can you provide an example of "iraqism"?
My proof will be that Iraq won't disintegrate into a civil war. That Iraqis consider themselves Iraqi, and identify themselves as such. My proof is that we frequently hear anti-occupation sentiments refer to Iraq as their country. My proof is that we hear pro-coalition statements from Iraqis who refer to the mission as necessary to providing the stability "their country" needs to get back on its feet.
They refer to their country, and to themselves as its citizens.
Yes, there are factions that consider themselves Sunni or Shia, and the whole of the Middle East as their Empire, but these have already been noted to be a minority of Muslim extremists who still live in the past on the imaginary glories of their empire.
Do we really need to question their nationalism any further? When I see pictures of and hear about Iraqi citizens forming up long lines to become police men and women, and the same to join their new military, I don't sit here and think that they're doing so for their long lost Islamic Empire. No, I sit here and think that these men and women are joining up because they feel the call to join their fellow Iraqis in ensuring their domestic security and tranquility.