Q48 · UPPSC Prelims 2022 · Set B · General Studies

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Which of the following cities is NOT part of the Sunni Triangle in Iraq?

A Tikrit
B Ramandi
C Basra
D Baghdad

Correct answer: (c) Basra

Explanation

  1. A

    Tikrit

    Tikrit claims membership in the Sunni Triangle, situated northwest of Baghdad and known as a prominent stronghold in the region. It is incorrect as the key because Tikrit is indeed one of the defining vertices of the Sunni Triangle.

  2. B

    Ramandi

    Ramadi claims inclusion in the Sunni Triangle, located west of Baghdad in the Al Anbar Governorate. It is incorrect as the key because Ramadi is a recognized part of this historically Sunni-majority geographic zone.

  3. C

    Basra

    Basra claims to be part of the Sunni Triangle, located far to the southern end of Iraq in a predominantly Shia region. It is the correct key because Basra is geographically and demographically distinct, lying completely outside the Sunni Triangle.

  4. D

    Baghdad

    Baghdad claims a central position within the Sunni Triangle, serving as its eastern apex or boundary marker. It is incorrect as the key because the capital city is indeed historically linked to the expanse of this designated region.

Summary. Official key is (c) Basra. The Sunni Triangle is a heavily Sunni Muslim-populated area of Iraq lying north and west of Baghdad, stretching roughly from Baghdad to Tikrit, Ramadi, and Fallujah. Basra, situated in the far south of the country, has a majority Shia population and is geographically far removed from this northern-central zone. Candidates often confuse major Iraqi cities with the specific geopolitical boundaries of the Sunni Triangle. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer since Basra is not part of this region.