Mountain. The war of all against all on the city level.

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by Bronxguyanese

Even if Iraq is divided up it will still be problematic. The Kurds are socialist Marxist and this does not sit will with Saudis Israelis a, turkey and even Iranians. The Kurds open the door for Russia and Chinese encroachment of the middle east.

I disagree with this. I believe Bronxguyanese is thinking only of the PKK insurgents within Turkey. The Kurds of Iraq don't appear to have a particular ideology other than Kurdishness. And while the Turks and Iranians would fear an independent Kurdistan because of the example and hope it would give to the Kurds within their borders, it would not open the door to Russia or China. Neither of them have been supporters and protectors of the Kurds within Iraq.

So, if he means PKK (of Turkey) he has a decent case, but Kurds in general, in all three countries, not so much.