Saturday, March 10, 2007
British diplomats tried to influence Iraqi oil law in favour of UK businesses
Oil
(Al Jazeera)
A social justice group has obtained documents showing that the British government tried to influence a new Iraqi oil law in favour of UK businesses. The London-based Platform group said on Friday that the documents showed British diplomats tried to exclude Iraqi oil firms in favour of firms such as BP and Shell. Greg Muttitt, an oil campaigner with Platform, told People and Power programme aired on Al Jazeera on Friday, that the British government was "using their position as a military occupier to influence and shape the future of the country's economy in the interests of powerful companies".
British diplomats have been involved in "extensive efforts since at least 2004 to push for companies such as BP and Shell to receive long-term contracts, which would give them exclusive rights to extract Iraq's huge oilfields", Platform said in a press release on Friday.
The group said they were able to prove this using documents obtained under Britain's freedom of information act. Muttitt said Iraqis have been "excluded" from the oil law while the British foreign office played a "central role in supporting the efforts of the oil companies to lobby the Iraqi government".
A social justice group has obtained documents showing that the British government tried to influence a new Iraqi oil law in favour of UK businesses. The London-based Platform group said on Friday that the documents showed British diplomats tried to exclude Iraqi oil firms in favour of firms such as BP and Shell. Greg Muttitt, an oil campaigner with Platform, told People and Power programme aired on Al Jazeera on Friday, that the British government was "using their position as a military occupier to influence and shape the future of the country's economy in the interests of powerful companies".
British diplomats have been involved in "extensive efforts since at least 2004 to push for companies such as BP and Shell to receive long-term contracts, which would give them exclusive rights to extract Iraq's huge oilfields", Platform said in a press release on Friday.
The group said they were able to prove this using documents obtained under Britain's freedom of information act. Muttitt said Iraqis have been "excluded" from the oil law while the British foreign office played a "central role in supporting the efforts of the oil companies to lobby the Iraqi government".
Speaking to Al Jazeera's People and Power programme broadcast on Friday, Kim Howells, a British foreign office minister, denied those claims, saying, "This is paranoia gone completely loopy ... If we were interested in the oil, we would have done those dirty deals that some of the other countries did with Saddam Hussain and the gangsters who ran his regime." He also accused campaigners of seeking to promote their own causes at the expense of the Iraqis.
Speaking to People in Power, David Horgan, managing director of Petrel Resources, said: "If you worry too much about a perfect solution, you will get no solution. What's right is what works. The oil industry and business people generally are very good at getting things done." Petrel Resources was awarded a development service contract for Iraq's Subba and Luhais oil field in September 2005.
Critics have also said the new legislation, which aims to share oil revenues between 18 provinces making allocations based on population levels, will aggravate sectarians tensions in Iraq. Isam Al-Chalabi, Iraq's former oil minister, has called the oil law "ambiguous and unclear". He said: "If it's accepted in its present form certainly it will not be a new beginning to the betterment of the people. On the contrary, it is only adding fuel to the fire."
Speaking to People in Power, David Horgan, managing director of Petrel Resources, said: "If you worry too much about a perfect solution, you will get no solution. What's right is what works. The oil industry and business people generally are very good at getting things done." Petrel Resources was awarded a development service contract for Iraq's Subba and Luhais oil field in September 2005.
Critics have also said the new legislation, which aims to share oil revenues between 18 provinces making allocations based on population levels, will aggravate sectarians tensions in Iraq. Isam Al-Chalabi, Iraq's former oil minister, has called the oil law "ambiguous and unclear". He said: "If it's accepted in its present form certainly it will not be a new beginning to the betterment of the people. On the contrary, it is only adding fuel to the fire."
Labels: BP, British government, draft oil law, Kim Howells, Petrol Resources, Platform group, Shell, Uk
Saddam judge seeks asylum in the UK
Saddam Hussein
(Al Jazeera) The Iraqi judge who sentenced Saddam Hussein to death has fled Iraq and sought asylum in the UK. Al Jazeera's correspondent in London quoted British official sources as saying that Raouf Abdel-Rahman, a member of Iraq's Kurdish minority, has requested political asylum in Britain with his family. Abdel-Rahman headed the Supreme Iraq Criminal Tribunal that heard Saddam's genocide trial and found the former Iraqi president guilty, leading to his execution.
Nasir al-Badri, Al Jazeera's correspondent in London, reported that Abdel-Rahman has applied for political asylum and that the British Home Office was considering his application. "We contacted the British Home Office to make sure whether he and his family have applied for asylum but they refused to comment, saying they did not comment on personal or private cases", al-Badri said. "But the accredited sources we first talked to were 100 per cent sure they have examined some papers and documents Abdel-Rahman has presented besides an application for residence in Britain", he said.
Besides sending Saddam to the gallows, Abdel-Rahman had also sentenced two other top Saddam aides to death in the same trial. The two were Saddam's half brother and former intelligence chief, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, former head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court.
Nasir al-Badri, Al Jazeera's correspondent in London, reported that Abdel-Rahman has applied for political asylum and that the British Home Office was considering his application. "We contacted the British Home Office to make sure whether he and his family have applied for asylum but they refused to comment, saying they did not comment on personal or private cases", al-Badri said. "But the accredited sources we first talked to were 100 per cent sure they have examined some papers and documents Abdel-Rahman has presented besides an application for residence in Britain", he said.
Besides sending Saddam to the gallows, Abdel-Rahman had also sentenced two other top Saddam aides to death in the same trial. The two were Saddam's half brother and former intelligence chief, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, former head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court.
Labels: judge, Raouf Abdel-Rahman, Saddam Hussein, Save the Children UK
Iraq's Shiite clerics criticise the Arab League
Security, International, Politics
(AINA) Shiite Muslim clerics displayed growing impatience on Friday with the government's failure to stop attacks by Sunni Arab insurgents and lashed out at Sunni Arab states, who blame Iraq's Shiite-led government for sectarian divisions. On the eve of a regional meeting to discuss Iraq's security problems, clerics said the Arab League, a bloc of mainly Sunni Arab states which will attend the meeting, were infringing on Iraq's sovereignty by suggesting that constitutional reforms were needed to give non-Shiites a greater share of power.
The meeting Saturday is sure to highlight tangled loyalties, resentments and suspicions in the region, as it brings together long-time adversaries, including the U.S., Iran, and Syria, as well as representatives of the U.N. Security Council and Iraq's neighbors. The U.S. accuses Iran of providing lethal explosives to Shiite militias fighting U.S. forces in Iraq, and it says Syria has left its border with Iraq purposely unguarded to permit the flow of anti-U.S. insurgents. Iran and Syria deny the accusations. Iran, meanwhile, is at odds with the United Nations over its nuclear enrichment program.
Arab League states such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt say Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is to blame for much of his country's strife and have vowed to use the meeting to press for changes in the government and constitution. "They should know that they must stay out of the Iraqi business," said Sayyed Ahmed Safi, addressing millions of Shiite pilgrims gathered for a religious festival in the city of Karbala. Safi, the representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, also condemned the slaughter of nearly 200 pilgrims slain by suspected Sunni insurgents as they marched toward Karbala earlier in the week and said it showed the weaknesses of the latest U.S.-Iraqi security plan.
"The security plan needs solidarity and, if possible, all the grass roots should be recruited to make it succeed, as it is the only way to bring stability back," he said, in an apparent reference to Shiite militiamen led by anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada Sadr.
The meeting Saturday is sure to highlight tangled loyalties, resentments and suspicions in the region, as it brings together long-time adversaries, including the U.S., Iran, and Syria, as well as representatives of the U.N. Security Council and Iraq's neighbors. The U.S. accuses Iran of providing lethal explosives to Shiite militias fighting U.S. forces in Iraq, and it says Syria has left its border with Iraq purposely unguarded to permit the flow of anti-U.S. insurgents. Iran and Syria deny the accusations. Iran, meanwhile, is at odds with the United Nations over its nuclear enrichment program.
Arab League states such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt say Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is to blame for much of his country's strife and have vowed to use the meeting to press for changes in the government and constitution. "They should know that they must stay out of the Iraqi business," said Sayyed Ahmed Safi, addressing millions of Shiite pilgrims gathered for a religious festival in the city of Karbala. Safi, the representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, also condemned the slaughter of nearly 200 pilgrims slain by suspected Sunni insurgents as they marched toward Karbala earlier in the week and said it showed the weaknesses of the latest U.S.-Iraqi security plan.
"The security plan needs solidarity and, if possible, all the grass roots should be recruited to make it succeed, as it is the only way to bring stability back," he said, in an apparent reference to Shiite militiamen led by anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada Sadr.
Even if the talks are tense, analysts say it is unlikely the meeting will end in rancor because of the attendees' shared desire for stability in Iraq. "None of these countries wants Somalia on their border," said Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic Studies in Washington. "They don't want a country with armed militias running the streets."
Labels: Arab League, Sayyed Ahmed Safi, Shiite Muslim clerics, Sistani
Portugal closes embassy in Iraq
Security
(RFE/RL) Portugal will close its embassy in Iraq due to the ongoing violence there and the related costs of maintaining security, the Portuguese Foreign Ministry announced on March 7, international media reported on March 8. Foreign Minister Luis Amado reportedly informed Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari of the decision, the statement noted, adding that the embassy will remain closed "as long as the security conditions do not change," AFP reported. Portugal's Ambassador to Iraq Francisco Falcao Machado has already returned to Lisbon and the 14 Portuguese police who guard the embassy are expected home by month's end, AFP reported.
JV between Royal Dutch Shell and Turkish companies
Oil
(Reuters) Turkish companies and Royal Dutch Shell have set up a consortium to bid for a gas production licence in Iraq and build a pipeline to Turkey's energy hub of Ceyhan, an industry source said on Friday. "There is a joint venture that has been set up to that end among TPAO (state-owned Turkish Petroleum Inc), Shell, (state pipeline operator) Botas and (Turkish firm) Tekfen," the source told Reuters at an energy conference in Istanbul.
The pipeline would run parallel to an existing oil pipeline from Iraq's Kirkuk to Ceyhan on the Mediterranean. The source said the production of gas and its transport to Turkey were a focus of discussions between Iraqi, Turkish and U.S. officials at a meeting on Friday in Istanbul. Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler confirmed the meeting, saying it had been successful, but declined to comment on what had been discussed.
"This meeting was the first. We will meet again soon," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the energy conference.The U.S. State Department's Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Bryza, who attended the talks, said on Thursday Washington supported Turkey becoming a transit point to Europe for Azeri and Iraqi gas to provide a new source of gas and break the dominance of Russian giant Gazprom. Bryza said the energy map of Europe would change if gas from Iraq could be incorporated in the future with gas from ex-Soviet republics such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, but said this would require clear signals to investors.
Last week, Guler said foreign firms had expressed interest in working with TPAO, Turkey's state oil exploration firm, in its search for crude and natural gas in northern Iraq.The latest energy moves follow the Iraqi cabinet's recent endorsement of a draft oil law that regulates how the war-shattered country's oil wealth will be shared between its ethnic and sectarian groups.The law, which must still be approved by the Baghdad parliament, allows regional administrations in Iraq to negotiate contracts with international energy companies. But it would also put oil revenues into a central account which would then be distributed according to population. There are currently oil pipelines from: Kirkuk-Ceythan, Kirkuk-Banias, Mosul-Haifa (Not active), Rumaijlah-Kuwait and Umm Qasar.
Labels: Botas, Ceyhan, Royal Dutch Shell, Tekfen, TPAO
Commercial flights between BIAP and Kuwait City
Travel
(Stars and Stripes) An American-owned aviation company is offering direct commercial flights between Kuwait City and the military side of Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), officials announced this week. Gryphon Airlines, a freight and charter firm headquartered in Vienna, Va., flew its first civilian charter from Kuwait to Baghdad on Feb. 25, and now offers the service three days per week.
Earl Gibbs, the president and CEO of the company said in a news release that the firm is employing both aviation industry and military veterans to fly, staff and service the routes. The Gryphon flights are open to “all personnel holding authorization to enter and transit Sather Air Force Base” at BIAP, the company said in its news release. Gryphon touts its service as a way for people to travel directly from the U.S. military complex to the commercial Kuwait City airport, then on to Europe or the United States.
For example, a traveler can get on a 9:15 p.m. flight from Baghdad, then catch a connection and be in Washington, D.C., by 6:30 a.m. on a long-haul carrier. According to booking information on the company’s Web site, a nonrefundable ticket for the flights costs $550. A government rate is available, but that price was not on the bookings site. Most of the government-rate tickets are sold out for weeks in advance, according to the online booking system.
The flights are on ATR 72 aircraft, officials said. That airframe is French-built and can seat up to 72 passengers, according to information on its manufacturer’s Web site. Gryphon is not new to flying in Iraq. According to company officials, it already flies to cities including Balad and Mosul, along with flights to Kabul and Kandahar in Afghanistan. Gryphon is partnering with Swiftair, another air transport company, to run the Iraq service. http://www.flygryphon.com/
Labels: BIAP, flights, Gryphon Airlines, Swiftair
Abu Omar al-Baghdadi not captured
Security, Insurgency
(AP) Iraqi officials said Saturday they had arrested a top al-Qaida official, but that he was not the terror mastermind Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, as they had identified him a day earlier. "After preliminary investigations, it was proven that the arrested al-Qaida person is not Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, but, in fact, another important al-Qaida official," said Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Mousawi, an Iraqi military spokesman. "Interrogations and investigations are still under way to get more information."
Al-Mousawi declined to give the suspect's name on Saturday. It was al-Mousawi who announced late Friday that al-Baghdadi had been captured. A senior adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also had told The Associated Press that al-Baghdadi had been taken into custody. The adviser spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information. The reported arrest followed rumors this week that al-Baghdadi's brother had been arrested in a raid near Tikrit.
Almost nothing is known of al-Baghdadi, including his real name and what he looks like; his capture would be difficult for officials to verify. The man captured Friday was found along with several other insurgents in a raid on the western outskirts of Baghdad, officials said. Al-Mousawi said the suspect at first identified himself as al-Baghdadi, and that his identity was corroborated by another man captured with him.
U.S. officials in Baghdad said they were looking into the arrest but could not confirm the suspect's identity. In Washington, Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said Pentagon officials had received no official confirmation that al-Baghdadi was captured.
U.S. and Iraqi forces have increasingly focused on al-Baghdadi's group in their fight against Sunni insurgents, especially the hardcore religious extremists who have shown no interest in negotiating an end to their struggle. But some analysts have pointed out that the al-Qaida-linked extremists rebounded following the death last June of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the charismatic al-Qaida in Iraq leader who died in a U.S. airstrike in Diyala province.
Al-Mousawi declined to give the suspect's name on Saturday. It was al-Mousawi who announced late Friday that al-Baghdadi had been captured. A senior adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also had told The Associated Press that al-Baghdadi had been taken into custody. The adviser spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information. The reported arrest followed rumors this week that al-Baghdadi's brother had been arrested in a raid near Tikrit.
Almost nothing is known of al-Baghdadi, including his real name and what he looks like; his capture would be difficult for officials to verify. The man captured Friday was found along with several other insurgents in a raid on the western outskirts of Baghdad, officials said. Al-Mousawi said the suspect at first identified himself as al-Baghdadi, and that his identity was corroborated by another man captured with him.
U.S. officials in Baghdad said they were looking into the arrest but could not confirm the suspect's identity. In Washington, Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said Pentagon officials had received no official confirmation that al-Baghdadi was captured.
U.S. and Iraqi forces have increasingly focused on al-Baghdadi's group in their fight against Sunni insurgents, especially the hardcore religious extremists who have shown no interest in negotiating an end to their struggle. But some analysts have pointed out that the al-Qaida-linked extremists rebounded following the death last June of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the charismatic al-Qaida in Iraq leader who died in a U.S. airstrike in Diyala province.
Labels: Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, Al Qaeda in Iraq, Brigadier Qasim Al Mussawi
Explosions near Baghdad security conference
Security
(Reuters) Two blasts that sounded like mortars rocked the building where delegates from regional and world powers were meeting in Baghdad to discuss stabilising Iraq, Reuters witnesses said. The blasts appeared to be mortars which landed in an area between the Rasheed Hotel, inside the Green Zone, and the Foreign Ministry, where the conference is being held, one of the witnesses said. There was no immediate word on casualties. Mortars frequently land in the Green Zone, usually without causing casualties.
Labels: Baghdad security conference, explosions, Foreign Ministry
Al-Maliki urges security conference delegates not to pursue differences
Politics, Security, International
(Reuters) Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told a regional conference in Baghdad on Saturday that national reconciliation was crucial to saving his country and urged key players not to use Iraq to play out their differences. "The reconciliation initiative is the ship that will save us," Maliki said in his opening speech to delegates to the regional conference, attended by deputy foreign ministers and other such officials from Iran, Syria and the United States.
"Iraq with its strategic location, must be seen as a key factor and an important player in the regional and international field," Maliki said. "We ... demand that regional or international states refrain from interfering or influencing the Iraqi state of affairs through supporting a certain sect, ethnicity or party," Maliki said in the written copy of a speech to delegates.
Maliki also called on officials from regional and world powers to pursue dialogue to settle disputes over Iraq.
"We call for peaceful dialogue to settle disputes, including the international, regional, inter-regional issues," Maliki told delegates to a regional conference in Baghdad, including deputy foreign ministers and other officials from Iran, Syria and the United States. In his speech, Maliki also demanded to see a "unified regional and international stand in support of the Iraqi people ... with no distinction along sectarian lines.
The one-day conference brings together mid-level officials from Iraq's neighbors, the permanent U.N. Security Council members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France -- and Arab countries. There will be 16 delegations in all. But attention is likely to be focused on the United States sitting down with Syria and Iran, both accused by Washington of fuelling the Iraq war by supporting either Sunni insurgents or Shi'ite militias. Iran and Syria deny the charges.
Zebari said Iraq could also help bring foes together. "Despite Iraq's current difficulties, it is capable of helping its neighbors by providing this forum," he said. "It would have been extremely difficult to get this number of people in one room to sit together."
"Iraq with its strategic location, must be seen as a key factor and an important player in the regional and international field," Maliki said. "We ... demand that regional or international states refrain from interfering or influencing the Iraqi state of affairs through supporting a certain sect, ethnicity or party," Maliki said in the written copy of a speech to delegates.
Maliki also called on officials from regional and world powers to pursue dialogue to settle disputes over Iraq.
"We call for peaceful dialogue to settle disputes, including the international, regional, inter-regional issues," Maliki told delegates to a regional conference in Baghdad, including deputy foreign ministers and other officials from Iran, Syria and the United States. In his speech, Maliki also demanded to see a "unified regional and international stand in support of the Iraqi people ... with no distinction along sectarian lines.
The one-day conference brings together mid-level officials from Iraq's neighbors, the permanent U.N. Security Council members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France -- and Arab countries. There will be 16 delegations in all. But attention is likely to be focused on the United States sitting down with Syria and Iran, both accused by Washington of fuelling the Iraq war by supporting either Sunni insurgents or Shi'ite militias. Iran and Syria deny the charges.
Zebari said Iraq could also help bring foes together. "Despite Iraq's current difficulties, it is capable of helping its neighbors by providing this forum," he said. "It would have been extremely difficult to get this number of people in one room to sit together."
Labels: Baghdad security conference
Friday, March 09, 2007
U.S. to confront Syria, Iran on fuelling Iraq's instability
Security, Politics, International
(Middle East Online) The United States will confront Syria and Iran directly at a regional meeting on Iraq this weekend with charges they are actively fomenting the violence tearing their neighbor apart, a senior US official said Thursday. David Satterfield, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's top adviser on Iraq, said the US delegation would press Damascus and Tehran to respond publicly to the accusations at the conference grouping Iraq, its neighbors and the main United Nations powers.
Satterfield also gave the clearest indication yet that US officials were ready to hold direct bilateral talks with the Iranians and Syrians -- long a diplomatic taboo under President George W. Bush. Washington hopes to use Saturday's conference to bring multi-pronged pressure on Iran and Syria to stop fueling the violence in Iraq.
Satterfield also gave the clearest indication yet that US officials were ready to hold direct bilateral talks with the Iranians and Syrians -- long a diplomatic taboo under President George W. Bush. Washington hopes to use Saturday's conference to bring multi-pronged pressure on Iran and Syria to stop fueling the violence in Iraq.
Satterfield said the US presentation to the meeting would hold Syria partially responsible for the worst acts of violence in recent weeks for allowing "jihadist elements" like Al-Qaeda to cross its border into Iraq. The Iranians will meanwhile hear a reiteration of oft-aired US allegations that they are providing materiel and training to Shiite militia engaged in attacks on US forces, notably using high-tech armor-piercing bombs which Washington says were designed by the Iranians, he said.
Labels: Baghdad security conference, Iran, Syria, U.S.A
Arab League remarks infuriate UIA
Politics, Middle East,
(AP) Iraq's Shiite leaders expressed anger yesterday at criticism levelled against them by the top Arab League official, warning that such remarks could overshadow this weekend's regional conference to ease the security crisis in Iraq. Last weekend, Arab League's Secretary-General Amr Mousa suggested that Arab governments may take their recommendations on quelling the bloodshed in Iraq to the UN Security Council.
Such a move would be widely interpreted as a failure of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki's government. In a statement yesterday, the United Iraqi Alliance, the major Shiite bloc in parliament, said Mousa's comments amounted to "flagrant interference in Iraq's internal affairs" and "ignored the march of the Iraqi people to build a free and democratic state."
"At the same time we hope that the regional conference due to be held in Baghdad in March 10 will not be shadowed by such stands" and will not have a "negative impact" on efforts to resolve the Iraq crisis, the statement said. During a press conference yesterday, the Shiite Deputy Speaker of parliament, Khalid Al Attiyah, also denounced Mousa's comments, saying they could provoke "sedition and disputes among Iraqi people."
"We hope that the Arab League will not be part of any dispute or quarrel inside Iraq that might encourage some parties to take some Arab countries to their sides to accomplish their political desires," Al Attiyah said. Mousa's comments were made in Cairo, Egypt during a meeting of Arab foreign ministers to discuss participation in the Baghdad conference.
(AP) Iraq's Shiite leaders expressed anger yesterday at criticism levelled against them by the top Arab League official, warning that such remarks could overshadow this weekend's regional conference to ease the security crisis in Iraq. Last weekend, Arab League's Secretary-General Amr Mousa suggested that Arab governments may take their recommendations on quelling the bloodshed in Iraq to the UN Security Council.
Such a move would be widely interpreted as a failure of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki's government. In a statement yesterday, the United Iraqi Alliance, the major Shiite bloc in parliament, said Mousa's comments amounted to "flagrant interference in Iraq's internal affairs" and "ignored the march of the Iraqi people to build a free and democratic state."
"At the same time we hope that the regional conference due to be held in Baghdad in March 10 will not be shadowed by such stands" and will not have a "negative impact" on efforts to resolve the Iraq crisis, the statement said. During a press conference yesterday, the Shiite Deputy Speaker of parliament, Khalid Al Attiyah, also denounced Mousa's comments, saying they could provoke "sedition and disputes among Iraqi people."
"We hope that the Arab League will not be part of any dispute or quarrel inside Iraq that might encourage some parties to take some Arab countries to their sides to accomplish their political desires," Al Attiyah said. Mousa's comments were made in Cairo, Egypt during a meeting of Arab foreign ministers to discuss participation in the Baghdad conference.
Labels: Amr Mousa, Arab League, Khalid Al Attiyah, United Iraqi Alliance, UNSC
Lebanese bank to open in Arbil
Business
(Financial Express) Byblos Bank, Lebanon’s third-largest lender, will open a branch in Iraq next month using the safety of the Kurdish north as a platform for expansion into a country that holds 10% of the world’s oil reserves. “Iraq is very important, there is huge potential there,’’ chairman Francois Bassil, 72, said in an interview in his office in Beirut March 6. Byblos will open its branch in Arbil, capital of the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, because it’s more secure than other parts of the country, he said.
Byblos Bank, which has about $6.2 billion of deposits, plans to start in Iraq by financing trade and infrastructure projects. It also aims to become an intermediary for Iraqi banks trying to do business overseas, Bassil said. A total 27 domestic banks operate in Iraq, seven of them state-owned, the Central Bank of Iraq says on its web site. HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe’s biggest bank by market value, in 2005 said it won regulatory approval to buy 75% o Baghdad-based Dar el-Salaam Investment Bank as a means to return to Iraq for the first time since Iraq’s banks were nationalized in 1964.
Labels: Arbil, Byblos Bank, Lebanon
2.5 million pilgrims arrive in Karbala
Security
(Aljazeera) Around 2.5 million Shia pilgrims have reported to have arrived at the Iraqi holy city of Karbala after three days of attacks on pilgrims that have killed more than 150 people. Aqil Al-Khazali, the governor of Karbala, also said at least 10,000 policemen were on around-the-clock patrol in an unprecented security operation.
The Arbaeen religious festival will take place ahead of a planned international conference in Baghdad on Ira'q's situation. Rituals begin on Friday to mark the end of a 40-day mourning period commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, Prophet Muhammad's grandson, more than 1,300 years ago
The Arbaeen religious festival will take place ahead of a planned international conference in Baghdad on Ira'q's situation. Rituals begin on Friday to mark the end of a 40-day mourning period commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, Prophet Muhammad's grandson, more than 1,300 years ago
Labels: Al Arbayeen, Karbala, Shiite pilgrims
Oil Ministry to raise price of fuel products
Fuel
(Azzaman) The Oil Ministry will have to hike prices of fuel products which are currently sold at highly subsidized rates, according to the minister Hussein Shahristani. The minister made the remarks ahead of a meeting with the International Monetary Fund which is coordinating the writing off of Iraqi debts. Shahristani said Iraq is obliged to honor the pledges it has made to the fund in return for financial assistance.
He did not say when the ministry will introduce the new rates but added the country will eventually have to reduce its huge fuel subsidies. Despite the subsidies, which are reported to cost hundreds of millions of dollars each month, Iraq still suffers from chronic fuel shortages. Subsidized fuel is hard to obtain and most Iraqis are forced to buy on the spot market at exorbitant rates.
Iraq currently imports huge volumes of fuel despite its massive oil wealth. But the selling and distribution of fuel is the type of economic activity where corrupt officials and profiteers are cashing in. Shahristani said the IMF has asked Iraq to raise fuel prices to levels comparable to those in neighboring countries.
He did not say when the ministry will introduce the new rates but added the country will eventually have to reduce its huge fuel subsidies. Despite the subsidies, which are reported to cost hundreds of millions of dollars each month, Iraq still suffers from chronic fuel shortages. Subsidized fuel is hard to obtain and most Iraqis are forced to buy on the spot market at exorbitant rates.
Iraq currently imports huge volumes of fuel despite its massive oil wealth. But the selling and distribution of fuel is the type of economic activity where corrupt officials and profiteers are cashing in. Shahristani said the IMF has asked Iraq to raise fuel prices to levels comparable to those in neighboring countries.
Labels: Hussain al-Shahristani, IMF, Oil Ministry
Iraq talks with Syria go well
Politics, Syria
(Al Jazeera)
Syria has promised to stabilise Iraq as Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq's vice president, concluded a four day visit to Damascus. Syria will "support any solution that leads to bringing security to Iraq and leads to a new Arab Iraq with very good relations with its neighbours," said Farouk al-Sharaa, Syria's vice president. "The talks were very useful. I think we have reached good results that will reflect on the situation inside Iraq, especially in light of what we have heard of [Iraqi] hopes," for the upcoming conference on Iraq, al-Sharaa said, without elaborating further.
Iraqi officials have repeatedly accused Damascus of not doing enough to stop insurgents from crossing the border into Iraq to fight US and Iraqi troops, a charge Syria denies. Hashemi, who also met Bashar Assad, Syria's president, during the visit, said he discussed the "role Syria could play" in promoting stability in Iraq.
"We came up with joint visions and analysis of the situation and the way to deal with the situation in Iraq," said al-Hashemi, without providing details. Asked if Syria expected a direct dialogue with the US at the Baghdad conference, al-Sharaa said the gathering was not focused on that issue. "The aim of the Iraq conference is to help Iraq and the Iraqi people. We hope to open a horizon in solving this big problem and Syria will do its best to help Iraq succeed in the national reconciliation process," he said.
Al-Hashemi said he had expressed Iraq's concerns over Iran's role in Iraq, adding he would also relay those concerns to Iranian officials when he visits Tehran next week.
Syria has promised to stabilise Iraq as Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq's vice president, concluded a four day visit to Damascus. Syria will "support any solution that leads to bringing security to Iraq and leads to a new Arab Iraq with very good relations with its neighbours," said Farouk al-Sharaa, Syria's vice president. "The talks were very useful. I think we have reached good results that will reflect on the situation inside Iraq, especially in light of what we have heard of [Iraqi] hopes," for the upcoming conference on Iraq, al-Sharaa said, without elaborating further.
Iraqi officials have repeatedly accused Damascus of not doing enough to stop insurgents from crossing the border into Iraq to fight US and Iraqi troops, a charge Syria denies. Hashemi, who also met Bashar Assad, Syria's president, during the visit, said he discussed the "role Syria could play" in promoting stability in Iraq.
"We came up with joint visions and analysis of the situation and the way to deal with the situation in Iraq," said al-Hashemi, without providing details. Asked if Syria expected a direct dialogue with the US at the Baghdad conference, al-Sharaa said the gathering was not focused on that issue. "The aim of the Iraq conference is to help Iraq and the Iraqi people. We hope to open a horizon in solving this big problem and Syria will do its best to help Iraq succeed in the national reconciliation process," he said.
Al-Hashemi said he had expressed Iraq's concerns over Iran's role in Iraq, adding he would also relay those concerns to Iranian officials when he visits Tehran next week.
Labels: Bashar Assad, Farouk al-Sharaa, Iran, Syria, Tariq al-Hashemi
Allawi outlines plans should he gain majority
Politics
(AINA) Ayad Allawi's newly formed Iraqi National Front (INF) seeks to challenge Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and force him to purge Shiite militias from police and government. Allawi, a secular Shiite, was Iraq's interim prime minister in 2004-05. The bloc is a minority in parliament but aspires to overrule al-Maliki on several key issues, Allawi said in an interview with USA TODAY. The two largest Sunni groups in Iraq's parliament joined Allawi's coalition this week. A leading Kurdish politician and some moderate Shiites also have shown interest.
"We cannot see national reconciliation and national unity … thriving in a state of chaos and institutions riddled with militias," Allawi said Tuesday. "We feel our country has really been taken apart." Al-Maliki's ruling coalition includes lawmakers loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric who runs the Mahdi Army militia. The prime minister has given U.S. and Iraqi troops permission to crack down on the Mahdi Army in recent weeks under the new Baghdad security plan, but Allawi voiced frustration with the pace of change.
Allawi said that if he can form a legislative majority, he plans to:
"We cannot see national reconciliation and national unity … thriving in a state of chaos and institutions riddled with militias," Allawi said Tuesday. "We feel our country has really been taken apart." Al-Maliki's ruling coalition includes lawmakers loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric who runs the Mahdi Army militia. The prime minister has given U.S. and Iraqi troops permission to crack down on the Mahdi Army in recent weeks under the new Baghdad security plan, but Allawi voiced frustration with the pace of change.
Allawi said that if he can form a legislative majority, he plans to:
- Replace police under control of the Interior Ministry with Iraqi army troops until the ministry can be thoroughly investigated and purged of militia loyalists.
Impose two years of martial law with rigorously enforced curfews and added checkpoints.
Remove a ban that keeps former members of the Baath Party, which ruled Iraq under Saddam Hussein, from holding government jobs.
While prime minister, Allawi ordered Iraqi security forces into large-scale attacks against the Mahdi Army in Najaf and Sunni militants in Fallujah. Allawi's coalition, then known as the Iraqi List, placed a distant third in the elections in January 2005. Allawi said he does not want to force a change in government. "What we're doing, from within the parliament, is to create a group that … will put pressure on the government … to move the country toward peace and stability," he said.
To pose a major challenge, Allawi probably would need the support of Kurdish parties that support al-Maliki. The Kurds, who account for about 50 seats in the 275-member parliament, are waiting to see whether Allawi can build support, said Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish lawmaker. "If we see his front is making change and is really better than what's happening now, of course the Kurds will go for it," Othman said. He said the Kurds have good relations with the Shiite bloc but have more in common with Allawi's secular philosophy.
Wednesday, the Al-Fadhila Party, a moderate Shiite group, broke ranks with the ruling Shiite coalition, but it stopped short of pledging loyalty to Allawi. Sami Alaskary, a Shiite lawmaker, said he was not concerned about the potential challenge until recently, when Allawi traveled to Kurdistan alongside Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador, to meet with Kurdish leaders.
Labels: al-Maliki, government, INF, Iraqi National Front, Iyad Allawi
Al-Maliki tours Baghdad neighbourhood ahead of security conference
Security, International, Politics
(AP) Iraq's prime minister strolled Baghdad's streets and visited police checkpoints Friday to showcase security ahead of an international conference aimed at stabilizing the war-torn country with help from its neighbors. Security was heightened across Baghdad as international envoys prepared to arrive for Saturday's conference, which would be held at Iraq's Foreign Ministry just outside the heavily fortified Green Zone.
In Cairo, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said the foreign minister for Arab affairs, Hani Khalaf, would lead his country's delegation to Baghdad on Saturday. "Egypt will provide all possible aid to help the Iraqi people build its national institutions and rebuild the country," a Foreign Ministry statement said.
But bitter squabbles have broken out between Arab countries and Iraq's government ahead of the conference that the U.S. had hoped would unite them. Sunni-led Arab governments will likely use the conference to press for a greater Sunni role in Iraq. That has rankled Iraq's Shiite leaders, who believe the Arabs are trying to reverse their newfound power after decades of being marginalized under Sunni minority rule. The dispute reflects the complicated tensions that are likely to surface at the meeting, which gathers diplomats from Iraq's Arab neighbors, Iran, the United States, Turkey and the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.
Arab states are likely to try to win U.S. support for their demands, increasing the pressure on Baghdad. Iran has vowed to support its Shiite allies in the Iraqi government, but is also concerned the U.S. will press it on accusations that Tehran is supporting Shiite militants fueling Iraq's bloodshed. It was unclear whether the U.S. and Iran would hold direct meetings on the sidelines of the multilateral conference.
But bitter squabbles have broken out between Arab countries and Iraq's government ahead of the conference that the U.S. had hoped would unite them. Sunni-led Arab governments will likely use the conference to press for a greater Sunni role in Iraq. That has rankled Iraq's Shiite leaders, who believe the Arabs are trying to reverse their newfound power after decades of being marginalized under Sunni minority rule. The dispute reflects the complicated tensions that are likely to surface at the meeting, which gathers diplomats from Iraq's Arab neighbors, Iran, the United States, Turkey and the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.
Arab states are likely to try to win U.S. support for their demands, increasing the pressure on Baghdad. Iran has vowed to support its Shiite allies in the Iraqi government, but is also concerned the U.S. will press it on accusations that Tehran is supporting Shiite militants fueling Iraq's bloodshed. It was unclear whether the U.S. and Iran would hold direct meetings on the sidelines of the multilateral conference.
Labels: Baghdad security conference
$8 billion in public funds embezzled
Finance
(RFE/RL) Radi al-Radi, the head of Iraq's Commission on Public Integrity (CPI), told the London-based "Al-Sharq al-Awsat" in an interview published on March 8 that corruption is at an all-time high in Iraq, and far worse than it was under Saddam Hussein's tenure. "There are eight ministers and 40 director-generals against whom corruption charges have been brought and they have all fled abroad," al-Radi said, adding that some $8 billion in public funds has been embezzled.
Labels: corruption, embezzlement
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Insurgent video shows attacks against armoured U.S. military vehicles
Insurgency
(UPI) A new video released by insurgents in Iraq profiles the different kinds of armored vehicle used by U.S. forces and shows successful attacks against each type. The 25 minute video was posted on Islamic extremist Web sites Monday by the media arm of the Islamic State of Iraq -- an umbrella organization for Sunni Islamic extremist groups, believed to be led by al-Qaida.
Details were provided to United Press International by IntelCenter, a counter-terrorism consultancy that tracks such Web sites for clients including U.S. government agencies. The video profiles the Buffalo, Cougar, RG-31 and Meerkat armored vehicles, according to the consultancy. "This is the first video we are aware of that profiles U.S. vehicles and then shows attacks against them," said IntelCenter's Ben Venzke in a statement.
Labels: armored vehicles, Buffalo, Cougar, insurgents, Islamic State in Iraq, Meerkat, RG-31
Al-Sadr speaks out against U.S. and attacks on pilgrims
Politics, Security
(Middle East Online) Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose whereabouts remain a mystery three weeks after US commanders said he had fled to Iran, renewed his demand on Thursday that US forces should leave Iraq. In a message distributed by his office in Najaf to mark Friday's Arbaeen religious holiday, Sadr told his countrymen: "Raise your voices shouting 'No, no to America. No, no to Israel. Use this great occasion to demand the occupier leaves our dear Iraq so that we could live in independence and stability," said the statement, which was stamped with his seal but not signed in ink.
Last month a US military spokesman said that Sadr had left Iraq for Iran ahead of a large-scale Iraqi and US joint security operation, which has since netted several members of his Mahdi Army militia. Sadr office denies this, as does Tehran, but it has been many weeks since Sadr appeared in public or attended prayers at his mosque outside Kufa. Previous statements have expressed support for the Shiite-led government's security forces in the operation, but have demanded that they halt their close cooperation with US troops, whom Sadr calls "the enemy occupier".
Sadr's statement also condemned attacks over the past three days on Shiite pilgrims heading to the holy city of Karbala to mark Arbaeen, which have killed more than 150 people in a series of bombings and shootings.
"May God bless the souls of the marytrs and may those responsible for these despicable crimes burn in hellfire," he said. Nevertheless, the Shiite leader called for unity rather than revenge on Sunnis, telling Iraqis: "I beg God to unite you and distance you from the spectre of sedition and sectarian war."
Last month a US military spokesman said that Sadr had left Iraq for Iran ahead of a large-scale Iraqi and US joint security operation, which has since netted several members of his Mahdi Army militia. Sadr office denies this, as does Tehran, but it has been many weeks since Sadr appeared in public or attended prayers at his mosque outside Kufa. Previous statements have expressed support for the Shiite-led government's security forces in the operation, but have demanded that they halt their close cooperation with US troops, whom Sadr calls "the enemy occupier".
Sadr's statement also condemned attacks over the past three days on Shiite pilgrims heading to the holy city of Karbala to mark Arbaeen, which have killed more than 150 people in a series of bombings and shootings.
"May God bless the souls of the marytrs and may those responsible for these despicable crimes burn in hellfire," he said. Nevertheless, the Shiite leader called for unity rather than revenge on Sunnis, telling Iraqis: "I beg God to unite you and distance you from the spectre of sedition and sectarian war."
Labels: Al Arbayeen, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Shiite pilgrims
Islamic State in Iraq claims responsibility for Mosul jail break
Insurgency
(MEMRI) In a communiqué posted on Islamist websites on March 7, 2007, the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI) claimed responsibility for the March 6, 2007 attack on a jail in Mosul which led to the escape of dozens of prisoners. According to the message, the attack was preceded by an extensive reconnaissance mission, the results of which were handed over to the military commanders who consequently formed a special storming unit. The message states that after storming the jail, the mujahideen freed over 150 Iraqi and foreign Arab prisoners, and then retreated safely.
Labels: Badush jail, Islamic State in Iraq, Mosul
Chinese to negotiate resumption of $700 mn oil deal
Oil
(Brunei Times) A Chinese delegation has arrived in Iraq with a mission to resume a US$700 million oil deal signed during Saddam Hussein's time, state media reported. "It's true that Chinese officials will be in Baghdad to discuss the exploration of the Ahdab oil field," said an unnamed official with the Chinese Embassy to Iraq, according to the Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post.
The official also said Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and other high-ranking officials would visit China, with the specific date yet to be decided. According to the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Oil Minister Hussein Al Shahristani met China's new ambassador Chen Xiaodong on Monday to discuss a planned visit by President Jalal Talabani and the oil minister to China this month. Iraq holds estimated oil reserves of up to 115 billion barrels, the third biggest in the world.
The official also said Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and other high-ranking officials would visit China, with the specific date yet to be decided. According to the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Oil Minister Hussein Al Shahristani met China's new ambassador Chen Xiaodong on Monday to discuss a planned visit by President Jalal Talabani and the oil minister to China this month. Iraq holds estimated oil reserves of up to 115 billion barrels, the third biggest in the world.
Labels: Ahdab oil field, China, Hussain al-Shahristani, Minister of Electricity, oil
Turkish company expresses interest in oil prospecting in Kurdistan
Oil
(Iraq Daily Business Updates) Turkey said on Thursday that foreign companies expressed an interest in working with the Turkish company T.B.A.O for oil prospecting, which is owned by the State, in the search for crude oil and natural gas in northern Iraq. Earlier this week the Turkish Energy Minister, Hilmi Juler, said that his country would begin talks this month with the American and Iraqi governments about the possibility of starting the exploration in northern Iraq.
Juler said: "There are foreign companies in Iraq who want to work with us and have submitted bids directly to the T.B.A.O Company. We will evaluate those proposals and we will soon make an announcement in this regard". He added that it is natural for Turkey, which imports most of its energy, to participate in oil exploration in Iraq; however, he did not give any details of the companies or regions that T.B.A.O wishes to prospect for oil in. Despite the political tensions between Ankara and the Iraqi Kurds, more than 600 Turkish companies are operating in northern Iraq. Analysts say that Turkish exports to the Kurdish government, including fuel, amounted to about five billion dollars in 2006 alone.
Labels: Kurdistan, oil, T.B.A.O., Turkey
Turkish airline to start weekly flights to Turkish coast from Erbil
Travel
(Anatolia New Agency) The Head of the Turkish company, "Ivan Air", said on Saturday that the company located in the north of Iraq will start next April two weekly flights between Erbil and tourist resorts in the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Seamus ضzcan told the Anatolian News Agency that "Iraqis are showing an increasing interest in tourist sites in the southern Turkish coast". There will be special "charter" flights directly between Erbil and the Turkish resort of Antalya, which annually attracts thousands of tourists. ضzcan explained that the first flight is scheduled for April 25. He added that if the project succeeds, the company will increase the rate of flights and introduce new flights to Istanbul. Another Turkish company called "Fly Air" has been making direct flights since December 2005 between Istanbul and northern Iraq.
Labels: flights, Fly Air, Ivan Air, Kurdistan, Turkey
Mortar strikes main BIAP terminal
Security
(Reuters) Four mortar rounds crashed into the heavily fortified Baghdad International Airport compound on Thursday, including one which struck the main terminal, but there were no casualties, security sources said. “Nobody was hurt, two of them landed in an empty area but one of the mortars hit the seventh floor,” a security source speaking to Reuters from the airport said.
Attacks on the large airport compound are fairly common but rarely does a mortar round land within the direct vicinity of the terminal building. Flying out of Iraq offers a relatively safe journey for travellers compared to insecure roads through western Iraq to Jordan or Syria. The airport, in Baghdad’s southwestern outskirts, is part of a heavily fortified area that also includes a large US military base.
Attacks on the large airport compound are fairly common but rarely does a mortar round land within the direct vicinity of the terminal building. Flying out of Iraq offers a relatively safe journey for travellers compared to insecure roads through western Iraq to Jordan or Syria. The airport, in Baghdad’s southwestern outskirts, is part of a heavily fortified area that also includes a large US military base.
Labels: Baghdad International Airport, BIAP, mortar rounds
Bloodshed continues as 1 million pilgrims head for Karbala
Security
(AP) A suicide attacker blew himself up in a cafe northeast of the capital Wednesday, killing 30 people as a wave of violence left 90 Iraqis dead throughout the country. The bloodshed persisted as Iraqi security forces struggled to protect more than 1 million Shiite pilgrims streaming toward the holy city of Karbala for annual religious rituals that begin Friday. The pilgrims are facing a string of attacks along the way that have claimed at least 174 lives in two days — among 284 killed across Iraq since Tuesday.
Iraqi security forces have been bracing for more trouble this weekend at the climax of Shiite religious rites as hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims were streaming by bus, car and foot into Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, many of them marching behind banners affirming their reverence for Imam Hussein.
Iraqi security forces have been bracing for more trouble this weekend at the climax of Shiite religious rites as hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims were streaming by bus, car and foot into Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, many of them marching behind banners affirming their reverence for Imam Hussein.
In Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, Iraqi security forces set up a six-ring cordon around the two main Shiite shrines as the city swelled with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Local Gov. Aqeel al-Khazalie said 10,000 policeman were deployed in the city, with pilgrims undergoing multiple searches at checkpoints before they reach the two major shrines, the focus of the weekend rites.
During the past two years, the Mahdi Army militia of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr watched over pilgrimages to Karbala. This year, the militia bowed to government pressure and put aside their arms to avoid any confrontation with U.S.-led forces during the Baghdad security crackdown.
With the militia on the sidelines, Shiite leaders have expressed anger that the Shiite-led government security force had failed to protect the marchers. Attacks against pilgrims have also sharpened sectarian tensions at a time when U.S. officials had hoped the Baghdad security operation would encourage Shiite, Sunni and Shiite leaders to come together in power-sharing agreements to end the crisis. Instead, new strains have emerged, not only between the rival Islamic sects but within the dominate Shiite political bloc itself.
With the militia on the sidelines, Shiite leaders have expressed anger that the Shiite-led government security force had failed to protect the marchers. Attacks against pilgrims have also sharpened sectarian tensions at a time when U.S. officials had hoped the Baghdad security operation would encourage Shiite, Sunni and Shiite leaders to come together in power-sharing agreements to end the crisis. Instead, new strains have emerged, not only between the rival Islamic sects but within the dominate Shiite political bloc itself.
Labels: Al Arbayeen, Karbala, Shiite pilgrims, suicide bomber
Petraeus says political solution required for Iraq
Security, Politics
(Reuters) U.S. and Iraqi security forces cannot solve the problem of violence in Iraq without political action and reconciliation with some militant groups, the U.S. commander in Iraq said on Thursday. General David Petraeus, in his first news conference in Baghdad since he took command last month, also said he saw no immediate need to request more U.S. troops, but reinforcements already requested would likely stay "well beyond the summer."
"There is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of Iraq," Petraeus said. "Military action is necessary to help improve security ... but it is not sufficient." He said political progress would require talking to and reconciling with "some of those who have felt the new Iraq did not have a place for them."
He said a key challenge for the Shiite-led government of Nuri al-Maliki was to identify those militant groups who were "reconcilable" and to bring them into the political process. He said groups such as al Qaeda were intensifying their attacks to provoke more violence and stop that process.
"There is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of Iraq," Petraeus said. "Military action is necessary to help improve security ... but it is not sufficient." He said political progress would require talking to and reconciling with "some of those who have felt the new Iraq did not have a place for them."
He said a key challenge for the Shiite-led government of Nuri al-Maliki was to identify those militant groups who were "reconcilable" and to bring them into the political process. He said groups such as al Qaeda were intensifying their attacks to provoke more violence and stop that process.
COMMENT: Petraeus has a valid point which has been argued at length. The security operation can only continue for a certain period, whereas militias and insurgents can wait for a long time and increase their strength in the meantime. Iraq's government continues to be divided, not only along sectarian lines, with one side blaming the other, but also within sectarian alliances. Until Iraq has a strong united government - which also meets or compromises with eachother (even more complex), peace efforts are unlikley to succeed. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: General David Petraeus, politics
Iraq govt agency may take over from U.S. led intelligence service
Intelligence
(CNN) The Iraqi National Intelligence Service, or INIS, is funded completely by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, according to military and intelligence sources. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, the CIA has placed more than 500 officers in Iraq, according to U.S. intelligence sources, making the station the CIA's largest in the world. The INIS head, the secretive Mohammed Abdullah Shahwani, was appointed three years ago by the United States.
But now, the future of the U.S.-controlled agency appears to be in jeopardy. A document from Iraq's National Security Council lays out a blueprint for Iraq's new intelligence community. Under that plan, all intelligence gathering would be consolidated under Iraq's Iranian-friendly central government. Top Iraqi government officials claim the INIS is beyond the control of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. And Shahwani himself is under Iraqi government investigation for unspecified corruption allegations. He has not been seen in at least three months.
U.S. ally and former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said Shahwani is being unfairly targeted. "I don't know if it's an attack on U.S. intelligence, but definitely it's a political attack on Shahwani," he said. One of Shahwani's rivals is Shirwan al-Wa'eli, Iraq's minister for national security. In the past two years, al-Wa'eli's ministry has grown to some 3,000 operatives, according to U.S. intelligence. Under the new intelligence plan, it would grow even further. Al-Wa'eli applauds his relationship with Iran while distancing himself from the United States.
"The multinational forces are in Iraq, and they are supportive on the security issue and we have a good relationship with them, but we do not bargain Iraq to any side," al-Wa'eli told CNN. "The Americans give us only moral support, not logistical support." The ministry has become an intelligence organization that the United States and its allies never meant it to be. "It's not a ministry per se," Allawi said. "It's a ministry I created. It's a minister, not a ministry, but things have been [spun] around." Iraqi intelligence sources say the new intelligence plan is headed for the Iraqi Parliament.
U.S. ally and former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said Shahwani is being unfairly targeted. "I don't know if it's an attack on U.S. intelligence, but definitely it's a political attack on Shahwani," he said. One of Shahwani's rivals is Shirwan al-Wa'eli, Iraq's minister for national security. In the past two years, al-Wa'eli's ministry has grown to some 3,000 operatives, according to U.S. intelligence. Under the new intelligence plan, it would grow even further. Al-Wa'eli applauds his relationship with Iran while distancing himself from the United States.
"The multinational forces are in Iraq, and they are supportive on the security issue and we have a good relationship with them, but we do not bargain Iraq to any side," al-Wa'eli told CNN. "The Americans give us only moral support, not logistical support." The ministry has become an intelligence organization that the United States and its allies never meant it to be. "It's not a ministry per se," Allawi said. "It's a ministry I created. It's a minister, not a ministry, but things have been [spun] around." Iraqi intelligence sources say the new intelligence plan is headed for the Iraqi Parliament.
Labels: al-Maliki, CIA, INIS, Iraq's minister for national security, Iraq's National Security Council, Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Iyad Allawi, Mohammed Abdullah Shahwani, Shirwan al-Wa'eli
Iraq asks Syria to act as mediator with Baathists
Politics, Syria
(Azzaman) Iraq has asked Syria to work as a mediator to lure former Baathists for talks on a possible reconciliation. The demand was made by Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi during a recent visit to Damascus.
There are about 300 senior former army officers in Syria who used to hold influential positions in the armed forces. Most of these officers were also senior members of the Baath party of former leader Saddam Hussein. They fled Iraq shortly after the fall of Baghdad to U.S. troops in 2003.
Relations between the countries are said to be improving despite U.S. allegations that Damascus was fuelling violence and insurgency in Iraq. Iraqi authorities are apparently keen to revise the debaathification measures under which former members of the Baath party lost their jobs. The sources said the government was willing to accommodate former Baathists as well as senior officers who served in the former army.
There are about 300 senior former army officers in Syria who used to hold influential positions in the armed forces. Most of these officers were also senior members of the Baath party of former leader Saddam Hussein. They fled Iraq shortly after the fall of Baghdad to U.S. troops in 2003.
Relations between the countries are said to be improving despite U.S. allegations that Damascus was fuelling violence and insurgency in Iraq. Iraqi authorities are apparently keen to revise the debaathification measures under which former members of the Baath party lost their jobs. The sources said the government was willing to accommodate former Baathists as well as senior officers who served in the former army.
Labels: Baathists, Syria, Tareq al-Hashemi, Vice-President
Pentagon awards $210 mn for mine-resistant vehicles
Security
(AP) A new combat truck with a V-shaped bottom designed to withstand blasts from roadside bombs is performing with such success in Iraq that the U.S. military is pressing a Wisconsin company and others to churn out hundreds more in the coming months. About 200 prototypes of the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles have been deployed in Iraq since 2004, said Capt. Jeff Landis, spokesman for the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va. No Marine has died while in one of the trucks, Landis said.
"This is the best vehicle available for safety and survivability," he said. "The MRAP vehicle supplies troops with the greatest protection we've had." Force Protections Industries in Ladson, S.C., built the 200 prototypes. Within the past month, the Pentagon awarded about $210 million in contracts to Force Protections, Oshkosh Truck Corp., and three other companies in the U.S. and Canada to manufacture a total of nearly 400 more vehicles. Landis said the military hopes to receive them by the end of the year.
"This is the best vehicle available for safety and survivability," he said. "The MRAP vehicle supplies troops with the greatest protection we've had." Force Protections Industries in Ladson, S.C., built the 200 prototypes. Within the past month, the Pentagon awarded about $210 million in contracts to Force Protections, Oshkosh Truck Corp., and three other companies in the U.S. and Canada to manufacture a total of nearly 400 more vehicles. Landis said the military hopes to receive them by the end of the year.
Commanders in Iraq originally said the military would need 4,100 mine-resistant vehicles, but they raised their request to 6,738 in mid-February after seeing how well the trucks protected occupants, Landis said. Those requests are subject to approval by Congress. In addition to Force Protections and Oshkosh, the other contractors are Protected Vehicles Inc. of North Charleston, S.C.; BAE Systems in Washington; and General Dynamics Land Systems in Ontario, Canada.
Labels: Force Protections Industries, Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles, Oshkosh Truck Corp
Petraeus believes insurgent attacks will intensify
Security
(RFE/RL) In his first press conference since taking command last month, General David Petraeus said insurgents had sought to intensify attacks during the first week's of the security crackdown. "Regrettably, some of these [terrorists] groups are still carrying out their barbaric acts," he said. "In fact, we believe that they have sought to intensify their sensational attacks in recent weeks to provoke renewed sectarian violence and derail Operation Fard al-Qanun [the new Iraq security plan] before it can be fully implemented."
But he said there had also been some encouraging signs recently. He said sectarian killings had been lowered in Baghdad in the last few weeks, and that sectarian deplacements were also down. Earlier, the Pentagon said it had approved Petraeus's request for the deployment of 2,200 more U.S. military police for Baghdad, in addition to the 21,500 combat troops and 2,400 support troops that have already been ordered. Petraeus said that U.S. and Iraqi troops "are steadily building their strength to support the operation in Baghdad. The last of nine Iraqi surge battalions and the second of five U.S. surge brigades have just entered Baghdad. This buildup will continue throughout the spring, with all U.S. and Iraqi forces dedicated to the mission in place by about early June."
Labels: General David Petraeus, insurgents, Operation Fard al-Qanun
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Iran to attend Baghdad security conference
Politics, Security, Region
(ISNA) Iran's foreign minister informed that an Iranian delegation led by the deputy of legal and international affairs in Iran's foreign ministry would take part in the upcoming conference in Iraq. Speaking at a press conference, Manouchehr Mottaki announced that Abbas Araghchi would lead the Iranian delegation in Iraq's neighboring countries conference. Iran is to participate in the event this Saturday, in order to offer help to the Iraqi nation and government.
Labels: Abbas Araghchi, Baghdad security conference, Iran
Fadhila party pulls out of United Iraqi Alliance
Politics
(AFP) Iraq’s Fadhila Party pulled its 15 lawmakers out of the main Shia parliamentary bloc on Wednesday, accusing its allies of sectarianism and calling for leaders to work together for peace. Announcing its decision in a statement, the Shia Islamist group said the division of Iraq’s parties into opposing blocs based on religion had worsened relations between Sunnis and Shias.
‘The first step on the course of Iraq’s salvation is through disbanding these blocs and stopping the formation of sectarian-based blocs, as it has led to the division of the Iraqi people,’ said Fadhila deputy Nadeem Jabari. ‘Fadhila is leaving the United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) and will continue to operate in parliament as an independent party,’ he added, reading the statement.
The exclusively Shia UIA is the biggest single bloc in Iraq’s parliament and, until Fadhila’s decision, controlled 128 votes in the 275-seat chamber. In addition to Prime Minster Nuri Al Maliki’s Dawa Party, it also represents MPs loyal to the radical clerics Moqtada Al Sadr and Abdel Aziz Hakim, who leads the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI).
‘The first step on the course of Iraq’s salvation is through disbanding these blocs and stopping the formation of sectarian-based blocs, as it has led to the division of the Iraqi people,’ said Fadhila deputy Nadeem Jabari. ‘Fadhila is leaving the United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) and will continue to operate in parliament as an independent party,’ he added, reading the statement.
The exclusively Shia UIA is the biggest single bloc in Iraq’s parliament and, until Fadhila’s decision, controlled 128 votes in the 275-seat chamber. In addition to Prime Minster Nuri Al Maliki’s Dawa Party, it also represents MPs loyal to the radical clerics Moqtada Al Sadr and Abdel Aziz Hakim, who leads the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI).
Labels: Fadhela party, Nadeem Jabari, United Iraqi Alliance
Pilgrim death toll rises as attacks continue
Security, Insurgency
(Reuters) Insurgents ambushed Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims in southern Baghdad on Wednesday, killing five and wounding 10, a police source said, the day after scores of pilgrims died in a string of attacks. The ambush in the Doura area of the Iraqi capital occurred after nearly 150 pilgrims were killed in bombings and shootings on Tuesday. A double suicide bombing south of Baghdad killed up to 115 pilgrims in a busy street.
Crowds of pilgrims were out on the streets of Baghdad on Wednesday, undaunted by Tuesday's attacks, causing traffic jams as they headed on foot along major roads, conspicuous in their black clothing with white shrouds on their shoulders. Masses of Shi'ite pilgrims are heading to Kerbala on foot and by bus to commemorate Al Arbayeen, the end of a 40-day mourning period since Ashura, which marks the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson in 680. Kerbala, one the holiest cities in Shi'ite Islam, lies 110 km (68 miles) south of Baghdad.
Hilla, scene of Tuesday's deadliest attacks, is nearby. Two suicide bombers strapped with explosives detonated themselves almost simultaneously there on Tuesday on a busy street lined with tents, set up to offer food, drink and resting areas for pilgrims on their journey. Local hospital officials said at 115 people were killed and 200 more wounded. Another source, Babel health department head Mohammed Abd-Radha al Hafaj, put the death toll at 105, of whom 35 were still unidentified.
Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki blamed Sunni militants and supporters of former President Saddam Hussein for the "barbaric crime," according to a statement from his office. Security in and around Kerbala is tight for fear of a repetition of suicide bombings and attacks on Shi'ite religious rituals by suspected Sunni insurgents of the sort that killed 171 people in Baghdad and Kerbala in March 2004.
Crowds of pilgrims were out on the streets of Baghdad on Wednesday, undaunted by Tuesday's attacks, causing traffic jams as they headed on foot along major roads, conspicuous in their black clothing with white shrouds on their shoulders. Masses of Shi'ite pilgrims are heading to Kerbala on foot and by bus to commemorate Al Arbayeen, the end of a 40-day mourning period since Ashura, which marks the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson in 680. Kerbala, one the holiest cities in Shi'ite Islam, lies 110 km (68 miles) south of Baghdad.
Hilla, scene of Tuesday's deadliest attacks, is nearby. Two suicide bombers strapped with explosives detonated themselves almost simultaneously there on Tuesday on a busy street lined with tents, set up to offer food, drink and resting areas for pilgrims on their journey. Local hospital officials said at 115 people were killed and 200 more wounded. Another source, Babel health department head Mohammed Abd-Radha al Hafaj, put the death toll at 105, of whom 35 were still unidentified.
Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki blamed Sunni militants and supporters of former President Saddam Hussein for the "barbaric crime," according to a statement from his office. Security in and around Kerbala is tight for fear of a repetition of suicide bombings and attacks on Shi'ite religious rituals by suspected Sunni insurgents of the sort that killed 171 people in Baghdad and Kerbala in March 2004.
COMMENT: The attacks are likely to continue until the insurgents achieve their objective of provoking the Shias to the extent that Shia militias such as the Mahdi Army return to the streets and increase the cycle of sectarian murders. If the Mahdi Army return, they are likely to have to face the American troops which in turn will weaken the fragile alliance between the Shia government and the U.S. Additionally, the people are likely to lose faith in the government forces and their ability to provide protection as previously the Mahdi Army has provided a large amount of security quite succesfully. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Al Arbayeen, attacks, Karbala, Shiite pilgrims
Insurgents storm Mosul prison and free inmates
Insurgency
(AFP) There was a further blow to the security forces on Tuesday, when a large force of Al-Qaeda militants stormed a prison outside the northern city of Mosul and freed 140 inmates -- including foreign Arab fighters.
Hasham al-Hamadani, the head of Nineveh province's security committee, said fighters loyal to Al-Qaeda kingpin Omar al-Baghdadi had infiltrated the area around Mosul and masterminded the jailbreak.
"They attacked the prison today with a large number of insurgents armed with light and medium weapons, like machineguns. They didn't face much resistance from the guards, because they overwhelmed them," he said.
"They were driving Opel sedans and pick ups," he said. "The entered the jail and freed between 140 and 150 prisoners, including Arabs and foreign fighters. A US helicopter arrived and opened fire, killing five escapees.
"The prison is now under control again, since American forces arrived." At the start of the year Badush jail was holding 1,200 of the most dangerous prisoners in Iraq, including 100 foreign fighters.
Hasham al-Hamadani, the head of Nineveh province's security committee, said fighters loyal to Al-Qaeda kingpin Omar al-Baghdadi had infiltrated the area around Mosul and masterminded the jailbreak.
"They attacked the prison today with a large number of insurgents armed with light and medium weapons, like machineguns. They didn't face much resistance from the guards, because they overwhelmed them," he said.
"They were driving Opel sedans and pick ups," he said. "The entered the jail and freed between 140 and 150 prisoners, including Arabs and foreign fighters. A US helicopter arrived and opened fire, killing five escapees.
"The prison is now under control again, since American forces arrived." At the start of the year Badush jail was holding 1,200 of the most dangerous prisoners in Iraq, including 100 foreign fighters.
COMMENT: This is a strong, new bold move for Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and could indicate that their tactics continue to evolve as has been revealed with the recent chlorine bombs. It is a show of strength to make a point that they can easily carry out such an operation and may do so again. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Al Qaeda in Iraq, Badush jail, Mosul
Muslim Scholars Association criticises oil investment law
Oil, Politics
(Reuters) The Muslim Scholars Association, a leading Sunni clerics group accused by the Iraqi government of fomenting violence, said the law as drafted was "invalid and lacks legitimacy". The influential Sunni Arab group accused the United States and Britain of invading the country out of greed for its vast oil wealth. Iraq's cabinet agreed a draft of the law last month after months of wrangling, sending it to parliament for final approval.
The law sets out how oil revenues will be divided among the population and regulates how foreign companies will be able to invest in exploration and production. Iraqi and U.S. officials have said the law will be a crucial ingredient for Iraqi reconciliation. It states that oil revenues will be spread evenly according to population around the country rather than staying in the region where the oil is found.
Sunni Arabs have long feared that Shi'ites and ethnic Kurds, who sit on top of Iraq's vast oil fields, will not share the country's wealth in an even way. The Muslim Scholars Association is influential amongst disaffected Sunni Arabs, once the dominant group in Iraq under Saddam Hussein but now marginalised since multiparty elections in 2005 swept majority Shi'ites and Kurds to power.
The law sets out how oil revenues will be divided among the population and regulates how foreign companies will be able to invest in exploration and production. Iraqi and U.S. officials have said the law will be a crucial ingredient for Iraqi reconciliation. It states that oil revenues will be spread evenly according to population around the country rather than staying in the region where the oil is found.
Sunni Arabs have long feared that Shi'ites and ethnic Kurds, who sit on top of Iraq's vast oil fields, will not share the country's wealth in an even way. The Muslim Scholars Association is influential amongst disaffected Sunni Arabs, once the dominant group in Iraq under Saddam Hussein but now marginalised since multiparty elections in 2005 swept majority Shi'ites and Kurds to power.
Labels: draft oil law, Muslim Scholars Association
Sunni MP's house raided
Politics, Security
(VOI) Iraqi forces stormed the house of member of parliament, Nour al-Dien al-Heyali, from the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front, and arrested four of his bodyguards, in a raid west of Baghdad, an Iraqi police source said on Tuesday. "Iraqi army troops, at 2 am on Tuesday, stormed the house of Nour al-Dien al-Heyali, a parliamentary member from the Iraqi Accordance Front, in the Yarmuk district west of Baghdad," a police source told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). "The forces arrested the lawmaker's four bodyguards after disarming them," the source added. The man is a member of the Iraqi Accordance Front, a Sunni parliamentary bloc with 44 seats. He is also a member of the Islamic Party under Iraq's Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi.
COMMENT: Whether warranted or not, this latest incident targeting a Sunni politician is likely to fuel previous Sunni MPs allegations that the Baghdad security effort is not being fair as it is seen to be predominantly targeting Sunnis. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Iraqi Accordance Front, Nour al-Dien al-Heyali, raid
IAF leader announces new political alliance
Politics
(VOI) Head of the Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF), Adnan al-Dulaimi, unveiled on Tuesday the establishment of new political alliance called the Iraqi National Front, between the IAF and Iyad Allawi's Iraqi National List (INL). The new alliance will not represent any factional or sectarian trends, he added. "We had talks with the head of the Iraqi National List (INL), Iyad Allawi, as well as all parties participating in the ongoing political process, with a view to joining the bloc, which aims to end the sectarian violence and to save Iraq's unity," al-Dulaimi said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
"We will work through the new bloc to step up pressure, on the government and the occupation forces, to end the bloodshed," the statement added. "The new alliance will not represent any sectarian or factional trends as it includes different Iraqi parties, and we will work on solving the security issue," the statement noted. Al-Dulaimi also wished Iraq's neighboring conference great success. The Iraqi Accordance Front is a Sunni parliamentary bloc with 44 seats out of the 275-member parliament while the former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's Iraqi National List has 25 seats.
COMMENT: The Iraqi National Front does not hold enough seats to make any major changes. However, that could change should other secular and Sunni parties join them such as Salih Mutlak's Sunni Arab National Dialogue Front and the Reconciliation and Reconstruction list of Mishaan Juburi. There is also a possibility that the continuous and ever-widening chasm within the UIA could encourage Shia parties such as the Islamic Virtue Party (Fadila) to jump ship. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Adnan Dulaimi, Iraqi Accordance Front, Iraqi National Front, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi
Ministry of Oil considering exporting to Syria
Oil, Syria, Jordan
(Azzaman) The Ministry of Oil is keen to diversify export outlets and is considering the possibility of reopening the pipeline via Syria. Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahrastani said both countries were “keen to reactivate the pipeline for the transfer of crude oil via Syrian territories.” But he said no agreement has been reached yet because the pipeline itself is in need of rehabilitation.
“The pipeline’s rehabilitation,” the minister said, “will need many requirements which will have to be met by both sides.” But Shahrastani said before talk of a resumption of exports via Syria or repair of the pipeline the security situation has to be dealt with first. He said the pipeline was already target of acts of sabotage inside Iraqi territory.
“It is important for the Syrian side to prevent the infiltration of saboteurs from its territories who target Iraqis and Iraq’s vital installations namely pipelines and oil projects,” Shahrastani said.
“The pipeline’s rehabilitation,” the minister said, “will need many requirements which will have to be met by both sides.” But Shahrastani said before talk of a resumption of exports via Syria or repair of the pipeline the security situation has to be dealt with first. He said the pipeline was already target of acts of sabotage inside Iraqi territory.
“It is important for the Syrian side to prevent the infiltration of saboteurs from its territories who target Iraqis and Iraq’s vital installations namely pipelines and oil projects,” Shahrastani said.
Mounting violence in western Iraq has prevented the country from resuming oil exports to Jordan. The minister said Iraq had agreed to resume exports to Jordan at preferential prices but both countries have found it almost impossible to carry out the deal. Shahristani said under the agreement the Jordanians were to ferry the crude from a point inside Iraqi territory to their refinery in Zarqa close to Amman.
But the drivers who were assigned to ship the crude through tankers could not make the trip owing to the upsurge in violence on the Iraqi side. Earlier reports had said that the Iraqi ministry, under political pressure, was no longer interested in the deal. But Shahristani said his ministry was keen to implement the deal once security conditions stabilize.
But the drivers who were assigned to ship the crude through tankers could not make the trip owing to the upsurge in violence on the Iraqi side. Earlier reports had said that the Iraqi ministry, under political pressure, was no longer interested in the deal. But Shahristani said his ministry was keen to implement the deal once security conditions stabilize.
Labels: Hussain al-Shahrastani, Jordan, Ministry of Oil, Oil Minister, Syria
Russian oil company plans to drill in southern Iraq
Oil
(ITAR-TASS) LUKoil President Vagit Alekperov said his company is ready to begin an exploration and development project in Iraq's Western Qurna-2 field within 26 months should the Iraqi government approve LUKoil's proposals, ITAR-TASS reported on March 6. "I hope that the Iraqi government will take rationality of our proposals at their true value," Alekperov said. The oil field, considered Iraq's largest with reserves of around 6 billion tons, is located northwest of Al-Basrah. Meanwhile, Chinese oil officials will meet with Iraqi government representatives in Baghdad on March 6 to discuss Hussein-era contracts, Reuters reported on March 5. Before the 2003 Iraq war, China reached a $700 million deal with Saddam Hussein's government to develop the Al-Ahdab oil field, also located in southern Iraq.
COMMENT: LUKoil's involvement with Iraq is not new. In March 1997, the company, along with other Russian companies signed a $3.8-billion deal with Iraq's Ministry of Oil on the second stage of developing Western Qurna oil field. LUKOIL were to hold 52.% of the production-sharing contract. In December 2003, LUKOIL President Vagit Alekperov met with the Chairman of the Temporary Governing Council of Iraq, Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim to discuss development of the West Qurnah-2 oilfield. In March 2004 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and cooperation was signed by Alekperov and Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulyum, Minister of Oil of Iraq. During 2005 LUKoil provided humanitarian aid to the Ministry of Oil and internships for Iraqi oil experts in accordance with the MOU. By 2006 LUKoil had fulfilled the technical side of it's commitments according to the MOU. http://www.lukoil.com/ COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Basra, LUKoil, Qurna-2, Vagit Alekperov
Georgia to send more troops to Iraq
Security, International
(Itar-Tass) Georgia will enlarge its participation in the coalition forces in Iraq, President Mikhail Saakashvili said at the Gori military base on Sunday. In his words, Georgia “is ready to help American and Iraqi colleagues at the critical phase of the peacekeeping operation.” Saakashvili did not say how many Georgian servicemen would be sent to Iraq, where 900 Georgians are already stationed, including two-thirds in Baghdad. Eighteen Georgian servicemen have been wounded.
Labels: coalition forces, Georgia, President Mikhail Saakashvili
al-Hashemi in Syria for security talks
Syria, Politics, Security
(SANA) Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi, arrived in Syria on March 5 for a "several days' visit," Iraqi and Syrian media reported. Al-Hashimi met with Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shar'a to discuss Syrian support for Iraqi security, SANA reported. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation "in all areas to serve their mutual interests," the state-run news agency reported. Al-Hashimi was accompanied by several Iraqi parliamentarians, the culture minister, and a representative from the Iraqi Accordance Front, the coalition to which his party belongs.
COMMENT: Both the U.S. and Iraq have accused Syria several times for not monitoring their border with Iraq adequately, resulting in insurgents and weapons crossing into Iraq with ease. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Syria, Tariq al-Hashimi, vice president
Islamic State denies capture of leader
Insurgency
(SITE) Media reports on Sunday, March 4, cited Iraqi Interior Ministry officials as claiming the arrest of Muharib Mohammed Abdullah, believed to be Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, in a joint raid by Iraqi and U.S. soldiers in Duluiyah, in Salah al-Din governorate. The following day, conflicting reports indicated the arrest of between two and four accomplices of Baghdadi, as well as doubt regarding Baghdadi’s capture.
The Islamic State of Iraq issued a statement to jihadist forums on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, denying recent claims by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior that the Emir of the Believers, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, and those close to him were arrested by Iraqi security forces. This allegation, the group insists, is the latest in invented stories by the “infidel Maliki government”. The Islamic State assures that all leading officials and responsible people of the group are with their families, and if something did in fact happen to a leader, an official announcement would have been made. They remind that jihad is based on “doctrine and belief” and not on specific men, meaning that it will not cease even if a leader is killed or arrested.
Labels: Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, arrest, Duluiyah, Islamic State of Iraq, Ministry of Interior
Insurgent group weighs up supporting security conference
Insurgency, Politics
COMMENT: Al-Zawra reported that the Iraqi Resistance Islamic Front (JAMI) first announced its existence on May 30, 2004. JAMI is believed to have been formed by a number of smaller Sunni resistance groups brought together by common political goals. The groups activities and attacks on coalition forces are primarily centered in the Ninawa and Diyala governorates. The group affirmed several times that it only focuses on fighting the American forces and those who directly collaborate with it; they don't target the Iraqi Police or any other Iraqis in general.The group has also renounced beheadings, saying that they distort the image of the resistance.Most importantly, the group vowed not to cooperate with any other insurgent group which targets Iraqis. COMMENT ENDS.
(SITE) The Islamic Iraqi Resistance Front, JAMI, an insurgency group in Iraq, issued through its “Political Bureau” on Monday, March 5, 2007, a statement regarding the international conference to be held in Baghdad this coming Saturday, March 10. JAMI observes sinister intent in the Iraqi government convening the talks, claiming that it seeks to launch a “diplomatic attack” in defense of its standing, overlook human rights issues, and deny the resistance. The quick response of the United States and Iran to the conference allegedly indicates their respective involvement in the Iraqi arena: the U.S. mired in a swamp and Iran wishing to appear innocent of the killing and destruction caused by its militias.
However, if the international conference is in support of the Iraqi people, to restore their independence and honor, and additionally recognize the Mujahideen and negotiate with the jihadi brigades, then JAMI will support the conference. Here they also address the “occupiers” to their position: “If you want to benefit from your mistakes - and we think you are not - you don’t have to rely on this sectarian government nor its agent parties who came onboard your tanks. The only way to get out of this awkward position is to find a solution with the leaders of jihad and resistance, and not with the agents and mercenaries.”
However, if the international conference is in support of the Iraqi people, to restore their independence and honor, and additionally recognize the Mujahideen and negotiate with the jihadi brigades, then JAMI will support the conference. Here they also address the “occupiers” to their position: “If you want to benefit from your mistakes - and we think you are not - you don’t have to rely on this sectarian government nor its agent parties who came onboard your tanks. The only way to get out of this awkward position is to find a solution with the leaders of jihad and resistance, and not with the agents and mercenaries.”
COMMENT: Al-Zawra reported that the Iraqi Resistance Islamic Front (JAMI) first announced its existence on May 30, 2004. JAMI is believed to have been formed by a number of smaller Sunni resistance groups brought together by common political goals. The groups activities and attacks on coalition forces are primarily centered in the Ninawa and Diyala governorates. The group affirmed several times that it only focuses on fighting the American forces and those who directly collaborate with it; they don't target the Iraqi Police or any other Iraqis in general.The group has also renounced beheadings, saying that they distort the image of the resistance.Most importantly, the group vowed not to cooperate with any other insurgent group which targets Iraqis. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Baghdad security conference, Islamic Iraqi Resistance Front, JAMI
Islamic State of Iraq asks former Iraqi army to Islamic State
Insurgency
(SITE) The Islamic State of Iraq addressed members of the former Iraqi army in a statement issued on Monday, March 5, 2007, reminding them of the appeal from the group’s Emir, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, to join the Islamic State. The message stems from a conference held on Sunday by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki with commanders of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s army, urging them to join his national reconciliation project. This call, the Islamic State believes, is the result of incapability of the Iraqi government and its “American masters” to defeat the jihad. The group also warns the army officers from pursuing the same path as Sunni “betrayers” Salam Zakam and Tariq al-Hashemi, stating: “For those who sold their religion and their Ummah for a very cheap price and agreed to follow in Maliki’s footsteps, we have nothing for them but the cutting sword.”
The appeal by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi to which the statement refers is from his audio message of December 22, 2006, “Truth has Come and Falsehood has Vanished”. Here, Baghdadi addressed officers between the rank of lieutenant and major in the former Iraqi army, instructing them that to join the Islamic State they would have to meet certain requirements, including: being able to recite at least three chapters from the Qur’an and to pass an exam in Islamic doctrine by a Shari’a Committee. Baghdadi states: “This is to make sure that he is free from his unbelief with Ba’ath and its devil”.
The appeal by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi to which the statement refers is from his audio message of December 22, 2006, “Truth has Come and Falsehood has Vanished”. Here, Baghdadi addressed officers between the rank of lieutenant and major in the former Iraqi army, instructing them that to join the Islamic State they would have to meet certain requirements, including: being able to recite at least three chapters from the Qur’an and to pass an exam in Islamic doctrine by a Shari’a Committee. Baghdadi states: “This is to make sure that he is free from his unbelief with Ba’ath and its devil”.
Labels: Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, former Iraqi Army, Islamic State of Iraq
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Sunnis targeted by Iraqi security forces
Security
(Daily Telegraph) Iraq's security forces are receiving orders to conduct raids in which minority Sunni Muslims are intimidated and harassed as part of ethnic cleansing in Baghdad, American military commanders have said. High-level politicians issuing orders for Iraqi units to move against sectarian targets amounts to a violation of a key White House condition for sending additional forces to Baghdad.
Military officials expressed concerns that the raids targeted leading Sunni community leaders in the capital's richest suburb Mansour, as well as nearby Amariyah. Mansour is Baghdad's Mayfair. Until recently it was a cosmopolitan mix of the elite and embassies.
President George W Bush set a series of benchmarks for the Iraqi government to meet when he committed 17,500 extra troops to quell violence in Baghdad. One was that the Shia-led administration had to demonstrate it had purged sectarian activities from within the government and security forces. Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister, agreed that a Joint Command Centre with American and Iraqi would have the sole power to direct operations in Baghdad.
A classified map of the capital seen by The Daily Telegraph shows dramatic gains by Shias in all but a handful of areas. In only a few districts have Sunnis been able to consolidate their dominant position.
Military officials expressed concerns that the raids targeted leading Sunni community leaders in the capital's richest suburb Mansour, as well as nearby Amariyah. Mansour is Baghdad's Mayfair. Until recently it was a cosmopolitan mix of the elite and embassies.
President George W Bush set a series of benchmarks for the Iraqi government to meet when he committed 17,500 extra troops to quell violence in Baghdad. One was that the Shia-led administration had to demonstrate it had purged sectarian activities from within the government and security forces. Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister, agreed that a Joint Command Centre with American and Iraqi would have the sole power to direct operations in Baghdad.
A classified map of the capital seen by The Daily Telegraph shows dramatic gains by Shias in all but a handful of areas. In only a few districts have Sunnis been able to consolidate their dominant position.
COMMENT: The ethnic mapping of Baghdad has changed radically in the last year. In the past there were many mixed ethnic areas. As sectarian killing and threats increased, many people left mixed areas to move into parts of Baghdad where their ethnic group was the majority. In other cases, they packed their bags and left. The majority of Baghdad is now divided in two, with Shias occupying the majority of Risafa - the side on the east of the Tigris and Sunnis in Karkh on the west of the river. However it is worth bearing in mind that Iraq's population is made up of 63% Shias and 34% Sunnis, resulting in Shias taking the most space. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: ethnic cleansing, security forces
U.S. commanders move troops out of bases
Security
(Reuters) U.S. commanders are moving troops from the relative safety of their sprawling bases and stationing them in small outposts in Baghdad's most violent districts in a pivotal tactical shift. More than a dozen joint security stations have opened in a fresh approach designed by General David Petraeus, the new U.S. commander in Iraq, a counter-insurgency expert who warns troops to be ready to be "greeted with a handshake or a hand grenade."
The effort, one of the main components of a Baghdad security plan seen as the last chance to avert all-out civil war, aims to break the militants' grip on neighborhoods by expanding troop presence and building on local intelligence. Rather than launching incursions into strongholds and pulling troops back into their bases, the goal now is to set up 24-hour neighborhood garrisons, where U.S. troops live with their Iraqi counterparts, U.S. commanders said.
The U.S. military will establish around 30 outposts, including one in the Shi'ite militia bastion of Sadr City. So far, the plan has met little resistance, but it has placed hundreds of U.S. soldiers at greater risk, leaving them more vulnerable to insurgent attacks and in danger of being caught up in the middle of sectarian fighting. American commanders credit a decline in sectarian murders in Baghdad to the "clear, hold and build" approach of the outposts but have warned that militants could be waiting them out. General Abdul Hamid, police chief for eastern Baghdad, said gunmen will probably sit tight until the Americans leave.
The effort, one of the main components of a Baghdad security plan seen as the last chance to avert all-out civil war, aims to break the militants' grip on neighborhoods by expanding troop presence and building on local intelligence. Rather than launching incursions into strongholds and pulling troops back into their bases, the goal now is to set up 24-hour neighborhood garrisons, where U.S. troops live with their Iraqi counterparts, U.S. commanders said.
The U.S. military will establish around 30 outposts, including one in the Shi'ite militia bastion of Sadr City. So far, the plan has met little resistance, but it has placed hundreds of U.S. soldiers at greater risk, leaving them more vulnerable to insurgent attacks and in danger of being caught up in the middle of sectarian fighting. American commanders credit a decline in sectarian murders in Baghdad to the "clear, hold and build" approach of the outposts but have warned that militants could be waiting them out. General Abdul Hamid, police chief for eastern Baghdad, said gunmen will probably sit tight until the Americans leave.
Labels: Baghdad, General David Petraeus, security stations
Al-Maliki is againts the IAF's plan of changing the Defense Minister
Politics, Security
(Voices of Iraq) Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki views that changing Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Ubaidi upon the wish of the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) will "affect the course of the security plan," said Sami al-Aaskari, a Shiite Unified Iraqi Coalition (UIC) member of parliament, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on Sunday.
The IAF "has not so far come up with alternatives for its ministers (in the Maliki government)," said Aaskari. Maliki had earlier on Sunday said the expected cabinet reshuffle will take place this week or next week. The IAF occupies three portfolios in the current Iraqi government and was assigned to name a defense minister, Ubaidi.
On the number of ministries to be included in the reshuffle, Aaskari said that the change will involve 10 ministries, including six belonging to the UIC, two to the Iraqi National Slate and two to the IAF. The Iraqi parliament member did not, however, name those ministries but said the UIC "has already named the new nominees." Aaskari said "ministers will be chosen this time from technocratic circles and experience and efficiency would be taken into consideration."
The IAF "has not so far come up with alternatives for its ministers (in the Maliki government)," said Aaskari. Maliki had earlier on Sunday said the expected cabinet reshuffle will take place this week or next week. The IAF occupies three portfolios in the current Iraqi government and was assigned to name a defense minister, Ubaidi.
On the number of ministries to be included in the reshuffle, Aaskari said that the change will involve 10 ministries, including six belonging to the UIC, two to the Iraqi National Slate and two to the IAF. The Iraqi parliament member did not, however, name those ministries but said the UIC "has already named the new nominees." Aaskari said "ministers will be chosen this time from technocratic circles and experience and efficiency would be taken into consideration."
COMMENT: Iyad Allawi (secular Shia) has been in talks with Kurdish leaders to form a new front. This could lead to the destabilisation of al-Maliki and a decrease in Shia political power. The IAF supports Allawi's concept if there is a redistribution of official appointments and the security ministries, as well as freezing of the constitution and dissolving of parliament. If their requirements are not met they have threatened to walk away. The IAF describes their concepts as a 'B' plan should the Baghdad Security Conference - scheduled for next week - fail. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Abdul-Qader al-Ubaidi, al-Maliki, Defense Minister, Iraqi Accord Front, Sami al-Aaskari
Iran-Iraq Joint Economic Committee meeting to be held in April
Economy
(Mehr news agency) The first Iran-Iraq Joint Economic Committee meeting will be held here from April 6-7, the Ministry of Commerce reported today. The strategies to boost the trade exchange, investment, transportation, banking, and customs ties will be negotiated in the meeting. Iran's Commerce Minister Mas'ud Mirkazemi and his Iraqi opposite number Abdul Falah Al-Sudani will co-chair the meeting, added the ministry.
Labels: Iran-Iraq Joint Economic Committee meeting
Construction material expo opens in Arbil
Commerce
(VOI) A five-day construction material exhibition was opened on Monday with the participation of more than 80 companies, most of them Turkish, working in construction field. Aziz Ibrahim Abdo, member of the preparatory committee for the exhibition and a general director in the ministry of finance from Iraq's Kurdistan region, said that Turkish commercial ties with Iraq's Kurdistan would play a pivotal role in strengthening relations between the two governments.He also underlined that there were more than 350 Turkish companies operating in Kurdistan.
"We are in need of new imported construction materials to speed up construction operations, as well as to implement other projects," Arbil Mayor, Nouzad Hadi, said in statements to VOI. The coordinator of Turkish companies in Kurdistan, Karkhi Yarmaq, said that bolstering commercial ties was the best way to maintain the two parties' interests and to tackle any misunderstandings. Turkey has accused Iraq's Kurdistan government of supporting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Labels: Arbil, Arbil Mayor, Aziz Ibrahim Abdo, construction material, expo, Kurdistan, Nouzad Hadi, Turkey
Seized weapons caches appear on black market
Security
(Azzaman) The Ministry of Interior has launched an inquiry into how the weapons its forces capture during military operations find their way to black market again. A ministry source, refusing to be named, said the investigation was started following reports that Iraqi police officers resell the illegal weapons they seize. The source said initial findings point to covert links between gunmen and militia groups with ministry police forces. He said several officers have already been detained but declined to give further details.
COMMENT: The Iraqi security forces have for a long time been infiltrated by militia groups such as the Badr Corps (linked to the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq) and al-Sadr's Mahdi Army. It isn't hard for these groups to redirect the seized weapons to the black market. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Badr Corps, Iraqi Army, Mahdi Army, Ministry of Interior, Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq
Electricity supply to increase by the summer
Power generation
(Azzaman) The Minister of Electricity says Iraqis will see improvements in the supply of power in the summer. The pledge by Kareem Waheed is the latest in a series of broken promises to improve the country’s ailing national grid which has been worsening since the 2003 U.S. invasion. But Waheed said his ministry has signed contracts with both foreign and domestic firms to add more than 1,700 megawatts to the national grid.
He said he hoped that by the summer the national grid will have the capacity to produce about 6,000 megawatts. The volume, if achieved, will still fall short of the country’s needs now estimated at more than 12,000 megawatts. Currently supplies from the national grid are very erratic with the electricity off most of the day. Iraqis now rely on small generators which serve inhabitants of small districts in major towns. But even these generators are not working properly due to fuel shortages.
He said he hoped that by the summer the national grid will have the capacity to produce about 6,000 megawatts. The volume, if achieved, will still fall short of the country’s needs now estimated at more than 12,000 megawatts. Currently supplies from the national grid are very erratic with the electricity off most of the day. Iraqis now rely on small generators which serve inhabitants of small districts in major towns. But even these generators are not working properly due to fuel shortages.
Labels: electricity, Kareem Waheed, Minister of Electricity
Iraq's Mandaeans face extinction
Humanitarian
(BBC) The Sabian Mandaeans - one of the oldest religious groups in the world - are facing extinction, according to its leaders. They claim that Islamic extremists in Iraq are trying to wipe them out through forced conversions, rape and murder. The Mandaeans are pacifists, followers of Adam, Noah and John the Baptist. They have lived in what is now Iraq since before Islam and Christianity. More than 80% have been forced to flee the country and now live as refugees in Syria and Jordan. Even there they do not feel safe - but they say western governments are unwilling to take them in.
There are thought to be fewer than 70,000 of the Sabian Mandaeans spread across the world - only 5,000 are left in Iraq. Mandaean elders use words like annihilation and genocide - they believe Islamic militants, both Sunni and Shia, offer them two choices - convert or die. "Some will not consider us people of the book... they see us as unbelievers, as a result our killing is allowed," says Kanzfra Sattar, one of only five Mandaean bishops left worldwide. He believes they are a litmus test for modern Iraq - in a secular state these doctors, engineers and jewellers would thrive. In the country as it is without law and in the grip of religious extremism, he fears they will be destroyed.
There are thought to be fewer than 70,000 of the Sabian Mandaeans spread across the world - only 5,000 are left in Iraq. Mandaean elders use words like annihilation and genocide - they believe Islamic militants, both Sunni and Shia, offer them two choices - convert or die. "Some will not consider us people of the book... they see us as unbelievers, as a result our killing is allowed," says Kanzfra Sattar, one of only five Mandaean bishops left worldwide. He believes they are a litmus test for modern Iraq - in a secular state these doctors, engineers and jewellers would thrive. In the country as it is without law and in the grip of religious extremism, he fears they will be destroyed.
Labels: Sabian Mandaeans
Iraq's foreign minister against international intervention
Security, Politics, International
(UPI) Iraq's foreign minister said his country is against taking the Iraqi crisis to the international arena, saying this will take Iraq back to "square one." Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari told United Press International in an interview in Cairo Monday the idea of holding an international conference on Iraq or taking the crisis to the U.N. Security Council is "completely rejected."
He stressed that any regional or international moves should be solely focused on helping the Iraqi government restore security, stability and national reconciliation. "But those with the idea of taking the situation back to square one should realize they are delusional," said.
Zibari was responding to a request by Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa, on the sidelines of the Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo Sunday, to resort to the Security Council for a resolution on the Iraqi political process, including the dismantling of the militias and revoking some articles in the new constitution. During their meeting, the foreign ministers declared that resolving the Iraqi crisis is the prime responsibility of the Iraqi government and leaders.
Zibari's comments reflected fears by some of the ruling Shiite and Kurdish forces from Arab-sponsored plans to include in the new political fabric Sunni parties, including members of the dismantled former Baath Party, that oppose the U.S. occupation and the Iraqi government. Major U.S.-allied Arab countries -- Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan -- are worried by the growing influence of the Iranian-backed Shiite parties on war-torn Iraq.
He stressed that any regional or international moves should be solely focused on helping the Iraqi government restore security, stability and national reconciliation. "But those with the idea of taking the situation back to square one should realize they are delusional," said.
Zibari was responding to a request by Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa, on the sidelines of the Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo Sunday, to resort to the Security Council for a resolution on the Iraqi political process, including the dismantling of the militias and revoking some articles in the new constitution. During their meeting, the foreign ministers declared that resolving the Iraqi crisis is the prime responsibility of the Iraqi government and leaders.
Zibari's comments reflected fears by some of the ruling Shiite and Kurdish forces from Arab-sponsored plans to include in the new political fabric Sunni parties, including members of the dismantled former Baath Party, that oppose the U.S. occupation and the Iraqi government. Major U.S.-allied Arab countries -- Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan -- are worried by the growing influence of the Iranian-backed Shiite parties on war-torn Iraq.
Labels: Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zibari, UNSC
U.N. office for refugees to open in Jordan
Humanitarian
(AP) The United Nations plans to open an office in Jordan to deal with the increasingly serious humanitarian problems posed by 1.8 million Iraqis who have fled to neighboring countries and a similar number who have fled their homes and are still inside Iraq, the new U.N. humanitarian chief said Monday.
John Holmes told a news conference that governments, voluntary organizations and other U.N. agencies want to address the worsening humanitarian situation "in a more consistent way than we have been" in the past. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will be setting up a small office in the Jordanian capital, Amman, with about 10 staff members, he said.
John Holmes told a news conference that governments, voluntary organizations and other U.N. agencies want to address the worsening humanitarian situation "in a more consistent way than we have been" in the past. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will be setting up a small office in the Jordanian capital, Amman, with about 10 staff members, he said.
There are currently 1.8 million Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, primarily Syria and Jordan, "who are posing considerable problems and facing considerable difficulties," he said. The U.N. believes there are a similar number of internally displaced Iraqis as a result of sectarian violence and rising tensions, and "they face very serious problems as well."
Labels: Jordan, refugees, U.N., U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Shiite pilgrims attacked
Security
(AP) Shiite pilgrims came under attack again Tuesday, police said, with at least eight killed as they streamed south from Baghdad on foot toward a shrine ahead of a Muslim holiday this weekend. Worshippers were heading to Karbala, 50 miles south of the Iraqi capital, before Al Arbayeen - the holiday that marks the end of a 40-day mourning period after the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. There were at least three shootings and three bomb attacks against groups of pilgrims making the journey Tuesday.
COMMENT: Due to the upcoming religious Shiite holiday of Al Arbayeen, there is likely to be increased traffic heading to Karbala. Further attacks can be expected. If large scale casualty attacks are employed using suicide bomber tactics (typically by Sunni insurgents), there are likely to be reprisals with the possibility of larger players such as the Mahdi Army stepping up attacks on Sunnis. This will be the reaction Sunni insurgents are trying to provoke. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Al Arbayeen, Karbala, Shiite pilgrims
85,000 former Iraqi Army members returned to jobs
Security
(Al Iraqiyah) An estimated 500 Iraqi Army officers attended the Officers' Conference for National Reconciliation sponsored by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's office in Baghdad on March 4. Addressing the conference, al-Maliki told attendees: "If we want to reach the shore of safety, stability, sovereignty, and the building of the homeland, all our efforts must be geared to this end," Al-Iraqiyah television reported.
Rashid Majid al-Nasiri, director-general of the Iraqi cabinet's Dissolved Entities Department, told attendees that recruitment centers will be opened in all governorates to recruit specialists who can contribute to the development of the military, security, and engineering efforts of the government.
Al-Nasiri said some 85,000 members of the former Iraqi Army, dissolved under the Coalition Provisional Authority, have been returned to their jobs. "More than 99 percent of the members of the present army are from the former army," he said. Al-Nasiri added that the new Iraq has room for all those who want to serve their people and country
Labels: director-general of the Iraqi cabinet's Dissolved Entities Department, former Iraqi Army, Officers' Conference for National Reconciliation, Rashid Majid al-Nasiri
Monday, March 05, 2007
Arab League tells Iraq government it must control situation
Politics, Security, Region
(AP) The Iraqi government is responsible for defusing the sectarian violence tearing the country apart and should redraft the constitution and rescind laws that give preferential treatment to Shiites and Kurds, Arab foreign ministers said in a statement Sunday. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa also hinted that Arab governments may take their recommendations on stemming the violence in Iraq to the U.N. Security Council if the government's efforts to end the crisis fail.
Sunday's statement was the strongest sign yet from the mostly Sunni Muslim Arab governments in the Middle East that they blame the Iraqi government for the country's sectarian strife. "The resolution of the conflict lies on the Iraqi government and the Iraqi leaders whose first responsibility should be to reactivate efforts for national reconciliation," the ministers said in a statement released after they met in Cairo.
In the statement, the ministers set forth several recommendations they want the Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to consider before they give their full support to a regional conference on stabilizing Iraq that is scheduled to start Saturday in Baghdad. Among the recommendations are expanding the political process to achieve broader participation of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, confronting sectarian tensions and working to eliminate them, speeding up constitutional reform, and ensuring the equal distribution of wealth.
The ministers also called for revoking an Iraqi law that dismissed senior members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party from the government and urged the government to pass a law that specifically says Iraqis should be treated equally based on their citizenship, not their religion or ethnicity. In addition, they called on the Iraqi government to disband Shiite militias, end armed demonstrations and decide on a specific timeframe for the withdrawal of foreign troops.
"In my opinion, the mechanism (for ending the strife) should be through the Security Council, without that there will no solution," Moussa told reporters after Sunday's meeting. Sunni Arab countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have been deeply disturbed by what they view as a Shiite bias on the part of Iraq's Shiite-led government as sectarian violence has flared in recent months. Earlier Sunday, the ministers had pledged to send representatives to the Baghdad meeting next weekend despite their reservations about the country's direction.
Sunday's statement was the strongest sign yet from the mostly Sunni Muslim Arab governments in the Middle East that they blame the Iraqi government for the country's sectarian strife. "The resolution of the conflict lies on the Iraqi government and the Iraqi leaders whose first responsibility should be to reactivate efforts for national reconciliation," the ministers said in a statement released after they met in Cairo.
In the statement, the ministers set forth several recommendations they want the Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to consider before they give their full support to a regional conference on stabilizing Iraq that is scheduled to start Saturday in Baghdad. Among the recommendations are expanding the political process to achieve broader participation of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, confronting sectarian tensions and working to eliminate them, speeding up constitutional reform, and ensuring the equal distribution of wealth.
The ministers also called for revoking an Iraqi law that dismissed senior members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party from the government and urged the government to pass a law that specifically says Iraqis should be treated equally based on their citizenship, not their religion or ethnicity. In addition, they called on the Iraqi government to disband Shiite militias, end armed demonstrations and decide on a specific timeframe for the withdrawal of foreign troops.
"In my opinion, the mechanism (for ending the strife) should be through the Security Council, without that there will no solution," Moussa told reporters after Sunday's meeting. Sunni Arab countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have been deeply disturbed by what they view as a Shiite bias on the part of Iraq's Shiite-led government as sectarian violence has flared in recent months. Earlier Sunday, the ministers had pledged to send representatives to the Baghdad meeting next weekend despite their reservations about the country's direction.
Labels: Arab League, Secretary-General Amr Moussa, UNSC
Special Advisor to Iraq Compact named
(UN News Service) Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, the former head of the United Nations Department for Political Affairs, was today named Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Advisor on the International Compact with Iraq and Other Political Issues.
“Based at Headquarters, the Special Adviser’s role with regard to the International Compact with Iraq will be to ensure coordinated support from the United Nations System to the implementation of commitments made, through the Compact, toward a peaceful, secure and prosperous Iraq,” she said. Launched in July, 2006, the Compact aims to help Iraq consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years.
“Based at Headquarters, the Special Adviser’s role with regard to the International Compact with Iraq will be to ensure coordinated support from the United Nations System to the implementation of commitments made, through the Compact, toward a peaceful, secure and prosperous Iraq,” she said. Launched in July, 2006, the Compact aims to help Iraq consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years.
Labels: Ibrahim Gambari, Special Advisor on the International Compact with Iraq
Allawi meets with Kurdish leaders
Politics
(Al-Hayat) A member of Ayad Allawi's Iraqi List, Osama al-Najafi, told an Al-Hayat reporter that both Allawi and US ambassador Khalilzad are in Kurdistan for talks with leaders there. Allawi is trying to convince the leaders of the Kurdish coalition in the national parliament to join the "new front" he is forming, since the Kurds have a big weight in parliament and in the current government. And Najafi told the reporter that Khalilzad's presence there indicates the US supports the Allawi plan. The reporter then recites the contents of the announcement made Friday by a spokesman for Allawi's group, about the political and security collapse and the threat of Allawi's group exiting the government and the current political process. Here's the new part of what he reports:
And Najafi said the question of the Iraqi List staying in the current government is conditional on agreement to its demands, represented by: revision of the political process in its entirety, changing the method of administering the Iraqi state, freezing the constitution, and dissolving parliament. And he stressed that the decision to withdraw [in the event the demands aren't met] has been agreed to my most of the members of the Iraqi List. The reporter also talked to Adnan Dulaimi, head of the Iraqi Accord Front, the biggest Sunni bloc in parliament, and here's how that went:
And the IAF, through its leader Adnan Dulaimi, said the group supports the creation of a new front to correct the course of the political process via redistribution of official appointments and the security ministries, in the event of failure of the international Baghdad Conference to cure the current situation.
And Najafi said the question of the Iraqi List staying in the current government is conditional on agreement to its demands, represented by: revision of the political process in its entirety, changing the method of administering the Iraqi state, freezing the constitution, and dissolving parliament. And he stressed that the decision to withdraw [in the event the demands aren't met] has been agreed to my most of the members of the Iraqi List. The reporter also talked to Adnan Dulaimi, head of the Iraqi Accord Front, the biggest Sunni bloc in parliament, and here's how that went:
And the IAF, through its leader Adnan Dulaimi, said the group supports the creation of a new front to correct the course of the political process via redistribution of official appointments and the security ministries, in the event of failure of the international Baghdad Conference to cure the current situation.
So the Iraqi List appears to be talking about a "new front" that will demand freezing of the constitution and dissolving parliament as part of a "course-correction in the political process", otherwise they will bolt. The IAF leader talks about this "new front" idea as a "redistribution of official positions", and says it is something that should happen in the event that the Baghdad Conference (expected to be held in about a week, on March 10) doesn't solve anything. And the Allawi person, perhaps predictably, says Allawi is being given tacit US support by Khalilzad, in his current attempt to get the two big Kurdish parties to join in this.
Labels: Adnan Dulaimi, Iraqi Accord Front, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, KRG, Osama al-Najafi
Cabinet reshuffle could threaten al-Sadr's position
Politics
(Daily Telegraph) A political crisis that could topple the Iraqi government loomed last night as prime minister Nouri al-Maliki said he was preparing a cabinet reshuffle that could place him at loggerheads with a key Shia parliamentary bloc. Promising a reshuffle "within the next fortnight", Mr Maliki presented it as a way of improving government efficiency. But he is coming under intense pressure from the United States to ditch the six government ministers loyal to Moqtada al Sadr, the fiercely anti-American Shia cleric, and create a moderate coalition government bringing together non-violent parties from across Iraq's ethnic divide.
The so-called Mahdi Army Militia, which Sadr controls, is blamed by Washington for stoking sectarian violence around Baghdad and, in the opinion of US diplomats, its leaders should not be part of the government. Yesterday, hundreds of US soldiers entered the Shia stronghold of Sadr City in the first major push into the area since an American-led security sweep began last month around Baghdad. Soldiers conducted house-to-house searches through the densely populated buildings, but met no resistance in a district firmly in the hands of the Mahdi Army, led by Sadr, said Lt Col David Oclander. "The indication that we are getting is a lot of the really bad folks have gone into hiding," he added.
Mr Maliki's political problem is that his coalition only came to power with the backing of Sadr's 30-strong parliamentary group and it is unclear how he would be able to build a new moderate coalition without those key votes. Yesterday Mr Maliki hinted that he would reduce the number of cabinet positions during the reshuffle. Officials later said there were plans to cut the 39 current portfolios to 30.
Al-Sadr also controls 30 of the 275 parliament seats, and his support for al-Maliki has been responsible for the government's reluctance to crack down on the cleric's Mehdi Army militia, blamed for much of the Shiite-Sunni violence of the past year. U.S. officials had been urging al-Maliki to cut his ties to al-Sadr and form a new alliance of mainstream Shiites, moderate Sunnis and Kurds. Al-Maliki had been stalling, presumably at the urging of the powerful Shiite clerical hierarchy that wants to maintain Shiite unity.
The so-called Mahdi Army Militia, which Sadr controls, is blamed by Washington for stoking sectarian violence around Baghdad and, in the opinion of US diplomats, its leaders should not be part of the government. Yesterday, hundreds of US soldiers entered the Shia stronghold of Sadr City in the first major push into the area since an American-led security sweep began last month around Baghdad. Soldiers conducted house-to-house searches through the densely populated buildings, but met no resistance in a district firmly in the hands of the Mahdi Army, led by Sadr, said Lt Col David Oclander. "The indication that we are getting is a lot of the really bad folks have gone into hiding," he added.
Mr Maliki's political problem is that his coalition only came to power with the backing of Sadr's 30-strong parliamentary group and it is unclear how he would be able to build a new moderate coalition without those key votes. Yesterday Mr Maliki hinted that he would reduce the number of cabinet positions during the reshuffle. Officials later said there were plans to cut the 39 current portfolios to 30.
Al-Sadr also controls 30 of the 275 parliament seats, and his support for al-Maliki has been responsible for the government's reluctance to crack down on the cleric's Mehdi Army militia, blamed for much of the Shiite-Sunni violence of the past year. U.S. officials had been urging al-Maliki to cut his ties to al-Sadr and form a new alliance of mainstream Shiites, moderate Sunnis and Kurds. Al-Maliki had been stalling, presumably at the urging of the powerful Shiite clerical hierarchy that wants to maintain Shiite unity.
Labels: al-Maliki, cabinet reshuffle, Moqtada Al-Sadr
