The withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq at the end of 2011 did not leave that country with a functioning democracy or effective governance; nor has it put an end to high levels of local violence, or ethnic and sectarian tension. In the wake of the developing leadership crisis between Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki and Vice President Hashimi which began on December 17, 2011, the decreased U.S. presence in Iraq seems to guarantee future sectarian violence and instability.