Friday, September 14, 2007
U.S. military awards $475 mn. security contract to British firm
Contracts
(Washington Post) - The U.S. military confirmed yesterday that it awarded the largest security contract in Iraq to a private British firm, Aegis Defence Services, in a deal worth up to $475 million over two years. Aegis won the high-stakes derby over six other contenders, said sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the bidding process.
The deal, however, is being challenged by another British company that bid on the contract. Erinys Iraq is seeking an injunction from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to stop the Army from carrying out the contract. Erinys, which is also planning a separate appeal of the award to Aegis, had unsuccessfully sought to challenge the Army's decision in protests with the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Members of Congress, meanwhile, continue to raise questions about the use of foreign private security forces, such as Aegis, to protect U.S. commanders and soldiers. Federal lawmakers have requested that the GAO look into the use of private security contractors in Iraq. The Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction also is conducting its second audit of Aegis, based on a request from a member of Congress who has expressed concerns about the firm's chief executive, Tim Spicer. He is a retired British military officer whose previous private military company, Sandline International, had been hired to quell insurgencies in countries such as Papua New Guinea and Sierra Leone.
"We are very pleased to receive this award, which we believe is a fine reflection of both our previous performance and our ongoing commitment to serve our client, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division, to the best of our ability," Spicer said in a statement. Aegis holds the current contract, a three-year deal worth $293 million, to provide intelligence services to the Army and security for the Army Corps of Engineers on reconstruction work in Iraq.
While a military official in Baghdad confirmed Aegis as the contract winner, he did not elaborate; an announcement is expected soon. It was unclear yesterday why Aegis prevailed over what sources said was the other top contender, another British firm, ArmorGroup International. But over the past several months, sources said Aegis worked to show the military that it had a strong track record, stressing that none of its U.S. military clients had been killed in three years while traveling more than 3 million miles in Iraq. Sources also said Aegis underscored to the military that it made little sense to change contractors by bringing in another private firm to oversee a complicated security operation with offices throughout Iraq just as U.S. forces were seeking to scale back and eventually withdraw from the country.
Aegis was not the lowest bidder, but it was close in price to ArmorGroup's proposal, sources said. ArmorGroup, which is one of the largest security firms in Iraq, with more than 1,200 employees, tried to persuade the military that it was a better choice than Aegis in part by stressing its track record for protecting clients in Iraq, sources said. ArmorGroup spokesman Patrick Toyne-Sewell declined to comment.
ArmorGroup also tried to highlight some of the controversies involving Spicer and Aegis, sources said. After winning the first U.S. Army contract, Aegis quickly ran into problems. A special inspector audit found that the company failed to perform adequate background checks on some Iraqi employees. The company said it had just won the contract and immediately addressed the issue.
Erinys, which has about 1,000 employees in Iraq and provides security for some military personnel there under a separate contract, has maintained that the Army did not thoroughly review its proposal and failed to follow procurement rules. An attorney for Erinys declined to comment.
Members of Congress, meanwhile, continue to raise questions about the use of foreign private security forces, such as Aegis, to protect U.S. commanders and soldiers. Federal lawmakers have requested that the GAO look into the use of private security contractors in Iraq. The Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction also is conducting its second audit of Aegis, based on a request from a member of Congress who has expressed concerns about the firm's chief executive, Tim Spicer. He is a retired British military officer whose previous private military company, Sandline International, had been hired to quell insurgencies in countries such as Papua New Guinea and Sierra Leone.
"We are very pleased to receive this award, which we believe is a fine reflection of both our previous performance and our ongoing commitment to serve our client, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division, to the best of our ability," Spicer said in a statement. Aegis holds the current contract, a three-year deal worth $293 million, to provide intelligence services to the Army and security for the Army Corps of Engineers on reconstruction work in Iraq.
While a military official in Baghdad confirmed Aegis as the contract winner, he did not elaborate; an announcement is expected soon. It was unclear yesterday why Aegis prevailed over what sources said was the other top contender, another British firm, ArmorGroup International. But over the past several months, sources said Aegis worked to show the military that it had a strong track record, stressing that none of its U.S. military clients had been killed in three years while traveling more than 3 million miles in Iraq. Sources also said Aegis underscored to the military that it made little sense to change contractors by bringing in another private firm to oversee a complicated security operation with offices throughout Iraq just as U.S. forces were seeking to scale back and eventually withdraw from the country.
Aegis was not the lowest bidder, but it was close in price to ArmorGroup's proposal, sources said. ArmorGroup, which is one of the largest security firms in Iraq, with more than 1,200 employees, tried to persuade the military that it was a better choice than Aegis in part by stressing its track record for protecting clients in Iraq, sources said. ArmorGroup spokesman Patrick Toyne-Sewell declined to comment.
ArmorGroup also tried to highlight some of the controversies involving Spicer and Aegis, sources said. After winning the first U.S. Army contract, Aegis quickly ran into problems. A special inspector audit found that the company failed to perform adequate background checks on some Iraqi employees. The company said it had just won the contract and immediately addressed the issue.
Erinys, which has about 1,000 employees in Iraq and provides security for some military personnel there under a separate contract, has maintained that the Army did not thoroughly review its proposal and failed to follow procurement rules. An attorney for Erinys declined to comment.
Labels: Aegis Defense Services, Armorgroup, Erinys Iraq, GAO, GRD, Iraq, security contract, Tim Spicer, U.S. military, USACE
Anbar tribes vow to avenge killing of Abu Risha as new leader elected
Security
(Al Jazeera) - Sunni Arab tribes in Anbar, the western Iraqi province, have vowed to avenge the killing of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, their leader. He died in a roadside-bomb attack near his home in Ramadi, the provincial capital, on Thursday. Abdul Sattar Abu Risha was leader of the Anbar Salvation Council, an alliance of clans that supported the Iraqi government and US forces in fighting al-Qaeda in the province. Thousands of people gathered in Ramadi to attend Friday's funeral.
"We blame al-Qaeda and we are going to continue our fight and avenge his death," Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha, brother of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, said on Friday. Ahmed Abu Risha was elected the new leader of the Anbar Salvation Conference just hours after his brother's killing. Pallbearers carried Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's body from Ramadi to the cemetery 10km outside the city, while the funeral procession shouted "revenge, revenge on al-Qaeda." Others mourners chanted "there is no God but Allah and al-Qaeda is the enemy of Allah" and "Abdul Sattar is the pride of Ramadi".
Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, was represented by Muwaffaq al-Rubaie, his national security adviser, who condemned the killing. "It is a national Iraqi disaster. What Abu Risha did for Iraq, no single man has done in the country's history," al-Rubaie told the mourners gathered in the sheikh's house. "We will support Anbar much more than before. Abu Risha is a national hero."
"This is a man who has had a controversial past, but in recent months he has become a very prominent figure, even meeting George Bush [the US president]," Al Jazeera's James Bays said. Abdul Sattar Abu Risha had urged the tribal leaders in other Iraqi provinces to follow Anbar's lead in co-operating with the central government against al-Qaeda
"He was returning home when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb planted by insurgents," Colonel Tareq al-Dulaimi, Anbar security chief, said. "His car was hit directly." No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Sheikh Jubeir Rashid, a senior member of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's group, told the Associated Press: "It is a major blow to the council, but we are determined to strike back and continue our work. "Such an attack was expected, but it will not deter us." Two of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's bodyguards were also killed by the roadside bomb, Colonel Tareq Youssef, supervisor of Anbar police, said. Police announced a state of emergency in Ramadi after the bombing and set up additional checkpoints throughout the city, Rashid said. Anbar success
General David Petraeus, the senior US commander in Iraq, repeatedly pointed to successes in tackling a-Qaeda in Anbar during his testimony before the US congress. Omar Abdul Sattar from the Islamic Party of Iraq told Al Jazeera that Abdul Sattar Abu Rishar had become a national symbol of the "national war against al-Qaeda". "His programme now against al-Qaeda has become a national programme. Diyala province, Salahuddin province, Baghdad province are following now his programme," he said. The White House condemned Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's "assassination".
"His death also reminds us that the struggle will require continued perseverance, and the Iraqis are increasingly turning away from al-Qaeda, as a result of such extreme acts of violence," Kate Starr, White House national security council spokeswoman, said. Bush mentioned the killing in a speech on Thursday in which he announced that he may pull some 30,000 US troops out of Iraq by mid-2008 effectively ending the so-called surge.
Hoda Abdel Hamid, Al Jazeera's Iraq correspondent, said Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's death could derail some of the US successes. "Anbar province was really the capital of al-Qaeda in Iraq ... he managed to convince the tribes to give up their young people to make up the police and armed forces in the province," she said. Within hours of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's death, some Islamist websites posted messages praising his killing, the Associated Press news agency reported. One called him "one of the biggest pigs of the Crusaders", while another said he would spend Ramadan "in the pits of hell".
"We blame al-Qaeda and we are going to continue our fight and avenge his death," Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha, brother of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, said on Friday. Ahmed Abu Risha was elected the new leader of the Anbar Salvation Conference just hours after his brother's killing. Pallbearers carried Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's body from Ramadi to the cemetery 10km outside the city, while the funeral procession shouted "revenge, revenge on al-Qaeda." Others mourners chanted "there is no God but Allah and al-Qaeda is the enemy of Allah" and "Abdul Sattar is the pride of Ramadi".
Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, was represented by Muwaffaq al-Rubaie, his national security adviser, who condemned the killing. "It is a national Iraqi disaster. What Abu Risha did for Iraq, no single man has done in the country's history," al-Rubaie told the mourners gathered in the sheikh's house. "We will support Anbar much more than before. Abu Risha is a national hero."
"This is a man who has had a controversial past, but in recent months he has become a very prominent figure, even meeting George Bush [the US president]," Al Jazeera's James Bays said. Abdul Sattar Abu Risha had urged the tribal leaders in other Iraqi provinces to follow Anbar's lead in co-operating with the central government against al-Qaeda
"He was returning home when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb planted by insurgents," Colonel Tareq al-Dulaimi, Anbar security chief, said. "His car was hit directly." No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Sheikh Jubeir Rashid, a senior member of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's group, told the Associated Press: "It is a major blow to the council, but we are determined to strike back and continue our work. "Such an attack was expected, but it will not deter us." Two of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's bodyguards were also killed by the roadside bomb, Colonel Tareq Youssef, supervisor of Anbar police, said. Police announced a state of emergency in Ramadi after the bombing and set up additional checkpoints throughout the city, Rashid said. Anbar success
General David Petraeus, the senior US commander in Iraq, repeatedly pointed to successes in tackling a-Qaeda in Anbar during his testimony before the US congress. Omar Abdul Sattar from the Islamic Party of Iraq told Al Jazeera that Abdul Sattar Abu Rishar had become a national symbol of the "national war against al-Qaeda". "His programme now against al-Qaeda has become a national programme. Diyala province, Salahuddin province, Baghdad province are following now his programme," he said. The White House condemned Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's "assassination".
"His death also reminds us that the struggle will require continued perseverance, and the Iraqis are increasingly turning away from al-Qaeda, as a result of such extreme acts of violence," Kate Starr, White House national security council spokeswoman, said. Bush mentioned the killing in a speech on Thursday in which he announced that he may pull some 30,000 US troops out of Iraq by mid-2008 effectively ending the so-called surge.
Hoda Abdel Hamid, Al Jazeera's Iraq correspondent, said Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's death could derail some of the US successes. "Anbar province was really the capital of al-Qaeda in Iraq ... he managed to convince the tribes to give up their young people to make up the police and armed forces in the province," she said. Within hours of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's death, some Islamist websites posted messages praising his killing, the Associated Press news agency reported. One called him "one of the biggest pigs of the Crusaders", while another said he would spend Ramadan "in the pits of hell".
Labels: Al Anbar, Al Qaeda, Anbar Salvation Council, assassination, Ramadi, Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha
Islamic State of Iraq shows body of U.S. pilot
Insurgency
(AP) -- An al-Qaida-linked insurgent group released a video Thursday showing what it called the body of a U.S. pilot killed in Iraq last year, a photograph of his identification card and footage of his aircraft's wreckage site. The video, posted on a Web site commonly used by Islamic militants, also blamed President Bush for the pilot's death and for pushing "thousands of American soldiers to the incinerator in Iraq."
It was first obtained by the IntelCenter monitoring group in suburban Washington. The footage, more than 11 minutes long and with English subtitles, bears the insignia of the Islamic State of Iraq, an al-Qaida front group, and its al-Furqan media production wing. Titled "The Missing," the video shows the ID card photograph of Air Force pilot Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, whose F-16CG crashed Nov. 27, 2006, some 20 miles northwest of Baghdad.
It also shows a body laid out on a plastic sheet in Air Force uniform, with the head covered. It was not clear if the body was filmed at the wreckage site or elsewhere outdoors. The U.S. military initially listed Gilbert as missing but later confirmed his death. U.S. forces who investigated the crash have said insurgents reached the site before American forces could. At the time, video footage obtained by AP Television News showed what appeared to be the wreckage of his plane in a field and a tangled parachute nearby.
Ben Venzke, head of the IntelCenter, said the monitors believe the body and aircraft in the militant video belonged to the U.S. pilot. "They went to an extra effort to make the video accessible to Americans and the English-speaking world," Venzke said, referring to the video's English subtitles. "It's essentially a propaganda piece and criticism of U.S. involvement in Iraq."
The video also contained an audio clip said to be from Osama bin Laden, a video of Abu Yahia al-Libi, the al-Qaida commander who escaped from a U.S. prison in Afghanistan, and an audio clip of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, who heads the Islamic State in Iraq. The clips were believed to be old.
When Gilbert's death was announced, the Air Force declined to say whether his body had been recovered, saying only that some remains had been found. Those remains likely enabled Gilbert's subsequent identification. Gilbert was assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron. He is survived by wife and five children, who live outside Phoenix.
It was first obtained by the IntelCenter monitoring group in suburban Washington. The footage, more than 11 minutes long and with English subtitles, bears the insignia of the Islamic State of Iraq, an al-Qaida front group, and its al-Furqan media production wing. Titled "The Missing," the video shows the ID card photograph of Air Force pilot Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, whose F-16CG crashed Nov. 27, 2006, some 20 miles northwest of Baghdad.
It also shows a body laid out on a plastic sheet in Air Force uniform, with the head covered. It was not clear if the body was filmed at the wreckage site or elsewhere outdoors. The U.S. military initially listed Gilbert as missing but later confirmed his death. U.S. forces who investigated the crash have said insurgents reached the site before American forces could. At the time, video footage obtained by AP Television News showed what appeared to be the wreckage of his plane in a field and a tangled parachute nearby.
Ben Venzke, head of the IntelCenter, said the monitors believe the body and aircraft in the militant video belonged to the U.S. pilot. "They went to an extra effort to make the video accessible to Americans and the English-speaking world," Venzke said, referring to the video's English subtitles. "It's essentially a propaganda piece and criticism of U.S. involvement in Iraq."
The video also contained an audio clip said to be from Osama bin Laden, a video of Abu Yahia al-Libi, the al-Qaida commander who escaped from a U.S. prison in Afghanistan, and an audio clip of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, who heads the Islamic State in Iraq. The clips were believed to be old.
When Gilbert's death was announced, the Air Force declined to say whether his body had been recovered, saying only that some remains had been found. Those remains likely enabled Gilbert's subsequent identification. Gilbert was assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron. He is survived by wife and five children, who live outside Phoenix.
Labels: 309th Fighter Squadron, Abu 'Omar Al-Baghdadi, American pilot, Islamic State of Iraq, Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, The Missing, video
Political parties deadlocked over Iraqi oil legislation
Oil
(AP) -- Iraq's main political parties are deadlocked over a key oil law and the legislation has been sent back to party leaders to see if they can salvage it, an official involved in the talks said Thursday. The Wednesday meeting failed after Shiite and Sunni Arab representatives were unable to agree with Kurdish negotiators, said the official, who represented a Shiite party in the talks and spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the process.
Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, a Kurd, confirmed there were disagreements but refused to give details. "There are problems but the negotiations are still going on," he told The Associated Press. The Iraqi Cabinet approved a draft and forwarded it to parliament last February, a move hailed by the White House as a breakthrough in efforts to approve critical legislation for the nation's future. But parliament kicked the bill back to the Cabinet citing legal technicalities and the measure has been bogged down in further negotiations ever since.
At Wednesday's meeting, Shiites and Sunni Arabs agreed on language giving more powers to the predominantly Sunni center of the country - where there is little oil - while Kurds argued in favor of more control for their semiautonomous and oil-rich northern region as outlined in the Cabinet-approved version, the official said.
Other disagreements came over how to manage oil fields, both operating and as-yet undiscovered, the official said. The Shiites and Sunni Arabs argued that contracts covering fields that produce more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day must have parliamentary approval, and that contracts from smaller fields should be approved by the state-run National Oil Company, the official said. The Kurdish side argued that contracts should be decided by regional authorities, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, a Kurd, confirmed there were disagreements but refused to give details. "There are problems but the negotiations are still going on," he told The Associated Press. The Iraqi Cabinet approved a draft and forwarded it to parliament last February, a move hailed by the White House as a breakthrough in efforts to approve critical legislation for the nation's future. But parliament kicked the bill back to the Cabinet citing legal technicalities and the measure has been bogged down in further negotiations ever since.
At Wednesday's meeting, Shiites and Sunni Arabs agreed on language giving more powers to the predominantly Sunni center of the country - where there is little oil - while Kurds argued in favor of more control for their semiautonomous and oil-rich northern region as outlined in the Cabinet-approved version, the official said.
Other disagreements came over how to manage oil fields, both operating and as-yet undiscovered, the official said. The Shiites and Sunni Arabs argued that contracts covering fields that produce more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day must have parliamentary approval, and that contracts from smaller fields should be approved by the state-run National Oil Company, the official said. The Kurdish side argued that contracts should be decided by regional authorities, he said.
Labels: Barham Saleh, draft oil law
Turkey plans to build border $3.2 bn. security barrier on Iraq border
Region
(KUNA) - Turkish Chief of General Staff General Yasar Buyukanit along with elite of experts are evaluating details of a project to erect a USD 3.2 billion concrete fence on its borders with Iraq to stop infiltration of Kurdish Workers Party's (PKK) rebels.
However, despite conflicting reports of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's deal with Turkey in authorizing Turkish forces to pursue PKK rebels on Iraqi soils, a claim Al-Maliki has denied. Turkish News Agency (Anadolu) quoting military reports said preliminary examination of the borders area aims at building a concrete fence between Iraq and Turkey to stop infiltration operations.
Turkish sources said Buyukanit stressed during his last meeting with his staff on securing Turkish borders with Iraq. The Source also said the fence will be almost 473 kilometers long, divided into two parts, one is concrete and the second is an electronic monitoring one.
However, despite conflicting reports of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's deal with Turkey in authorizing Turkish forces to pursue PKK rebels on Iraqi soils, a claim Al-Maliki has denied. Turkish News Agency (Anadolu) quoting military reports said preliminary examination of the borders area aims at building a concrete fence between Iraq and Turkey to stop infiltration operations.
Turkish sources said Buyukanit stressed during his last meeting with his staff on securing Turkish borders with Iraq. The Source also said the fence will be almost 473 kilometers long, divided into two parts, one is concrete and the second is an electronic monitoring one.
Labels: General Yasar Buyukanit, security fence, Turk-Iraqi border, Turkey
KRG spokesman calls for oil minister's resignation
Oil
(Voices of Iraq) - A senior Kurdish official on Thursday criticized statements recently made by the Iraqi oil minister on the relation between the federal government and Kurdistan region government, saying "it will impede the on-going negotiations on approving the oil draft law." "The recent statements by Shehristani will neither help the political process nor the on-going negotiations on the oil and gas and wealth sharing draft laws," Falah Mustafa, Foreign Relations Official in Kurdistan region government, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) over the phone.
Mustafa made comments to VOI on a statement made early this week by the Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shehristani in which he said that his ministry would not recognize the oil contracts concluded by the Kurdistan government with foreign companies. On Sunday, Shehristani told the government-funded al-Sabaah daily that the oil ministry had no commitment towards the oil investment contracts signed by officials from Kurdistan region government.
Mustafa accused Shehrstani of being "negative all the way," saying that he should recognize that the moves taken by Kurdistan government on oil investment contracts "come in full conformity with the powers given to it by the Iraqi constitution." Shehristani made his statement in reference to the oil contracts concluded by Kurdistan government with Hunt Oil Group for oil investment in Duhuk Kurdistan province last week.
The Iraqi Oil Minister's statement sparked a wave of criticism in Iraq's Kurdistan region leading the official spokesman for Kurdistan government to call for al-"Shehrstani's resignation." Over the last seven months, marathonic negotiations have been underway among Iraqi political blocs on a draft law on oil. Among the main differences was the relation between the federal government and the local governments in the region(s) as to the conclusion of oil investment contracts.
Mustafa made comments to VOI on a statement made early this week by the Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shehristani in which he said that his ministry would not recognize the oil contracts concluded by the Kurdistan government with foreign companies. On Sunday, Shehristani told the government-funded al-Sabaah daily that the oil ministry had no commitment towards the oil investment contracts signed by officials from Kurdistan region government.
Mustafa accused Shehrstani of being "negative all the way," saying that he should recognize that the moves taken by Kurdistan government on oil investment contracts "come in full conformity with the powers given to it by the Iraqi constitution." Shehristani made his statement in reference to the oil contracts concluded by Kurdistan government with Hunt Oil Group for oil investment in Duhuk Kurdistan province last week.
The Iraqi Oil Minister's statement sparked a wave of criticism in Iraq's Kurdistan region leading the official spokesman for Kurdistan government to call for al-"Shehrstani's resignation." Over the last seven months, marathonic negotiations have been underway among Iraqi political blocs on a draft law on oil. Among the main differences was the relation between the federal government and the local governments in the region(s) as to the conclusion of oil investment contracts.
Labels: draft oil law, Falah Mustafa, Hunt Oil Co., Hussain al-Shahristani, oil contracts
Iraqi interior minister - Iraq 'unaware' of security barriers to be erected by neighbours
Region
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraqi Interior Ministry said on Thursday that it has no information on the security barriers erected by neighbors Iran and Saudi Arabia along their borders with Iraq, describing such a move as "positive". "The erection of such security barriers would help prevent the infiltration of persons and trafficking of cars and vehicles that carry arms and explosives into Iraq," General Abdul Karim Khalaf, director of National Command Centre, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
Khalaf who denied having any information on these security barriers said "this move, if carried out, will have positive effects on Iraq and neighbors." Earlier on Thursday, a source from Basra police said that Iran had accomplished a large part of a security barrier along its borders with the southern Iraqi city of Basra. "The Iranians are building a barrier along the Iraqi-Iranian borders in Basra city," a source from al-Shalamja police told VOI. The source, who asked not to be named, added "the barrier is seven meters high and a large part of it has already been erected."
Meanwhile, the London-based al-Hayat newspaper said the Saudi government will continue building a security fence on the borders with Iraq, with its first stage finished by the end of 2009, to stop infiltration operations. The newspaper quoted General Mansour al-Turki as saying on Thursday, "The first stage envisages the northern borders. The project was announced with a tender and several qualified companies presented their bids to win the project."
The Kingdom invited five companies to bid for the contract to build a 560 mile-long security fence along its border with Iraq at a cost of up to 4 billion Riyals (USD 1.07 billion), officials from the competing companies said on Wednesday. "The winning company will be announced this year," he also said.
The contract calls for a double-lined, razor wire fence along the Kingdom's frontier with its northern neighbor, complete with thermal imaging and radar equipment. Saudi Interior Minister Naief Bin Abdul Aziz said last November that the fence has became very important for protecting the country's security.
Khalaf who denied having any information on these security barriers said "this move, if carried out, will have positive effects on Iraq and neighbors." Earlier on Thursday, a source from Basra police said that Iran had accomplished a large part of a security barrier along its borders with the southern Iraqi city of Basra. "The Iranians are building a barrier along the Iraqi-Iranian borders in Basra city," a source from al-Shalamja police told VOI. The source, who asked not to be named, added "the barrier is seven meters high and a large part of it has already been erected."
Meanwhile, the London-based al-Hayat newspaper said the Saudi government will continue building a security fence on the borders with Iraq, with its first stage finished by the end of 2009, to stop infiltration operations. The newspaper quoted General Mansour al-Turki as saying on Thursday, "The first stage envisages the northern borders. The project was announced with a tender and several qualified companies presented their bids to win the project."
The Kingdom invited five companies to bid for the contract to build a 560 mile-long security fence along its border with Iraq at a cost of up to 4 billion Riyals (USD 1.07 billion), officials from the competing companies said on Wednesday. "The winning company will be announced this year," he also said.
The contract calls for a double-lined, razor wire fence along the Kingdom's frontier with its northern neighbor, complete with thermal imaging and radar equipment. Saudi Interior Minister Naief Bin Abdul Aziz said last November that the fence has became very important for protecting the country's security.
Labels: General Abdul Karim Khalaf, Interior Ministry, Iran, Saudi Arabia, security fence
Bush plans longterm stay in Iraq
Security
(The Guardian) - George Bush last night called on Americans to support an "enduring relationship" with Iraq, in a speech delivered hours after a key Sunni tribal ally, portrayed as symbolic of a potential turnaround for the US in the war, was killed by a roadside bomb. The president's prime-time address from the Oval Office marked the clearest acknowledgement to date from the White House that it envisages a long-term strategic relationship with the government in Baghdad, requiring the presence of US forces for years to come.
It follows repeated warnings from US officials of a "proxy war" with Iran. Last night's 18-minute address had been designed to unite a war-weary public and a restive Congress behind Mr Bush's plan for maintaining the bulk of US forces in Iraq for the duration of his presidency.
The president attempted to soften his proposal by endorsing the recommendation this week of the commander of US forces, General David Petraeus, for a phased withdrawal of 30,000 troops sent to Iraq this year in the temporary "surge". The first withdrawals of 5,700 soldiers could start by Christmas, the president said last night. However, even those drawdowns were contingent on the situation on the ground.
"The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is 'return on success'," Mr Bush stipulated, in advance excerpts of the speech released by the White House. "The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home." Earlier yesterday, Bush administration officials had said that decisions on any further withdrawals beyond the 5,700 would be deferred to March 2008, when Gen Petraeus is due to deliver another progress report on the war to Congress.
Mr Bush's plan to maintain a permanent military presence in Iraq flies in the face of opinion polls which show a majority of Americans support an exit from the war zone. He acknowledged those frustrations last night, saying: "Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al-Qaida. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win."
However, the fragility of America's claim of the possibility of success in Iraq was dramatically underlined by the killing of a Sunni sheikh in Anbar province. Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's turnaround from attacking US forces to an alliance with them against al-Qaida had been held up by the Pentagon and the White House as a beacon of hope for Iraq.
Sheikh Abu Risha was seen as the living embodiment of cooperation between US forces and local clans in Anbar. He was blown up by a car or roadside bomb near his home in Ramadi yesterday morning. Such gains were so crucial to Mr Bush's calculations on selling his war plan to the US public that he did not even go to Baghdad during his lightning trip to Iraq. He spent his entire visit at the US air base in Anbar, meeting Iraqi tribal leaders and members of the Baghdad government. On his seven-hour visit, Mr Bush was photographed shaking hands with the sheikh, and the president hailed him as a hero.
In his current reporting on the state of the war to politicians in Washington, Gen Petraeus had called the rejection of al-Qaida by Sunni tribes "the most significant development of the past eight months". Anbar was the one bright spot in Gen Petraeus's report. Only a year ago, US officials had given Anbar up as politically lost.
Sheikh Abu Risha had been the most visible local advocate of that turnabout, giving interviews to Arabic satellite channels calling for an end to extremism. The general had said that it was the success of America's alliance with Sunni tribes under the sheikh in driving al-Qaida out of Anbar which had persuaded him that it was possible for the US to begin pulling out its forces without compromising security on the ground.
It follows repeated warnings from US officials of a "proxy war" with Iran. Last night's 18-minute address had been designed to unite a war-weary public and a restive Congress behind Mr Bush's plan for maintaining the bulk of US forces in Iraq for the duration of his presidency.
The president attempted to soften his proposal by endorsing the recommendation this week of the commander of US forces, General David Petraeus, for a phased withdrawal of 30,000 troops sent to Iraq this year in the temporary "surge". The first withdrawals of 5,700 soldiers could start by Christmas, the president said last night. However, even those drawdowns were contingent on the situation on the ground.
"The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is 'return on success'," Mr Bush stipulated, in advance excerpts of the speech released by the White House. "The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home." Earlier yesterday, Bush administration officials had said that decisions on any further withdrawals beyond the 5,700 would be deferred to March 2008, when Gen Petraeus is due to deliver another progress report on the war to Congress.
Mr Bush's plan to maintain a permanent military presence in Iraq flies in the face of opinion polls which show a majority of Americans support an exit from the war zone. He acknowledged those frustrations last night, saying: "Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al-Qaida. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win."
However, the fragility of America's claim of the possibility of success in Iraq was dramatically underlined by the killing of a Sunni sheikh in Anbar province. Abdul Sattar Abu Risha's turnaround from attacking US forces to an alliance with them against al-Qaida had been held up by the Pentagon and the White House as a beacon of hope for Iraq.
Sheikh Abu Risha was seen as the living embodiment of cooperation between US forces and local clans in Anbar. He was blown up by a car or roadside bomb near his home in Ramadi yesterday morning. Such gains were so crucial to Mr Bush's calculations on selling his war plan to the US public that he did not even go to Baghdad during his lightning trip to Iraq. He spent his entire visit at the US air base in Anbar, meeting Iraqi tribal leaders and members of the Baghdad government. On his seven-hour visit, Mr Bush was photographed shaking hands with the sheikh, and the president hailed him as a hero.
In his current reporting on the state of the war to politicians in Washington, Gen Petraeus had called the rejection of al-Qaida by Sunni tribes "the most significant development of the past eight months". Anbar was the one bright spot in Gen Petraeus's report. Only a year ago, US officials had given Anbar up as politically lost.
Sheikh Abu Risha had been the most visible local advocate of that turnabout, giving interviews to Arabic satellite channels calling for an end to extremism. The general had said that it was the success of America's alliance with Sunni tribes under the sheikh in driving al-Qaida out of Anbar which had persuaded him that it was possible for the US to begin pulling out its forces without compromising security on the ground.
Labels: Anbar Salvation Council, assassination, General David Petraeus, George Bush, Iraq, Sheikh Abu Risha, U.S. troops
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Iraq may offer S. Korea favourable terms for oilfield development
Oil
(Earth Times) - Iraq may offer South Korea enhanced terms for developing an oil field because of Korea's work in reconstruction. The Korea Information Service reports the possible favorable terms for the Halfaya field near Amara, Iraq, were discussed during a meeting in Dubai between Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani and Kim Young-joo, South Korea's minister of commerce, industry and energy.S hahristani was in Dubai attending an Iraq oil conference.
Halfaya has an estimated 3.8 billion barrels of oil reserves, and Iraq wants it to produce 200,000 barrels per day. Shahristani said South Korea may draw down the bidding qualifications for the field because of the support South Korea has given to Iraq oil and reconstruction development efforts. The Korea National Oil Corp. had signed a contract in 1997 for the field. There were a handful of contracts signed by Saddam Hussein. Shahristani has said that those the government recognizes as still valid will be renegotiated under terms set by a proposed federal oil law.
Labels: Halfaya field, Hussain al-Shahristani, Kim Young-joo, Korea National Oil Corp., South Korea
Syria to drop visa demand during Ramadan
Region
(AFP) - Syria said on Thursday it would drop visa restrictions for Iraqis fleeing the violence at home as a goodwill gesture for the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. The decision is aimed at allowing Iraqi families to meet during the month, an official said, adding that visas would once again be required after Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan on about October 12,
About 30,000 Iraqis fleeing violence in their own country are arriving each month in neighbouring Syria, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which estimates the total number of refugees at more than four million. Syria had announced it would impose visa restrictions on Iraqis from September 10 in a bid to control the flood of refugees. It was also planning to permit only those Iraqis who were from the economic, commercial and scientific sectors to enter Syria.
About 30,000 Iraqis fleeing violence in their own country are arriving each month in neighbouring Syria, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which estimates the total number of refugees at more than four million. Syria had announced it would impose visa restrictions on Iraqis from September 10 in a bid to control the flood of refugees. It was also planning to permit only those Iraqis who were from the economic, commercial and scientific sectors to enter Syria.
Labels: Eid al-Fitr, Iraq, Ramadan, Syria, visas
Oil minister - Iraq to issue international oil contracts despite delay of oil law
Oil
(Iraq Directory) - Iraqi Oil Minister, Hussein Shahrastani, said on Saturday that Iraq will issue tenders for international oil companies to develop its current fields even if the long-awaited law to regulate its energy sector was postponed. Shahrastani said in an oil conference in Dubai, "Although we expect this new law for political reasons, if postponed, we will go forward and begin discussions with international oil companies, especially in the current fields to increase production levels."
He added "there is no legislative vacuum. There is a law prevails allow us to carry out any contract for the development of the fields. We will soon issue tenders, before the end of the year, for international oil companies to work with us to develop the current fields in addition to a major plan for gas."
Shahrastani said last month that Iraq will call for open competition, including about one third of the main fields in September as soon as the new federal oil law is issued. But now it seems that tenders will be issued whether the new law was issued or not.
The Iraqi government approved the draft law in July after months of talks, but so far it was not discussed in Parliament which resumed its sessions this month after the summer recess.
Shahrastani re-newed comments of other Iraqi officials that the law of oil should be approved "within a few weeks", despite the fact that many differences still exist on the details.
He said that the postponement of the bill will not delay plans for the development of the sector which provides more than 90% of the Iraqi government revenues, and which is in dire need of investment after a decade of sanctions and four years of violence since the invasion which was led by the United States in 2003.
Shahrastani said, "Iraq has an oil-law, and it has always been the prevailing law until the approval the new one issued. The Oil Ministry can sign any contracts for the development of its energy capacity and increase oil production ... There is a need for this for the reconstruction."
He added "there is no legislative vacuum. There is a law prevails allow us to carry out any contract for the development of the fields. We will soon issue tenders, before the end of the year, for international oil companies to work with us to develop the current fields in addition to a major plan for gas."
Shahrastani said last month that Iraq will call for open competition, including about one third of the main fields in September as soon as the new federal oil law is issued. But now it seems that tenders will be issued whether the new law was issued or not.
The Iraqi government approved the draft law in July after months of talks, but so far it was not discussed in Parliament which resumed its sessions this month after the summer recess.
Shahrastani re-newed comments of other Iraqi officials that the law of oil should be approved "within a few weeks", despite the fact that many differences still exist on the details.
He said that the postponement of the bill will not delay plans for the development of the sector which provides more than 90% of the Iraqi government revenues, and which is in dire need of investment after a decade of sanctions and four years of violence since the invasion which was led by the United States in 2003.
Shahrastani said, "Iraq has an oil-law, and it has always been the prevailing law until the approval the new one issued. The Oil Ministry can sign any contracts for the development of its energy capacity and increase oil production ... There is a need for this for the reconstruction."
Labels: draft oil law, Hussain al-Shahrastani, international oil companies, Iraq, oil contracts
Rates of cancer have risen in Kurdistan
Health
(Kurdish Globe) - Cancer has become a considerable health problem in Kurdistan Region, with rises in breast and lung cancers and leukemia among the most common diagnosed. Recent statistics by Erbil hospitals for blood diseases and oncology have shown an increasing number of patients diagnosed with cancer through the region compared to earlier years.
According to the chemotherapy department at Rizgary Teaching Hospital, 150 cases of cancer had been identified in the hospital in 2006; most of those patients were men affected by lung cancer and women with breast cancer. For this year until now, the number of cancer patients has risen up to 303. "Most patients are under a physician's care; we have no problem in controlling the disease but we have a lack of drugs," said Dr.Khoshawi Kanabi Aziz, assistant manager of the aforementioned hospital. He added that patients' families have to pay about $100 to $150 per month to buy necessary drugs.
Additionally in 2006, according to Nanakaly Hospital, about 891 patients had visited the hospital per month to receive cancer treatment. Currently, 2,454 patients are receiving cancer treatments monthly. Regarding causes of blood cancers, Sami Ahmed, director of Nanakaly Hospital, said, "So far, the exact reason causing these diseases is not well understood, but environmental factors such as radiation from atomic bombs and exposure to some chemicals such as benzene (car fuel) might have an impact on increasing cancer rates among the population."
The patients are treated gratuitously and those who can't be treated in the region are sent abroad at the government's expense. Doctors in Erbil complain about lack of necessary medical instruments to back their abilities in treating the patients inside the region. Apart from local patients, Iranian Kurds, Turkey Kurds, and Arabs from southern Iraq come to receive cancer treatments in Nanakaly Hospital. Beside Erbil's Nanakaly and Rizgary, Hiwa Hospital in Suleimaniya has tried to equip itself for blood diseases and oncology.
Statistics show that, apart from Erbil, the cancer rate in general has risen. In 2006, 782 cases of cancer were identified in the hospital; 430 of them were women and the rest were men. Furthermore, 165 of the patients developed a blood disease (hematology) and others different organ cancers. According to Hiwa Hospital, compared to last year, the number of patients in Erbil has also increased. From the beginning of 2007 to early August, more than 723 patents were diagnosed with cancer in the hospital.
According to the chemotherapy department at Rizgary Teaching Hospital, 150 cases of cancer had been identified in the hospital in 2006; most of those patients were men affected by lung cancer and women with breast cancer. For this year until now, the number of cancer patients has risen up to 303. "Most patients are under a physician's care; we have no problem in controlling the disease but we have a lack of drugs," said Dr.Khoshawi Kanabi Aziz, assistant manager of the aforementioned hospital. He added that patients' families have to pay about $100 to $150 per month to buy necessary drugs.
Additionally in 2006, according to Nanakaly Hospital, about 891 patients had visited the hospital per month to receive cancer treatment. Currently, 2,454 patients are receiving cancer treatments monthly. Regarding causes of blood cancers, Sami Ahmed, director of Nanakaly Hospital, said, "So far, the exact reason causing these diseases is not well understood, but environmental factors such as radiation from atomic bombs and exposure to some chemicals such as benzene (car fuel) might have an impact on increasing cancer rates among the population."
The patients are treated gratuitously and those who can't be treated in the region are sent abroad at the government's expense. Doctors in Erbil complain about lack of necessary medical instruments to back their abilities in treating the patients inside the region. Apart from local patients, Iranian Kurds, Turkey Kurds, and Arabs from southern Iraq come to receive cancer treatments in Nanakaly Hospital. Beside Erbil's Nanakaly and Rizgary, Hiwa Hospital in Suleimaniya has tried to equip itself for blood diseases and oncology.
Statistics show that, apart from Erbil, the cancer rate in general has risen. In 2006, 782 cases of cancer were identified in the hospital; 430 of them were women and the rest were men. Furthermore, 165 of the patients developed a blood disease (hematology) and others different organ cancers. According to Hiwa Hospital, compared to last year, the number of patients in Erbil has also increased. From the beginning of 2007 to early August, more than 723 patents were diagnosed with cancer in the hospital.
Labels: cancer, Kurdistan, Nanakaly Hospital, Rizgary Teaching Hospital
Saudi invites bids for Iraq border fence
Region
(Gulf News) - Saudi Arabia has invited firms to compete for a contract to build a security fence on its border with Iraq at a cost of up to 4 billion riyals ($1.07 billion), officials at five invited companies said on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, wants to build a double-lined, razor wire fence along the 900-kilometre frontier with its northern neighbour, complete with thermal imaging and radar equipment, the officials said.
The companies include Saudi Arabia's Binladin Group, along with Saudi Oger, El Seif Engineering & Construction, Al-Khodary Sons Co and Al Arrab Contracting Co, the officials, who did not want to be identified, said. They have until Oct. 28 to bid. International defence companies, including Europe's EADS, Boeing Co and Britain's BAE Systems, have also been invited, London-based Middle East Economic Digest reported in July, without saying how it got the information. A spokesman at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior confirmed the invitation, without giving further details.
The companies include Saudi Arabia's Binladin Group, along with Saudi Oger, El Seif Engineering & Construction, Al-Khodary Sons Co and Al Arrab Contracting Co, the officials, who did not want to be identified, said. They have until Oct. 28 to bid. International defence companies, including Europe's EADS, Boeing Co and Britain's BAE Systems, have also been invited, London-based Middle East Economic Digest reported in July, without saying how it got the information. A spokesman at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior confirmed the invitation, without giving further details.
Labels: border, Saudi Arabia, security fence
U.N. concerned about shelling of Kurdistan
Kurdistan
(Voices of Iraq) - The United Nations is deeply concerned about the sporadic shelling of villages in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, U.N. Special Envoy to Iraq Ashraf Qazi said on Wednesday. "Such incidents cause damage to residents of these areas, create panic and prevent them from performing their daily life activities," Qazi said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
According to the statement, Qazi called on those concerned to spare no effort to halt the shelling and to refrain from taking any action that would undermine Iraq's political and humanitarian stability. Concerned U.N. agencies contacted local authorities and sent teams to assess the situation and immediate humanitarian needs. The teams supplied hundreds of immigrant families with humanitarian assistance such as clothing, hygiene packages, medical kits and blankets, and work is still underway to provide sufficient amounts of water to the victims, Qazi added.
The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) UN Coordinator, Dindar Zebari, described on Sunday the Iraqi government's stance on Iranian and Turkish shelling of cross-border regions as "weak," noting that a UN delegation will visit the region to examine the situation.
According to the statement, Qazi called on those concerned to spare no effort to halt the shelling and to refrain from taking any action that would undermine Iraq's political and humanitarian stability. Concerned U.N. agencies contacted local authorities and sent teams to assess the situation and immediate humanitarian needs. The teams supplied hundreds of immigrant families with humanitarian assistance such as clothing, hygiene packages, medical kits and blankets, and work is still underway to provide sufficient amounts of water to the victims, Qazi added.
The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) UN Coordinator, Dindar Zebari, described on Sunday the Iraqi government's stance on Iranian and Turkish shelling of cross-border regions as "weak," noting that a UN delegation will visit the region to examine the situation.
Labels: Ashraf Qazi, Dindar Zebari, Kurdistan, security, U.N.
IAF deny return of minister to government
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi's office denied on Wednesday that Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban decided to return to the government, describing media reports on that as "misinterpretation of Baban's statements." "Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi received on Wednesday morning the resigned minister Ali Baban at his office in Baghdad," Hashemi's office said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The statement added "minister Baban clarified the truth and objectives about his stand that was reported by media on his return to the government, saying that some regrettably politicized his stand and mistakenly misinterpreted it as a rebellion on the Iraqi Accordance Front's decision to quit Maliki's government."
Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban on Tuesday unveiled that he decided to return to the government after a meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, adding "my decision came in favor of serving the public good" after he was entrusted with carrying out "important investment projects."
Baban stressed during his meeting with Hashemi his "commitment to IAF's decision to quit the cabinet and that he neither intends to return to the government nor violates his obligation towards IAF of which he is a member," VP's office said. The statement added "the issue was settled and the misunderstanding was clarified."
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Sunni Accordance Front said that IAF is no longer part of Maliki's government even "if all ministers returned to cabinet."
The statement added "minister Baban clarified the truth and objectives about his stand that was reported by media on his return to the government, saying that some regrettably politicized his stand and mistakenly misinterpreted it as a rebellion on the Iraqi Accordance Front's decision to quit Maliki's government."
Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban on Tuesday unveiled that he decided to return to the government after a meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, adding "my decision came in favor of serving the public good" after he was entrusted with carrying out "important investment projects."
Baban stressed during his meeting with Hashemi his "commitment to IAF's decision to quit the cabinet and that he neither intends to return to the government nor violates his obligation towards IAF of which he is a member," VP's office said. The statement added "the issue was settled and the misunderstanding was clarified."
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Sunni Accordance Front said that IAF is no longer part of Maliki's government even "if all ministers returned to cabinet."
Labels: Ali Baban, Iraqi Accordance Front, Tariq al-Hashemi
U.S. general - Iranian supplied rocket used in attack on military base
Security
(AFP) -- A US general in Iraq on Thursday pointed the finger of blame at Shiite militiamen using what he said was an Iranian-supplied rocket for a fatal attack two days ago on a military base near Baghdad. Major General Kevin Bergner said the rocket was launched from the Rasheed area of west Baghdad which he said was a stronghold of the Mahdi Army militia of firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
The military said one person was killed and 12 injured in an "indirect fire" attack on Tuesday on Camp Victory, a sprawling military base near Baghdad international airport. Bergner, spokesman for US forces in Iraq, told a press conference the rocket was similar to those supplied in the past by "Iranian sources" to Mahdi Army fighters.
He acknowledged however that there was no direct evidence to prove that Mahdi Army fighters were behind Tuesday's attack nor that the weapon had definitely been supplied by Iranian forces. "It was consistent with rockets supplied in the past by Iranian sources to Jaysh al-Mahdi," he said, using the US military's term for the Mahdi Army.
Sadr has called on his militia to halt armed activities for six months, but attacks are continuing. "We do see some elements obeying Sadr's pledge," said Bergner. "But we also see some members who are disobeying his pledge."
The military said one person was killed and 12 injured in an "indirect fire" attack on Tuesday on Camp Victory, a sprawling military base near Baghdad international airport. Bergner, spokesman for US forces in Iraq, told a press conference the rocket was similar to those supplied in the past by "Iranian sources" to Mahdi Army fighters.
He acknowledged however that there was no direct evidence to prove that Mahdi Army fighters were behind Tuesday's attack nor that the weapon had definitely been supplied by Iranian forces. "It was consistent with rockets supplied in the past by Iranian sources to Jaysh al-Mahdi," he said, using the US military's term for the Mahdi Army.
Sadr has called on his militia to halt armed activities for six months, but attacks are continuing. "We do see some elements obeying Sadr's pledge," said Bergner. "But we also see some members who are disobeying his pledge."
Labels: Baghdad, Camp Victory, Iran, Mahdi Army, Major General Kevin Bergner
U.S. military releases detainees in deal with vice-president
Politics
(Al Jazeera) - The US military in Iraq has announced the start of a programme that will see the release of 50 to 80 detainees a day during the Ramadan month. The military reached a deal with Tareq al-Hashemi, the Sunni Arab vice-president, last month to conduct "special Ramadan releases". It says it is holding 23,000 Iraqis.
On Thursday, Omar al-Jubouri, an adviser on human rights to al-Hashemi, said 43 Iraqis were freed from the Camp Cropper detention facility near Baghdad's international airport. Ramadan in Iraq began on Thursday for the Sunni population while the Shias will commence their daily fasting on Friday. "Task Force 134, the (US-led) organisation responsible for detainee operations, expects to release between 50 and 80 detainees per day during this holy month," a US military statement said.
Major-General Douglas Stone, commander of Task Force 134, said in the statement: "The detainees being released are only those who (US-led forces) have determined no longer need to be detained for imperative reasons of security." Around 20,000 detainees are held in US-run prisons in Iraq, mostly in Camp Bucca near the southern port city of Basra and in Camp Cropper near Baghdad. Al-Hashemi has long complained about the detention of Sunni Arabs.
The issue was a key factor that prompted the main Sunni bloc, the Accordance Front, to quit the government last month. The deal with the US military is separate from an accord that al-Hashemi signed with Iraq's top Shia and Kurdish leaders in August, which also called for the release of many detainees. Al-Jubouri said there had been no movement yet on freeing prisoners under that agreement. Some 32,000 detainees were being held in Iraqi detention facilities and prisons, he said.
Those eligible for release under Operation Lion's Paw, a joint venture between the Iraqi government and US-led forces, will be reviewed by an impartial board, Stone said. His statement said: "The process will be fair, open to all detainees who are qualified and will reflect the detainee population, with Sunni and Shia detainees reviewed equally and impartially. "This will be a completely non-sectarian, non-political process" that will allow prisoners to be home for Ramadan.
On Thursday, Omar al-Jubouri, an adviser on human rights to al-Hashemi, said 43 Iraqis were freed from the Camp Cropper detention facility near Baghdad's international airport. Ramadan in Iraq began on Thursday for the Sunni population while the Shias will commence their daily fasting on Friday. "Task Force 134, the (US-led) organisation responsible for detainee operations, expects to release between 50 and 80 detainees per day during this holy month," a US military statement said.
Major-General Douglas Stone, commander of Task Force 134, said in the statement: "The detainees being released are only those who (US-led forces) have determined no longer need to be detained for imperative reasons of security." Around 20,000 detainees are held in US-run prisons in Iraq, mostly in Camp Bucca near the southern port city of Basra and in Camp Cropper near Baghdad. Al-Hashemi has long complained about the detention of Sunni Arabs.
The issue was a key factor that prompted the main Sunni bloc, the Accordance Front, to quit the government last month. The deal with the US military is separate from an accord that al-Hashemi signed with Iraq's top Shia and Kurdish leaders in August, which also called for the release of many detainees. Al-Jubouri said there had been no movement yet on freeing prisoners under that agreement. Some 32,000 detainees were being held in Iraqi detention facilities and prisons, he said.
Those eligible for release under Operation Lion's Paw, a joint venture between the Iraqi government and US-led forces, will be reviewed by an impartial board, Stone said. His statement said: "The process will be fair, open to all detainees who are qualified and will reflect the detainee population, with Sunni and Shia detainees reviewed equally and impartially. "This will be a completely non-sectarian, non-political process" that will allow prisoners to be home for Ramadan.
Labels: Accord Front, Camp Bucca, Camp Cropper, detainees, Major-General Douglas Stone, Operation Lion's Paw, Ramadan, Tareq al-Hashemi, U.S. military
Abu Risha: National Reconciliation Will Begin In Anbar…Central Iraqi Tribal Sheikhs Meet With Anbar Tribal Sheikhs
Tribal, Security
(Al Mowaten Newspaper) - 13 SEP - Yesterday, a delegation of central Iraqi tribal sheikhs visited Anbar’s tribal sheikhs and met with members of the Anbar Salvation Council. Sheikh Hamid Al Hayis, the Anbar Salvation Council Chief said, “The central Iraq tribal sheikhs and Anbar tribal sheikhs have agreed on being united, fighting terrorists, staying away from sectarianism and security cooperation between the tribes of Anbar, Samawa, Karbala, Hilla and other southern provinces.”
He added, “At the end of the meeting everyone prayed together and swore to be unified and to fight terrorists.” In related news, Sheikh Abu Sattar Abu Risha has confirmed that the tribes of southern, central Iraq, and Sadr City visited Ramadi and that this step is the right step to save the country from its problems. Sheikh Basim Al Hajawi delivered a speech on behalf of the Sadr City tribes and expressed his appreciation of the heroic role of the Anbar Awakening Council. Sheikh Basim has demanded that Iraq’s tribes imitate the Anbar Awakening Council and oust everyone that is trying to damage Iraq. Sheikh Thamir Al Dulaimi, the “Anbar Scientist Commission” chief said, “We should pursue and oust terrorists from Iraq.”
He added, “At the end of the meeting everyone prayed together and swore to be unified and to fight terrorists.” In related news, Sheikh Abu Sattar Abu Risha has confirmed that the tribes of southern, central Iraq, and Sadr City visited Ramadi and that this step is the right step to save the country from its problems. Sheikh Basim Al Hajawi delivered a speech on behalf of the Sadr City tribes and expressed his appreciation of the heroic role of the Anbar Awakening Council. Sheikh Basim has demanded that Iraq’s tribes imitate the Anbar Awakening Council and oust everyone that is trying to damage Iraq. Sheikh Thamir Al Dulaimi, the “Anbar Scientist Commission” chief said, “We should pursue and oust terrorists from Iraq.”
Labels: Anbar Salvation Council, Anbar Scientist Commission, Sadr City, Sheikh Abu Sattar Abu Risha, Sheikh Basim Al Hajawi, Sheikh Thamir Al Dulaimi, tribal sheiks
Anbar Salvation Council leader killed
Security, Tribal
(Al Jazeera) - A prominent Iraqi Sunni tribal leader, who has been working with the US against al-Qaeda in Iraq in al-Anbar province since last year, has been killed, state television reported. Sattar Abu Risha was reportedly killed by a roadside bomb outside his home in the city of Ramadi on Thursday. Sheikh Abu Risha was leader of the Anbar Salvation Council, an alliance of clans that supported the Iraqi government and US forces in fighting al-Qaeda.
"This is a man who has had a controversial past, but in recent months he has become a very prominent figure, even meeting George Bush," Al Jazeera's James Bays said. Abu Risha had urged the tribal leaders in other Iraqi provinces to follow al-Anbar's lead in co-operating with the central government against al-Qaeda. "He was returning home when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb planted by insurgents," Colonel Tareq al-Dulaimi, al-Anbar security chief said. "His car was hit directly."
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Sheikh Jubeir Rashid, a senior member of Abu Risha's group, told the Associated Press: "It is a major blow to the council, but we are determined to strike back and continue our work. "Such an attack was expected, but it will not deter us." Two of Abu Risha's bodyguards were also killed by the roadside bomb, Colonel Tareq Youssef, supervisor of Anbar police, said.
"This is a man who has had a controversial past, but in recent months he has become a very prominent figure, even meeting George Bush," Al Jazeera's James Bays said. Abu Risha had urged the tribal leaders in other Iraqi provinces to follow al-Anbar's lead in co-operating with the central government against al-Qaeda. "He was returning home when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb planted by insurgents," Colonel Tareq al-Dulaimi, al-Anbar security chief said. "His car was hit directly."
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Sheikh Jubeir Rashid, a senior member of Abu Risha's group, told the Associated Press: "It is a major blow to the council, but we are determined to strike back and continue our work. "Such an attack was expected, but it will not deter us." Two of Abu Risha's bodyguards were also killed by the roadside bomb, Colonel Tareq Youssef, supervisor of Anbar police, said.
Police announced a state of emergency in Ramadi after the bombing and set up additional checkpoints throughout the city, Rashid said. General David Petraeus, the senior US commander in Iraq, repeatedly pointed to successes in tackling al-Qaeda in al-Anbar province during his testimony before the US congress. Omar Abdul Satar from the Islamic Party of Iraq told Al Jazeera Abu Rishar had become a national symbol of the "national war against al-Qaeda".
"It is a major blow to the council, but we are determined to strike back and continue our work." "His programme now against al-Qaeda has become a national programme. Diyala province, Salahuddin province, Baghdad province are following now his programme," he said. Bush is set to deliver a 15-minute address to the nation on Thursday evening (0100 GMT on Friday) is expected to announce that he may pull some 30,000 US troops out of Iraq by mid-2008 effectively ending the so-called "surge".
"It is a major blow to the council, but we are determined to strike back and continue our work." "His programme now against al-Qaeda has become a national programme. Diyala province, Salahuddin province, Baghdad province are following now his programme," he said. Bush is set to deliver a 15-minute address to the nation on Thursday evening (0100 GMT on Friday) is expected to announce that he may pull some 30,000 US troops out of Iraq by mid-2008 effectively ending the so-called "surge".
But Hoda Abdel Hamid, Al Jazeera's Iraq correspondent, said the killing could derail some of the US successes. "Al-Anbar province was really the capital of al-Qaeda in Iraq ... he manage to convince the tribes to give up there young people to make up the police and armed forces in the province," she said. Within hours of Abu Risha's death, Islamic websites posted messages praising the Abu Risha's killing, the Associated Press news agency reported. One called him "one of the biggest pigs of the Crusaders," while another said he would spend Ramadan "in the pits of hell".
Labels: Anbar Salvation Council, Iraqi Islamic Party, Omar Abdul Satar, Ramadi, Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, Sheikh Jubeir Rashid, state of emergency, Sunni tribal leader
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Head of Islamic Army of Iraq offers to open peace talks with U.S. forces
Insurgency
(Al Jazeera) - The head of the Islamic Army of Iraq has for the first time offered to open peace talks with US forces in the country, his spokesman has told Al Jazeera. Ibrahim al Shimary, the lead spokesman for one of the most significant Sunni armed groups, said the talks could take place if the US commits to a timetable for the withdrawal of its soldiers.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, al Shimary also said that although Sunni groups are turning away from al-Qaeda, it is not because of any deal with the US as claimed in Washington. He said: "Al-Qaeda's agenda started to reveal itself clearly in October last year... they started to consider themselves as a state and started to target other Iraqi resistance factions including prominent Sunni personnel in our community and this affected our relations with them. "These killings started the media war between them and us so we decided to break away quickly in order not to give our enemies the chance to benefit from it."
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, al Shimary also said that although Sunni groups are turning away from al-Qaeda, it is not because of any deal with the US as claimed in Washington. He said: "Al-Qaeda's agenda started to reveal itself clearly in October last year... they started to consider themselves as a state and started to target other Iraqi resistance factions including prominent Sunni personnel in our community and this affected our relations with them. "These killings started the media war between them and us so we decided to break away quickly in order not to give our enemies the chance to benefit from it."
The Islamic Army in Iraq is thought to be the largest armed group and was established during the summer of 2003 to fight coalition forces. When first formed, the group appeared to have the same ideologies as al-Qaeda the group has said its primary focus was the expulsion of foreign troops from Iraq. The group claims it is composed primarily of Iraqis (Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds) as well as Arabs.
Labels: Al Qaeda, Ibrahim al Shimary, Islamic Army of Iraq
Iran to build border wall to keep PKK out
Region
(AKI) - Iran has begun the construction of a wall along the border with war-torn Iraq, to prevent militants of the Kurdistan's Workers Party (PKK) out of the country. According to government sources in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, work on the first four kilometer long section of the wall are underway in the area of the Haj Omran border crossing, near the Qandil mountains.
The area is just six-kilometers from where US-troops stationed in Southern Kurdistan are building a new military base. The Pentagon has also announced the construction of armored military checkpoints, on all roads that lead from Iran to Iraq. The US military says the checkpoints aim to help curb the flow of weapons from Iran and destined for Iraqi insurgents.
Labels: Haj Omran, Iran, Iraq, PKK, Qandil mountains
KRG defends oil contract with Hunt Oil Co.
Oil, Kurdistan
(Reuters) - The government of Iraq's Kurdish region on Tuesday defended an oil and gas production contract it has concluded with a U.S. company, rejecting remarks by the country's oil minister who questioned its legality. The semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said on Saturday it had signed the production sharing contract with a unit of U.S.-based Hunt Oil Co. and with Impulse Energy Corp.
Media reports have quoted Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani as saying that the deal "has no standing" because it was not approved by the central government in Baghdad. "Shahristani's recent remarks about the legality of the KRG's contracts are totally unacceptable..." said Khaled Salih, spokesman of the Kurdistan regional government, in a statement made available to Reuters. "His (Shahristani) views are totally irrelevant to what we are doing legally and constitutionally in Kurdistan.
"The deal is the first such contract since the region passed its own oil law in August, while Iraq's parliament failed to pass a national law after months of negotiations. The national law is crucial to regulating how wealth from Iraq's oil reserves, the world's third largest, will be shared out among its sectarian and ethnic groups. The reserves are mainly in the north and the south of the country. "What right does Shahristani have to question the legitimacy of contracts awarded by KRG acting under the powers of the newly enacted law passed by the unanimous decision of the Regional Parliament and according to the new Iraq constitution?" the statement said.
The deal covers exploration activity in the Dihok area. Hunt Oil Co. of the Kurdistan Region will begin geological survey and seismic work by the end of 2007 and has plans to drill an exploration well in 2008. The regional government has signed five production sharing agreements earlier with foreign companies.
Labels: Duhuk, Hunt Oil Co., Hussain al-Shahristani, Impulse Energy Corp., Khaled Salih, KRG, oil contract
Demonstrations in Baghdad over U.S. building dividing wall
Security
(AFP) - Hundreds of Shiites and Sunnis marched on Wednesday in protest at the building by US troops of a tall concrete wall separating their northwest Baghdad neighbourhoods, an AFP photographer said. The protesters complained that the wall would promote sectarianism and demanded its removal. Residents said that US forces last week began building the two-kilometre (1.25 mile) wall along the border of the mainly Shiite al-Shuala and adjoining Sunni-majority al-Ghazaliyah neighbourhoods without consulting them.
The demonstrators -- tribal leaders, clerics and local residents -- marched from one neighbourhood to the other carrying banners reading "No to the dividing wall" and "The wall is US terrorism." The protesters demanded in a statement that the government intervene to halt the wall and ensure that the section already completed is demolished. "The wall is in accordance with Al-Qaeda's plans," the statement said, adding that the barrier was being built to "separate family from family."
"The wall is dividing small neighbourhoods and will lead to the partitioning of Iraq," said Hassan al-Taii, a leader of the large Taii Sunni tribe. He demanded that the Baghdad government destroy the wall and act against those "planting division and sectarianism among Iraqis." Since early this year, US and Iraqi forces have been erecting walls around or between some Baghdad neighbourhoods in what their commanders call a "concrete caterpillar" designed to protect residents from sectarian violence.
In April the military came under flak when it began constructing a ring of six-tonne (14,000 pounds) concrete blocks around the Sunni Adhamiyah neighbourhood to prevent it from being mortared from the nearby Shiite areas. Many Iraqis argue that the barricades will only heighten tensions between Sunnis and Shiites by segregating the once mixed city.
During Wednesday's protest, demonstrators carried Iarqi flags and chanted, "No, no to terrorism", and "Yes, yes to unity." "This wall does not provide security and stability," said Shiite cleric Abdul Baqir al-Subaihawi.
"The government must maintain security in Baghdad rather than separate its neighbourhoods," he added. Shiite radical leader Moqtada al-Sadr has urged artists to paint the concrete barriers springing up around Baghdad with murals showing what he dubbed the "ugly face" of the US military in Iraq.
The Baghdad council has employed professional artists to paint the walls with calming landscapes and scenes depicting Iraq's natural beauty, but Sadr -- a firebrand preacher and militia leader -- had something more dramatic in mind. "I call on you to draw magnificent tableaux that depict the ugliness and terrorist nature of the occupier, and the sedition, car bombings, blood and the like he has brought upon Iraqis," he said.
The demonstrators -- tribal leaders, clerics and local residents -- marched from one neighbourhood to the other carrying banners reading "No to the dividing wall" and "The wall is US terrorism." The protesters demanded in a statement that the government intervene to halt the wall and ensure that the section already completed is demolished. "The wall is in accordance with Al-Qaeda's plans," the statement said, adding that the barrier was being built to "separate family from family."
"The wall is dividing small neighbourhoods and will lead to the partitioning of Iraq," said Hassan al-Taii, a leader of the large Taii Sunni tribe. He demanded that the Baghdad government destroy the wall and act against those "planting division and sectarianism among Iraqis." Since early this year, US and Iraqi forces have been erecting walls around or between some Baghdad neighbourhoods in what their commanders call a "concrete caterpillar" designed to protect residents from sectarian violence.
In April the military came under flak when it began constructing a ring of six-tonne (14,000 pounds) concrete blocks around the Sunni Adhamiyah neighbourhood to prevent it from being mortared from the nearby Shiite areas. Many Iraqis argue that the barricades will only heighten tensions between Sunnis and Shiites by segregating the once mixed city.
During Wednesday's protest, demonstrators carried Iarqi flags and chanted, "No, no to terrorism", and "Yes, yes to unity." "This wall does not provide security and stability," said Shiite cleric Abdul Baqir al-Subaihawi.
"The government must maintain security in Baghdad rather than separate its neighbourhoods," he added. Shiite radical leader Moqtada al-Sadr has urged artists to paint the concrete barriers springing up around Baghdad with murals showing what he dubbed the "ugly face" of the US military in Iraq.
The Baghdad council has employed professional artists to paint the walls with calming landscapes and scenes depicting Iraq's natural beauty, but Sadr -- a firebrand preacher and militia leader -- had something more dramatic in mind. "I call on you to draw magnificent tableaux that depict the ugliness and terrorist nature of the occupier, and the sedition, car bombings, blood and the like he has brought upon Iraqis," he said.
Labels: Abdul Baqir al-Subaihawi, al-Ghazaliyah, al-Shuala, Baghdad, wall
Top clerics name start dates for Ramadan
Religion
(AFP) - Iraq's minority Sunni Arab community will begin observing Ramadan -- Islam's holiest period -- from Thursday, followed a day later by the majority Shiites, top clerics said. Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Ghafur al-Sammaraie, the head of Sunni religious endowment in Iraq, said the Sunni Arabs in the war-ravaged country would observe Ramadan from Thursday. "The legal committee for observing the crescent has decided that Thursday is the first day of Ramadan," Sammaraie said in a statement.
Iraq's Shiites, who are a minority in the Muslim world but make up the majority in Iraq, will observe the holy period from Friday, according to the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the seniormost Shiite cleric. "The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani expects that the crescent will be observed late Thursday and Friday will be the first day of Ramadan," a statement from Sistani's office said.
Baghdadis were out on the streets in numbers on Wednesday, purchasing sweets, pastries, and other food and household items for Ramadan. During the dawn-to-dusk fasting month, the nightly curfew will be eased in the capital, coming into effect at midnight instead of at 11:00 pm. It will continue to be enforced until 5:00 am. Authorities have also scrapped the weekly vehicle curfew that usually applies between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on Fridays, for the duration of the fasting month.
However, vehicles will not be allowed over the many bridges that span the Tigris River and link east and west Baghdad on the Muslim day of prayer and rest. On Wednesday, the interior ministry issued a list of instructions it said were aimed at thwarting attacks during Ramadan, a period of high violence in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003.
Baghdadis were out on the streets in numbers on Wednesday, purchasing sweets, pastries, and other food and household items for Ramadan. During the dawn-to-dusk fasting month, the nightly curfew will be eased in the capital, coming into effect at midnight instead of at 11:00 pm. It will continue to be enforced until 5:00 am. Authorities have also scrapped the weekly vehicle curfew that usually applies between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on Fridays, for the duration of the fasting month.
However, vehicles will not be allowed over the many bridges that span the Tigris River and link east and west Baghdad on the Muslim day of prayer and rest. On Wednesday, the interior ministry issued a list of instructions it said were aimed at thwarting attacks during Ramadan, a period of high violence in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003.
Labels: Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, curfew, Ramadan, Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Ghafur al-Sammaraie
Petraeus decides not to send U.S. troops to Basra
Security
(AFP) - The US military is taking a "wait and see" stance on developments in the southern Iraqi port of Basra but believes the Iraqi military can handle violence between factions competing for power, the US commander in Iraq said Wednesday. General David Petraeus said some small US special forces elements may be sent to the south to work with Iraqi forces, but not a larger US presence as Britain scales back its mission in the south.
"So I think we're in a wait-and-see approach with Basra. But we have every expectation that Basra will be resolved by Iraqis," he said at a press conference here. Petraeus, who was grilled by Congress for two days about the situation in Iraq, is scheduled to depart next week for London for talks on Britain's plans in Iraq.
The 5,500-British force has been pulled into an air base outside Basra since last week's handover of its last base inside the city, and plans call for reducing that force by 500 troops in the coming weeks. The British pull-back from bases in the south has been accompanied by a rise of factional violence among Shiite militias competing for control of the oil rich region, which has Iraq's only major port on the Gulf. Petraeus said the violence has subsided over the past month because of accommodations worked out by the Iraqis.
There are "lots of challenges, don't get me wrong," he said. "There's militia infiltration... All these different parties have elements and different structures in Iraq. "But they have come to accommodations that are allowing the functioning of activities down there. And, certainly, the oil has been flowing and the ports have been moving, and all the rest of that.
Petraeus said a four star Iraqi general has been assigned to the south and the Iraqi are moving in a special operations forces battalion and elements of a mechanized battalion while swapping out some army brigades. "In many cases, in that area, the presence of those forces, again, when it comes to intra-Shia rivalries, can sometimes be enough to keep the situation one in which they're shouting rather than shooting," he said.
"So I think we're in a wait-and-see approach with Basra. But we have every expectation that Basra will be resolved by Iraqis," he said at a press conference here. Petraeus, who was grilled by Congress for two days about the situation in Iraq, is scheduled to depart next week for London for talks on Britain's plans in Iraq.
The 5,500-British force has been pulled into an air base outside Basra since last week's handover of its last base inside the city, and plans call for reducing that force by 500 troops in the coming weeks. The British pull-back from bases in the south has been accompanied by a rise of factional violence among Shiite militias competing for control of the oil rich region, which has Iraq's only major port on the Gulf. Petraeus said the violence has subsided over the past month because of accommodations worked out by the Iraqis.
There are "lots of challenges, don't get me wrong," he said. "There's militia infiltration... All these different parties have elements and different structures in Iraq. "But they have come to accommodations that are allowing the functioning of activities down there. And, certainly, the oil has been flowing and the ports have been moving, and all the rest of that.
Petraeus said a four star Iraqi general has been assigned to the south and the Iraqi are moving in a special operations forces battalion and elements of a mechanized battalion while swapping out some army brigades. "In many cases, in that area, the presence of those forces, again, when it comes to intra-Shia rivalries, can sometimes be enough to keep the situation one in which they're shouting rather than shooting," he said.
Labels: Basra, General David Petraeus, security, Shiite militias, U.S. troops
Iraqi Accordance Front MP returns after boycott
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraqi Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban decided to return to the government and end his boycott, a source from the Iraqi cabinet said on Tuesday. "Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki hailed Baban's decision and appreciated his "courageous step" to return to undertake his job for the good of the Iraqi people," the source, whole asked not to be named, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The source did not give further details on the minister's surprising decision. Baban is a member of the Sunni Arab-majority Iraqi Islamic Party, headed by Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. The party is one of the main Sunni components of the Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF). The IAF, the third largest bloc in Iraqi parliament with 44 out of a total 275 seats, had announced last month that its five ministers and deputy premier, Sallam al-Zawbaie, have quit the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki because "the government slammed the door shut to any reforms that would help rescue Iraq."
The IAF is composed of three main Sunni political organizations: the Iraqi Islamic Party, the Congress of the People of Iraq and the National Dialogue Council. Baban himself had threatened to withdraw from the government before his bloc's decision last month if the oil and gas law approved without making "fundamental amendments". He asserted that the law has "negative effects" on Iraqi oil wealth, calling for holding a referendum on that law.
The source did not give further details on the minister's surprising decision. Baban is a member of the Sunni Arab-majority Iraqi Islamic Party, headed by Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. The party is one of the main Sunni components of the Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF). The IAF, the third largest bloc in Iraqi parliament with 44 out of a total 275 seats, had announced last month that its five ministers and deputy premier, Sallam al-Zawbaie, have quit the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki because "the government slammed the door shut to any reforms that would help rescue Iraq."
The IAF is composed of three main Sunni political organizations: the Iraqi Islamic Party, the Congress of the People of Iraq and the National Dialogue Council. Baban himself had threatened to withdraw from the government before his bloc's decision last month if the oil and gas law approved without making "fundamental amendments". He asserted that the law has "negative effects" on Iraqi oil wealth, calling for holding a referendum on that law.
Labels: Ali Baban, Iraqi Accordance Front
Sadr bloc threatens to pull out of United Iraqi Alliance
Politics
(RFE/RL) - Representatives aligned with Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr threatened to pull out of the United Iraqi Alliance on September 11, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reported. Al-Sadr spokesman Salah al-Ubaydi told reporters at a press briefing in Al-Najaf that lawmakers were discussing a possible pullout with the cleric because the bloc is not satisfied with the government's performance.
Al-Ubaydi said the government has failed to achieve the minimum requirements in terms of security and public services. He also criticized the United Iraqi Alliance, saying the two major parties in the alliance, Prime Minister al-Maliki's Islamic Al-Da'wah Party and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, are monopolizing power and practicing a "double standard" policy. Al-Ubaydi criticized those parties' decision to join ranks with the leading Kurdish parties in parliament to form the so-called moderates' front, saying the two Shi'ite parties should have consulted all the parties in the alliance before reaching such an agreement.
Labels: Moqtada Al-Sadr, Najaf, Salah al-Ubaydi, United Iraqi Alliance
Gunmen steal $550,000 in Iraq
Security
(AP) - Robbers dressed as police commandos hijacked an armored truck in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday, bound and gagged its guards, and made off with about $550,000 in Iraqi currency, police said. The bandits used what appeared to be two Iraqi police vehicles to set up a fake police checkpoint on Mohammed al-Qassim highway, near the Sinak district of the Iraqi capital, said two officers, both on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The robbery took place around 1:30 p.m., they said. At first, the assailants offered to escort and protect the armored truck en route to downtown Baghdad, the officers said. Along the way, they forced the truck driver to pull over near Mustansiriya University, they said. Then they handcuffed and gagged all the truck's occupants - five guards, one accountant and a driver - and stole the money.
One officer quoted the accountant as saying the cash was being carried from a factory in Baghdad's Zafaraniyah neighborhood to a private bank. The victims drew attention from passing motorists, who alerted police. Authorities responded about an hour later, when they found the seven victims sitting unharmed in the empty armored truck by the side of the road, the officers said.
The assailants' identities were unknown, and it was unclear how they obtained what appeared to be two Iraqi police vehicles, in which they fled. One of the police officers who spoke to The Associated Press was on patrol at the time of the robbery and responded to the scene. The other was on duty in a local station and received multiple reports of the incident.
One officer quoted the accountant as saying the cash was being carried from a factory in Baghdad's Zafaraniyah neighborhood to a private bank. The victims drew attention from passing motorists, who alerted police. Authorities responded about an hour later, when they found the seven victims sitting unharmed in the empty armored truck by the side of the road, the officers said.
The assailants' identities were unknown, and it was unclear how they obtained what appeared to be two Iraqi police vehicles, in which they fled. One of the police officers who spoke to The Associated Press was on patrol at the time of the robbery and responded to the scene. The other was on duty in a local station and received multiple reports of the incident.
Labels: Baghdad, robbery, Sinak, theft
The security situation in Iraq through Iraqi eyes
Security
(RFE/RL) -- What does the security situation in Iraq look like through Iraqi eyes? We posed the question to RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq correspondents in several cities, as top U.S. officials brief Congress this week on how well the troop surge strategy is working in Baghdad and central Iraq. Follow link for full article
Hassan Nassir in Al-Khadimiyah, Baghdad
The security situation in my neighborhood in northwest Baghdad is more or less stable, but there are situations when we have gunfire, mortar fire, and confrontations. It is a working-class neighborhood; the standard of living here is average. There used to be a mixture in this neighborhood of Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, and even Christians, but many people have left. Now it is basically Shi'ite.
About four months ago, U.S. forces began to build a small, simple base in the area. They are active during the night. After midnight, they begin patrols, or walk along the street, or they may target particular houses or individuals. The militias are also present; they call themselves "popular committees" but we can call them militias. They don't appear constantly; they are in contact with each another and withdraw when the Americans move in, but they are here.
Hassan Nassir in Al-Khadimiyah, Baghdad
The security situation in my neighborhood in northwest Baghdad is more or less stable, but there are situations when we have gunfire, mortar fire, and confrontations. It is a working-class neighborhood; the standard of living here is average. There used to be a mixture in this neighborhood of Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, and even Christians, but many people have left. Now it is basically Shi'ite.
About four months ago, U.S. forces began to build a small, simple base in the area. They are active during the night. After midnight, they begin patrols, or walk along the street, or they may target particular houses or individuals. The militias are also present; they call themselves "popular committees" but we can call them militias. They don't appear constantly; they are in contact with each another and withdraw when the Americans move in, but they are here.
Zainab Hasan in Al-Jamil, Baghdad
My neighborhood, Al-Jamil, close to Al-Sadr City, is primarily Shi'ite, but there are a number of Sunni and Christian homes, because the neighborhood residents have prevented their expulsion. It's a neighborhood with an above-average standard of living. U.S. forces have taken over a site to use as a camp or a base about 200-300 meters from where I live. The truth is that since the Americans have been stationed here, we have been aware of a number of operations, but I don't think that there is any link between the Americans and this neighborhood. We see them three or four times a day in their vehicles and Hummers, but they have never stopped to talk with the neighbors or other people.
here are no militia checkpoints in my neighborhood, and frankly I don't see the presence of such forces. Our neighborhood is maybe quieter than other neighborhoods. We can move freely around our neighborhood. I see girls and women who go out shopping normally. As for going to other neighborhoods, I only go to particular neighborhoods. For example, there are areas I cannot reach; I used to buy my clothes in Al-Adhamiyah or in the "Camp" neighborhood, but I am now forced to keep out of these areas. However, I can do my shopping on Palestine Street, which is crowded with shoppers, both male and female, even girls wearing trousers and without hijabs.
My neighborhood, Al-Jamil, close to Al-Sadr City, is primarily Shi'ite, but there are a number of Sunni and Christian homes, because the neighborhood residents have prevented their expulsion. It's a neighborhood with an above-average standard of living. U.S. forces have taken over a site to use as a camp or a base about 200-300 meters from where I live. The truth is that since the Americans have been stationed here, we have been aware of a number of operations, but I don't think that there is any link between the Americans and this neighborhood. We see them three or four times a day in their vehicles and Hummers, but they have never stopped to talk with the neighbors or other people.
here are no militia checkpoints in my neighborhood, and frankly I don't see the presence of such forces. Our neighborhood is maybe quieter than other neighborhoods. We can move freely around our neighborhood. I see girls and women who go out shopping normally. As for going to other neighborhoods, I only go to particular neighborhoods. For example, there are areas I cannot reach; I used to buy my clothes in Al-Adhamiyah or in the "Camp" neighborhood, but I am now forced to keep out of these areas. However, I can do my shopping on Palestine Street, which is crowded with shoppers, both male and female, even girls wearing trousers and without hijabs.
Samir Abd al-Rahman in Babylon
The neighborhood where I live is not really mixed in terms of Shi'a and Sunnis. There are very few Sunnis. We find that some of those with a limited education are anxious to carry guns at night, and sometimes hand grenades. We sometimes hear gunfire for a particular reason or for no reason at all. At the same time, we see that culture survives -- artists and writers are also living here.
We have not seen any U.S. forces. I haven't seen any Americans in the neighborhood, but some time ago there was an attack on the house of someone who was working as a contractor for the Americans. His house was attacked, and we then saw an American presence, but only for a very brief period.
There are no militia checkpoints in this area, because our neighborhood is within the city, and because the security agencies are somewhat alert and they spread out after 11 at night. But how do we know if there are any armed elements around? Any minor incident is accompanied by concentrated gunfire; this shows that people have weapons.
The neighborhood where I live is not really mixed in terms of Shi'a and Sunnis. There are very few Sunnis. We find that some of those with a limited education are anxious to carry guns at night, and sometimes hand grenades. We sometimes hear gunfire for a particular reason or for no reason at all. At the same time, we see that culture survives -- artists and writers are also living here.
We have not seen any U.S. forces. I haven't seen any Americans in the neighborhood, but some time ago there was an attack on the house of someone who was working as a contractor for the Americans. His house was attacked, and we then saw an American presence, but only for a very brief period.
There are no militia checkpoints in this area, because our neighborhood is within the city, and because the security agencies are somewhat alert and they spread out after 11 at night. But how do we know if there are any armed elements around? Any minor incident is accompanied by concentrated gunfire; this shows that people have weapons.
Sa'id Mustafa in Tikrit
With regard to the security situation, we cannot call it good or bad. There is a police presence, and there is control over security, and there have not been any incidents in our actual neighborhood. But we hear that incidents do occur in the market and in the crowded areas, incidents involving explosions, assassinations at night.
My neighborhood's standard of living is low to medium. Most people are government employees. It does include the various sects: there are Shi'a, Sunnis, etc., but there is no differentiation here. The U.S. forces are not present in our neighborhood, but they do pass by on the main street. They have fixed bases where they are centered. Nobody is involved with them, nor does anybody go near them, except for those who work at their bases -- they are distant from us and people do not mix with them.
There are no checkpoints here manned by militias, and the control of the streets is in the hands of the police and army. We sometimes hear about armed elements, but not in our neighborhood. The armed elements are at the governorate level, and on the main roads and highways.
With regard to the security situation, we cannot call it good or bad. There is a police presence, and there is control over security, and there have not been any incidents in our actual neighborhood. But we hear that incidents do occur in the market and in the crowded areas, incidents involving explosions, assassinations at night.
My neighborhood's standard of living is low to medium. Most people are government employees. It does include the various sects: there are Shi'a, Sunnis, etc., but there is no differentiation here. The U.S. forces are not present in our neighborhood, but they do pass by on the main street. They have fixed bases where they are centered. Nobody is involved with them, nor does anybody go near them, except for those who work at their bases -- they are distant from us and people do not mix with them.
There are no checkpoints here manned by militias, and the control of the streets is in the hands of the police and army. We sometimes hear about armed elements, but not in our neighborhood. The armed elements are at the governorate level, and on the main roads and highways.
Jabbar Musa in Al-Najaf
In general, the situation where I live is quiet up to a point, but we often hear about "the calm" before the storm. My neighborhood has as an above-average or good standard of living. The people there are mostly educated employees with government offices. There is no presence at all of U.S. forces, but there are two checkpoints manned by the local police in our area.
Sometimes when there are political activities, the militias appear and take control of the street, exhibiting all of their capabilities, to an amazing level. They have wireless communications devices, and they keep in contact. But they do not have a daily presence.
In our area, freedom of movement is practically total; there are no inconveniences or security pestering, except occasionally. But there are rumors that there are in fact assassinations, and they are aimed at political people, or those who had relations with the previous regime. In reality, there is fear, because the assassinations that are taking place are random. This may be on purpose, in order to "mix the cards." Actually this is the only issue people talk about in our neighborhood.
In general, the situation where I live is quiet up to a point, but we often hear about "the calm" before the storm. My neighborhood has as an above-average or good standard of living. The people there are mostly educated employees with government offices. There is no presence at all of U.S. forces, but there are two checkpoints manned by the local police in our area.
Sometimes when there are political activities, the militias appear and take control of the street, exhibiting all of their capabilities, to an amazing level. They have wireless communications devices, and they keep in contact. But they do not have a daily presence.
In our area, freedom of movement is practically total; there are no inconveniences or security pestering, except occasionally. But there are rumors that there are in fact assassinations, and they are aimed at political people, or those who had relations with the previous regime. In reality, there is fear, because the assassinations that are taking place are random. This may be on purpose, in order to "mix the cards." Actually this is the only issue people talk about in our neighborhood.
Labels: Al-Jamil, Al-Khadimiyah, Babylon, Baghdad, Iraq, Najaf, security, Tikrit
Sadrists react with anger to Petraeus report
Politics
(AFP) -- Moqtada al-Sadr's powerful Shiite movement reacted angrily on Wednesday to a progress report by the top US general and diplomat in Iraq, contesting their findings and vowing to fight on until all American troops leave. "The report did not touch on Iraqi reality," said Abdul-Mahdi al-Mutayri, a member of the politburo of Sadr's office in the central city of Najaf.
"It has damaged the interests of the people because it does not reflect the true situation in Iraq," Mutayri told AFP. "The security situation is still bad, contrary to what the report said. The people are still isolated from each other because of sectarian strife, especially in Baghdad," he added. He was referring to claims by US commander General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker that violence levels had dropped significantly because of an American troop "surge" in Iraq.
Appearing before the US Congress on Monday, Petraeus said that as a result of the improved security situation, 30,000 troops could be withdrawn by July next year. Mutayri scoffed at the withdrawal timetable outlined by Petraeus, which would see the first batch of Marines return home as early as this month. "Our basic aim is not a timetable but full withdrawal... we will keep demanding that until the last soldier leaves Iraq," he said.
Petraeus's announcement, he added, was merely for "media purposes" and to camouflage the fact that the US administration wants to maintain "the largest possible number of forces in Iraq for strategic purposes." Fiery anti-American cleric Sadr, who has a thousands-strong militia known as the Mahdi Army, has constantly demanded the departure of foreign troops from Iraqi soil since the US-led invasion in March 2003. It launched two uprisings in 2004 but suffered bloody defeats at the hands of US forces in both, although the militia has continued its attacks on foreign troops.
A member of parliament representing Sadr political bloc, Ghufran Saad, told AFP that Petraeus's announcement of possible troop cutbacks was "not fresh news." "Every year they say numbers of troops will leave, but what we see is that their number is in fact increased," Saad said. "The Sadr group did not need to listen to the report to know what they were going to say because we know that the Americans are always trying to impose their mandate on Iraq," she added.
The timetable for withdrawal was "a deception of the Iraqi people because their presence or departure should be determined by the Iraqi government." Sadr's spokesman Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi was sceptical that the withdrawal would happen in the way outlined by Petraeus. "The command of the US forces will not hesitate to keep them in Iraq if the situation changes for a real or fabricated reason," he said.
On August 29, Sadr ordered the Mahdi Army to halt its militia activities, including assaults on US-led forces, for six months after it was widely accused of fomenting violence during a huge pilgrimage in the shrine city of Karbala that left 50 people dead. Attacks on American forces continue, however, with US commanders blaming "rogue" Mahdi Army elements beyond Sadr's control. Najaf, 160 kilometres (100 miles) south of Baghdad where Sadr has his headquarters, is Shiite Islam's holiest pilgrimage city and home to the shrine of Imam Ali.
"It has damaged the interests of the people because it does not reflect the true situation in Iraq," Mutayri told AFP. "The security situation is still bad, contrary to what the report said. The people are still isolated from each other because of sectarian strife, especially in Baghdad," he added. He was referring to claims by US commander General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker that violence levels had dropped significantly because of an American troop "surge" in Iraq.
Appearing before the US Congress on Monday, Petraeus said that as a result of the improved security situation, 30,000 troops could be withdrawn by July next year. Mutayri scoffed at the withdrawal timetable outlined by Petraeus, which would see the first batch of Marines return home as early as this month. "Our basic aim is not a timetable but full withdrawal... we will keep demanding that until the last soldier leaves Iraq," he said.
Petraeus's announcement, he added, was merely for "media purposes" and to camouflage the fact that the US administration wants to maintain "the largest possible number of forces in Iraq for strategic purposes." Fiery anti-American cleric Sadr, who has a thousands-strong militia known as the Mahdi Army, has constantly demanded the departure of foreign troops from Iraqi soil since the US-led invasion in March 2003. It launched two uprisings in 2004 but suffered bloody defeats at the hands of US forces in both, although the militia has continued its attacks on foreign troops.
A member of parliament representing Sadr political bloc, Ghufran Saad, told AFP that Petraeus's announcement of possible troop cutbacks was "not fresh news." "Every year they say numbers of troops will leave, but what we see is that their number is in fact increased," Saad said. "The Sadr group did not need to listen to the report to know what they were going to say because we know that the Americans are always trying to impose their mandate on Iraq," she added.
The timetable for withdrawal was "a deception of the Iraqi people because their presence or departure should be determined by the Iraqi government." Sadr's spokesman Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi was sceptical that the withdrawal would happen in the way outlined by Petraeus. "The command of the US forces will not hesitate to keep them in Iraq if the situation changes for a real or fabricated reason," he said.
On August 29, Sadr ordered the Mahdi Army to halt its militia activities, including assaults on US-led forces, for six months after it was widely accused of fomenting violence during a huge pilgrimage in the shrine city of Karbala that left 50 people dead. Attacks on American forces continue, however, with US commanders blaming "rogue" Mahdi Army elements beyond Sadr's control. Najaf, 160 kilometres (100 miles) south of Baghdad where Sadr has his headquarters, is Shiite Islam's holiest pilgrimage city and home to the shrine of Imam Ali.
Labels: Abdul-Mahdi al-Mutayri, General David Petraeus, Ghufran Saad, Mahdi Army, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Najaf, Sadrist bloc, Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi
Saudi embassy to open soon in Iraq
Region
(AP) -- Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said Wednesday that the kingdom soon will open an embassy in Baghdad for the first time since Saddam Hussein's 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, a step the U.S. has pressed the Saudis to take. The announcement by Prince Saud al-Faisal came after a Riyadh delegation returned from Iraq, where al-Faisal said it had investigated the possibility of the embassy's opening.
"After we received the delegation's report, it is expected that an embassy will open soon," al-Faisal told reporters in the Red Sea port city of Jiddah. The United States has pushed the kingdom to open an embassy in Baghdad as a sign of support for the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, which Sunni Saudi Arabia has kept at arm's length and often criticizes as biased against Iraq's Sunni Arab minority.
An umbrella insurgent group of Iraqi Sunni Muslims - Jihad and Reform Front - has warned Riyadh against the opening, saying in a recent Web posting that the move would only comfort the Shiite-dominated government.
Aside from political considerations, Arab countries have backed off attempts to open embassies in Baghdad ever since Egypt's top diplomat in the Iraq capital was kidnapped and killed by insurgents in 2005, soon after Cairo announced it was looking at reopening its mission there.
Two Algerian diplomats and five Russian Embassy officials were killed in the months that followed. Iraq's Sunni Arab minority has close ties - including tribal links - to Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom has been a powerful voice pressing for al-Maliki's government to take steps to reconcile with the Sunnis.
"After we received the delegation's report, it is expected that an embassy will open soon," al-Faisal told reporters in the Red Sea port city of Jiddah. The United States has pushed the kingdom to open an embassy in Baghdad as a sign of support for the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, which Sunni Saudi Arabia has kept at arm's length and often criticizes as biased against Iraq's Sunni Arab minority.
An umbrella insurgent group of Iraqi Sunni Muslims - Jihad and Reform Front - has warned Riyadh against the opening, saying in a recent Web posting that the move would only comfort the Shiite-dominated government.
Aside from political considerations, Arab countries have backed off attempts to open embassies in Baghdad ever since Egypt's top diplomat in the Iraq capital was kidnapped and killed by insurgents in 2005, soon after Cairo announced it was looking at reopening its mission there.
Two Algerian diplomats and five Russian Embassy officials were killed in the months that followed. Iraq's Sunni Arab minority has close ties - including tribal links - to Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom has been a powerful voice pressing for al-Maliki's government to take steps to reconcile with the Sunnis.
Labels: embassy, Iraq, Jihad and Reform Front, Prince Saud al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia
Cholera outbreak in northern Iraq could spread south
Health
(AP) -- A cholera outbreak in northern Iraq has so far been limited to three provinces but could spread south, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday. Since the disease broke out in mid-August, 10 people have died and some 700 others have been confirmed with cholera, said Adel Muhsin, the Health Ministry's inspector general. Another 11,000 are suffering from such symptoms as severe diarrhea and vomiting, Muhsin said.
Cholera is a gastrointestinal disease that is typically spread by drinking contaminated water and can cause severe diarrhea that in extreme cases can lead to fatal dehydration. Worst hit has been the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the province of the same name, which has seen 4,600 cases of diarrhea and 300 cases of cholera, said Sherko Abdullah, the head of the regional health ministry department. Nine of the 10 deaths have been in the city, he said. It has also been reported in the northern provinces of Irbil and Tamim.
"No new cases have been discovered yet in other parts in Iraq and it is not impossible this will happen, but we are taking steps to contain and prevent the disease from spreading to other areas," Muhsin said. Last week, United Nations Development Program official Paolo Lembo said the outbreak was caused by the "inadequacy of the water supply system and deteriorated infrastructure" of the area.
Medical teams are regularly testing drinking water in Baghdad and other areas, and the Health Ministry is working to provide chlorine to drinking water plants, which can kill the bacteria responsible for cholera. "The more we pay attention to the drinking water regarding chlorine, the more we prevent an outbreak of this disease elsewhere," Muhsin said.
Abdullah said the number of new cases has been slowing now that the problem has been identified with the water, and that measures are being taken to fix the situation. The World Health Organization said this week that all public water supply systems in the affected districts have been chlorinated by provincial authorities.
"In addition, water samples from the public water supply sources are being collected and tested routinely to ensure they meet potable water safety standards," the WHO said. The health agency did not recommend any special restrictions on travel or trade to or from affected areas.
Cholera is a gastrointestinal disease that is typically spread by drinking contaminated water and can cause severe diarrhea that in extreme cases can lead to fatal dehydration. Worst hit has been the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the province of the same name, which has seen 4,600 cases of diarrhea and 300 cases of cholera, said Sherko Abdullah, the head of the regional health ministry department. Nine of the 10 deaths have been in the city, he said. It has also been reported in the northern provinces of Irbil and Tamim.
"No new cases have been discovered yet in other parts in Iraq and it is not impossible this will happen, but we are taking steps to contain and prevent the disease from spreading to other areas," Muhsin said. Last week, United Nations Development Program official Paolo Lembo said the outbreak was caused by the "inadequacy of the water supply system and deteriorated infrastructure" of the area.
Medical teams are regularly testing drinking water in Baghdad and other areas, and the Health Ministry is working to provide chlorine to drinking water plants, which can kill the bacteria responsible for cholera. "The more we pay attention to the drinking water regarding chlorine, the more we prevent an outbreak of this disease elsewhere," Muhsin said.
Abdullah said the number of new cases has been slowing now that the problem has been identified with the water, and that measures are being taken to fix the situation. The World Health Organization said this week that all public water supply systems in the affected districts have been chlorinated by provincial authorities.
"In addition, water samples from the public water supply sources are being collected and tested routinely to ensure they meet potable water safety standards," the WHO said. The health agency did not recommend any special restrictions on travel or trade to or from affected areas.
Labels: Adel Muhsin, cholera, Irbil, Sulaimaniyah, Tamim, UNDP, WHO
For a price, Sunni tribes turn on AQI, side with U.S. military
Security, Tribal
(CNN) -- Until recently, Yusufiyah was among the most dangerous places in Iraq. Located in the so-called "triangle of death," a violent area south of Baghdad, it was the site of frequent clashes between coalition forces and Sunni fighters. In May, two U.S. soldiers went missing in Yusufiyah and were never found, despite a massive search.
But today, Sunni tribal leaders in this town cooperate with U.S. forces in their battle against foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq. "It's all the roll of the dice. It's people and politics all intertwined down here," said Col. Michael Kershaw, commander of the Second Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Kershaw now greets his former enemies with kisses, hears their grievances, spends time in their homes and even shares meals with them. He is surprised at how far relations have progressed.
"Our hope a year ago was to establish very basic inroads down here," Kershaw said. "We thought the insurgency was far too deep for us to be able to effectively root it out and develop the relationship with the locals."
But today, Sunni tribal leaders in this town cooperate with U.S. forces in their battle against foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq. "It's all the roll of the dice. It's people and politics all intertwined down here," said Col. Michael Kershaw, commander of the Second Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Kershaw now greets his former enemies with kisses, hears their grievances, spends time in their homes and even shares meals with them. He is surprised at how far relations have progressed.
"Our hope a year ago was to establish very basic inroads down here," Kershaw said. "We thought the insurgency was far too deep for us to be able to effectively root it out and develop the relationship with the locals."
As happened in Anbar province to the west, local Sunni leaders from this town south of Baghdad finally turned on the al Qaeda extremists in their midst when the death and destruction became too much to bear. "Killing people, stealing goats, everything, you name it," said Sheik Hamid Karbouli, when asked why he and his men now oppose al Qaeda. Karbouli has recruited some 150 volunteers to man checkpoints and carry guns.
The U.S. military calls the men concerned local citizens. "I haven't had more than one IED destroy a vehicle in an area where concerned citizens were located ... in the past two months," Kershaw said. To further encourage local tribesmen to turn against al Qaeda, the U.S. military pays local sheiks to provide security in their area; they receive up to $10 per man. It's a controversial policy, but one that has helped the U.S. military identify and stop insurgents, Kershaw said.
"In the three months since this has started, we have gathered more insurgents up, more terrorists, than we did in the preceding nine months. And that's because they have pointed out to us these people within their own ranks," Kershaw said. The next step is to have these young Sunnis join the Iraqi police. For that to happen, the U.S. military needs the cooperation of the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad. Cooperation, however, is slow in coming.
Iraq's central government is concerned these gunmen might turn into armed militias if the U.S. pulls out and civil war erupts. To assuage these concerns, Kershaw is registering as many of the local volunteers as possible, taking photographs and retinal scans, hoping leaders in Baghdad will agree to hire them as Iraqi police.
"What we see as being the end state down here is these tribes being brought back full into the government process," Kershaw said. The Second Brigade has lost 53 men in Iraq. Their photos are proudly displayed in the brigade's headquarters. Some of the U.S. soldiers here have a hard time forgiving the Sunnis for what they might have done in the insurgency.
"Were some of these people part of the insurgency? Sure they were," Kershaw said. "Our job over here isn't to do what's comfortable for us, and it isn't to do what we want," he said. "Our job is to do the nation's bidding. If this gets our nation closer to a solution for this country ... then that's what we're gonna do."
The U.S. military calls the men concerned local citizens. "I haven't had more than one IED destroy a vehicle in an area where concerned citizens were located ... in the past two months," Kershaw said. To further encourage local tribesmen to turn against al Qaeda, the U.S. military pays local sheiks to provide security in their area; they receive up to $10 per man. It's a controversial policy, but one that has helped the U.S. military identify and stop insurgents, Kershaw said.
"In the three months since this has started, we have gathered more insurgents up, more terrorists, than we did in the preceding nine months. And that's because they have pointed out to us these people within their own ranks," Kershaw said. The next step is to have these young Sunnis join the Iraqi police. For that to happen, the U.S. military needs the cooperation of the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad. Cooperation, however, is slow in coming.
Iraq's central government is concerned these gunmen might turn into armed militias if the U.S. pulls out and civil war erupts. To assuage these concerns, Kershaw is registering as many of the local volunteers as possible, taking photographs and retinal scans, hoping leaders in Baghdad will agree to hire them as Iraqi police.
"What we see as being the end state down here is these tribes being brought back full into the government process," Kershaw said. The Second Brigade has lost 53 men in Iraq. Their photos are proudly displayed in the brigade's headquarters. Some of the U.S. soldiers here have a hard time forgiving the Sunnis for what they might have done in the insurgency.
"Were some of these people part of the insurgency? Sure they were," Kershaw said. "Our job over here isn't to do what's comfortable for us, and it isn't to do what we want," he said. "Our job is to do the nation's bidding. If this gets our nation closer to a solution for this country ... then that's what we're gonna do."
Labels: Al Qaeda, Col. Michael Kershaw, Sunni tribal leaders, Yusufiyah
Iraq's national security adviser - less combat operations for coalition troops
Security
(CNN) -- Iraq's government expects fewer combat operations for U.S.-led coalition troops in the near future, the country's national security adviser said Tuesday. Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie says Iraq will need U.S. help for some time to come. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, reacting to testimony Monday by U.S. Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker on Capitol Hill, said Iraq is aiming "to achieve complete Iraqi security reliance as soon as possible."
But he said his country still needs help. "We know that for some time we will continue to need the support of the coalition," al-Rubaie said. Al-Rubaie expressed appreciation for the "transparency and candor" of Petraeus and Crocker, who underscored that the Iraqi government, while making some progress, faces many severe challenges in the months and years ahead.
Addressing the frustrations of citizens and officials, al-Rubaie said the government wished it were further along but it is doing what it can on all fronts -- militarily, politically, and economically. He noted that despite "progress," there have been "setbacks" in what has been a "most difficult path." "We Iraqis are, of course, impatient and we wish our progress was more rapid. We understand this as well as the impatience and disappointment of our coalition supporters who expected more, sooner."
Al-Rubaie said the armed forces that were built from scratch in the post-Saddam Hussein era were making strides. Three years ago, none of the country's 18 provinces were under Iraqi control. Today, seven provinces are under full Iraqi security responsibility, and there will be more transfers of power. And he said Iraq has almost 500,000 trained soldiers and police operating against insurgents. By the middle of next year, he said, all the Iraqi army combat units will be "organized, equipped and trained and in operations."
"The capabilities of our security forces are now formidable," he said. And, he said, the citizenry is turning against "our common enemy," a reference to the "tribal awakening" of Iraqis who are turning against militants, such as al Qaeda in Iraq. Such a development has been touted in Iraq's Anbar province. He said Iraq has just published a national security strategy, he said.
"With the significant and visible success of the current security operation and the increasing capabilities of Iraqi forces, we anticipate in the near term, the relaxation of the requirement for coalition forces in direct combat operations," al-Rubaie said. "We will work with our coalition partners to make sure the coalition requirement in Iraq will take into consideration ... Iraqi capabilities and security conditions on the ground." The political arena is of greatest concern to the U.S. government and its citizens. The Nuri al-Maliki government has been beset by partisan bickering, sectarian tensions and bloc walkouts, and the Iraqi parliament has not yet passed key legislation.
But he said his country still needs help. "We know that for some time we will continue to need the support of the coalition," al-Rubaie said. Al-Rubaie expressed appreciation for the "transparency and candor" of Petraeus and Crocker, who underscored that the Iraqi government, while making some progress, faces many severe challenges in the months and years ahead.
Addressing the frustrations of citizens and officials, al-Rubaie said the government wished it were further along but it is doing what it can on all fronts -- militarily, politically, and economically. He noted that despite "progress," there have been "setbacks" in what has been a "most difficult path." "We Iraqis are, of course, impatient and we wish our progress was more rapid. We understand this as well as the impatience and disappointment of our coalition supporters who expected more, sooner."
Al-Rubaie said the armed forces that were built from scratch in the post-Saddam Hussein era were making strides. Three years ago, none of the country's 18 provinces were under Iraqi control. Today, seven provinces are under full Iraqi security responsibility, and there will be more transfers of power. And he said Iraq has almost 500,000 trained soldiers and police operating against insurgents. By the middle of next year, he said, all the Iraqi army combat units will be "organized, equipped and trained and in operations."
"The capabilities of our security forces are now formidable," he said. And, he said, the citizenry is turning against "our common enemy," a reference to the "tribal awakening" of Iraqis who are turning against militants, such as al Qaeda in Iraq. Such a development has been touted in Iraq's Anbar province. He said Iraq has just published a national security strategy, he said.
"With the significant and visible success of the current security operation and the increasing capabilities of Iraqi forces, we anticipate in the near term, the relaxation of the requirement for coalition forces in direct combat operations," al-Rubaie said. "We will work with our coalition partners to make sure the coalition requirement in Iraq will take into consideration ... Iraqi capabilities and security conditions on the ground." The political arena is of greatest concern to the U.S. government and its citizens. The Nuri al-Maliki government has been beset by partisan bickering, sectarian tensions and bloc walkouts, and the Iraqi parliament has not yet passed key legislation.
He thanked the United States and other coalition allies for its "selfless commitment" to Iraq. But al-Rubaie's rhetoric, while optimistic, was cautionary as well: dangers are literally around the corner. "Trust and mutual respect are still difficult and enormously hindered by the continuous attacks of the terrorists and extremists -- particularly foreign terrorists. We are not yet completely free to shape our future," he said.
Labels: General David Petraeus, Mowaffak al-Rubaie
Iraqi politicians react positively to Petraeus' report
Politics
(Gulf News) - Most of the Iraqi political elite have expressed their relief at the long-awaited testimony of General David Petraeus and the American Ambassador in Baghdad Ryan Crocker to the US Congress debating Iraq's situation. Omar Abdul Sattar, a prominent leader in the Sunni Islamic Party of the Accordance Front, told Gulf News: "As for General Petraeus' testimony about the security situation in Iraq, the General managed to put the facts and he expressed them so accurately unlike Ambassador Crocker."
He added: "Americans, according to Petraeus, succeeded in the Sunni Al Anbar province and formed local leaders to fight Al Qaida and this is a significant security achievement and I think Americans will go ahead after the testimony to enhance the formation of a local leader policy to maintain security in Iraq."
The former Minster of Culture in the Kurdistan region, Sami Shorish close to Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani, told Gulf News: "Iraqi leaders, especially the Kurds, are very optimistic about the Petraeus-Crocker report unlike the Baker-Hamilton report particularly on what General Petraeus said about a significant improvement in the security situation in Baghdad and Al Anbar provinces." We were also optimistic about statements concerning the Syrian-Iranian threat (to Iraqi stability), he added.
Abu Akbar Al Saadi, a prominent leader in the Supreme Islamic Council led by Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, told Gulf News: "The report was balanced and General Petraeus was successful in determining the main factors to maintain the security situation and there are indeed security achievements on the ground, especially changing the Iraqi Sunni attitude against Al Qaida, besides Petraeus' remarks concerning Iran and Syria represent a conformist view with the Iraqi government because the neighbouring countries have an important role in sustaining security and stability in Iraq."
Notably most of Iraq's political elites are satisfied with the Petraeus testimony for two reasons, firstly his remarks about progress regarding the security situation, and secondly: his praise of the role of Iraqi security forces in addressing terrorism.
Hashim Al Hashimi, a leader in the Fadhila Party, told Gulf News: "I affirmed what General Petraeus mentioned about achieving security progress but what Ambassador Crocker said was confusing about the political situation."
Talal Al Saadi, a leader in the Shiite Sadr trend, told Gulf News: "The Petraeus-Crocker report does not mean anything to the trend. The important thing to us is to schedule the American troops' withdrawal from Iraq. As for the security situation in the Al Anbar Province, I think it is a fallacy because the Americans armed former members of Al Qaida to strike Al Qaida and this is a dangerous matter and will cause catastrophe to Iraq."
He added: "Americans, according to Petraeus, succeeded in the Sunni Al Anbar province and formed local leaders to fight Al Qaida and this is a significant security achievement and I think Americans will go ahead after the testimony to enhance the formation of a local leader policy to maintain security in Iraq."
The former Minster of Culture in the Kurdistan region, Sami Shorish close to Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani, told Gulf News: "Iraqi leaders, especially the Kurds, are very optimistic about the Petraeus-Crocker report unlike the Baker-Hamilton report particularly on what General Petraeus said about a significant improvement in the security situation in Baghdad and Al Anbar provinces." We were also optimistic about statements concerning the Syrian-Iranian threat (to Iraqi stability), he added.
Abu Akbar Al Saadi, a prominent leader in the Supreme Islamic Council led by Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, told Gulf News: "The report was balanced and General Petraeus was successful in determining the main factors to maintain the security situation and there are indeed security achievements on the ground, especially changing the Iraqi Sunni attitude against Al Qaida, besides Petraeus' remarks concerning Iran and Syria represent a conformist view with the Iraqi government because the neighbouring countries have an important role in sustaining security and stability in Iraq."
Notably most of Iraq's political elites are satisfied with the Petraeus testimony for two reasons, firstly his remarks about progress regarding the security situation, and secondly: his praise of the role of Iraqi security forces in addressing terrorism.
Hashim Al Hashimi, a leader in the Fadhila Party, told Gulf News: "I affirmed what General Petraeus mentioned about achieving security progress but what Ambassador Crocker said was confusing about the political situation."
Talal Al Saadi, a leader in the Shiite Sadr trend, told Gulf News: "The Petraeus-Crocker report does not mean anything to the trend. The important thing to us is to schedule the American troops' withdrawal from Iraq. As for the security situation in the Al Anbar Province, I think it is a fallacy because the Americans armed former members of Al Qaida to strike Al Qaida and this is a dangerous matter and will cause catastrophe to Iraq."
Labels: Abu Akbar Al Saadi, Fadhela party, General David Petraeus, Hashim Al Hashimi, Iraqi Accordance Front, Omar Abdul Sattar, Ryan Crocker, Sadr bloc, Sami Shorish, SIIC, Talal Al Saadi
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Islamic Conference Organization Will Open Its Office In Baghdad
Diplomatic/Regional
(Al Mada Newspaper) - 10 SEP - The Political Affairs Advisor from the Islamic Conference Organization, Kamal Dhaifallah Al Momani, announced that the organization intends to open an office in Baghdad. Yesterday, during the Second Baghdad Conference for Neighboring Countries, Al Momani told Al Mada Newspaper that there are negotiations with the Iraqi government to open a permanent office in Baghdad.
Al Momani added that this office will continue its discussions with the government, religious and political sides in Iraq for the benefit of Iraq. Also, the organization will attend all of Iraq’s neighboring countries conferences. Al Momani announced that the Islamic Conference Organization is believed by all Iraqis to be a neutral organization that is looking after Iraq’s benefit, unity and patriotism. Al Momani also said the organization intends to activate the Mecca Document with the assistance of Iraqi religious clerics from all sects.
Al Momani added that this office will continue its discussions with the government, religious and political sides in Iraq for the benefit of Iraq. Also, the organization will attend all of Iraq’s neighboring countries conferences. Al Momani announced that the Islamic Conference Organization is believed by all Iraqis to be a neutral organization that is looking after Iraq’s benefit, unity and patriotism. Al Momani also said the organization intends to activate the Mecca Document with the assistance of Iraqi religious clerics from all sects.
Labels: Iraq, Islamic Conference Organization, Kamal Dhaifallah Al Momani, Mecca Document
Heavy Weapons And Aircraft To Increase Security In Basrah
Politics, Security
(Al Mada Newspaper) - 10 SEP - Basrah’s Operation Commander, General Mohan Hamidh Al Firaji, said the government will provide heavy weapons and aircraft for the security forces in Basrah. During the conference that was held in the Sadr office in Basrah, Al Firaji said the security forces in Basrah received heavy weapons such as tanks and other weapons.
Al Firaji said, “This week an Iraqi Air Force squadron should arrive to increase security in the city which we all want to be peaceful and secure.” Al Firaji continued by saying, “The security forces cannot keep security in any city without the help of the citizens and we are looking forward to Basrah’s citizens’ assistance to increase security because security is a national responsibility.” Gen. Al Firaji was appointed by Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki after the removal of the last security committee six weeks ago.
On Saturday, the Sadr office in Basrah held a conference named “Security and Stabilization.” This conference was attended by all national and religious parties as well as tribal sheikhs and prominent individuals. The conference was also attended by security commanders in Basrah.
On the security side, a source from the Oil Protection Force said that three benzene tankers were captured west of Basrah in separate operations. These tankers were heading to other governorates. On Saturday, the security and emergency forces caught two tankers. Each tanker was loaded with about 36,000 liters on the highway near Zubba oil field, 50 KM west of Basrah. The tankers were on their way to smuggle their fuel to other governorates. The two drivers were arrested and were carrying false documents.
The source added that the northern Basrah force captured another benzene tanker near the Al Tuba oil storage facility, 45 KM west of Basrah. It was loaded with 36,000 liters of fuel. In Basrah, there is a network of main oil pipe lines routed between the governorates or for export. These pipelines are often attacked by smugglers because they are difficult to secure due to their remote locations.
Al Firaji said, “This week an Iraqi Air Force squadron should arrive to increase security in the city which we all want to be peaceful and secure.” Al Firaji continued by saying, “The security forces cannot keep security in any city without the help of the citizens and we are looking forward to Basrah’s citizens’ assistance to increase security because security is a national responsibility.” Gen. Al Firaji was appointed by Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki after the removal of the last security committee six weeks ago.
On Saturday, the Sadr office in Basrah held a conference named “Security and Stabilization.” This conference was attended by all national and religious parties as well as tribal sheikhs and prominent individuals. The conference was also attended by security commanders in Basrah.
On the security side, a source from the Oil Protection Force said that three benzene tankers were captured west of Basrah in separate operations. These tankers were heading to other governorates. On Saturday, the security and emergency forces caught two tankers. Each tanker was loaded with about 36,000 liters on the highway near Zubba oil field, 50 KM west of Basrah. The tankers were on their way to smuggle their fuel to other governorates. The two drivers were arrested and were carrying false documents.
The source added that the northern Basrah force captured another benzene tanker near the Al Tuba oil storage facility, 45 KM west of Basrah. It was loaded with 36,000 liters of fuel. In Basrah, there is a network of main oil pipe lines routed between the governorates or for export. These pipelines are often attacked by smugglers because they are difficult to secure due to their remote locations.
The first pipeline is the first strategic line north of Al Rumaila Al Shamaliya. The second main pipeline is the National Investment Pipeline which is also in Al Rumaila Al Shamaliya. The pump pipeline is located in Zubayr One. There is also the Bazargan to Faw pipeline and the Nahr Omr to Shatt Al Basrah Pipeline, the Al Hizma Al Sharqiya Pipeline and the Iraqi / Saudi Pipeline (Zubayr Two to Al Majiz).
Labels: Basra Oil Protection Force, Basrah, fuel tankers, General Mohan Hamidh Al Firaji, smuggling, Zubba oilfield
Conference Held For Basrah’s Political Powers
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 10 SEP - Yesterday, Basrah’s Sadr Office held a conference which was attended by political and religious powers. The attendees included: Representatives of the “National Movement” (a small political front) which consists of eight democratic parties, and Saabists, (a minority religious group). Fadhila Party did not attend this conference; because, Fadhila Party has “deep disputes” with the Sadr Office.
Sheikh Abd Al Razaq Al Nadawi, the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah called for the issuing of a “fatwa” which forbids Iraqi bloodshed. And (Sheikh Al Nadawi), also called for the Chiefs (Sheikhs) of all the Tribes to: stop disputes, and work to achieve “unified speech and positions” (common ground). Then, Al Nadawi asked the Civil Community Organizations to: activate dialogue and National Reconciliation…and adopt “national attitudes” to deal with all opinions.
[It is worthy to note that] This Conference was held after the huge celebrations…which began on Friday… after the British forces signed the decision to withdraw their troops from (Basrah’s) Presidential Palaces. The celebration (marches, parades, and convoys of cars loaded with rejoicing people) ended in Basrah’s Al Hussein area…which is the (area of Basrah with) the most Mahdi Army “bases.”
Al Nadawi (the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah) also warned American troops not to enter Basrah; he said, “The Occupation forces are not included in the truce! ‘Freezing’ Mahdi Army activities do not include ‘freezing’ its actions against American troops!" According to many observers, the Sadr Office in Basrah held this conference… called the “Security and Stabilization Conference”… in order to:
Calm the local and national government, and
Decrease local residents’ fears that the Mahdi Army will take control of (all) of Basrah’s security and community services…after the British withdraw from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
Basrah’s “Operations Commander” – General Mohan Hafidh said, during the conference, that the (Iraqi) Security Forces have the ability to maintain security (keep the peace)…if the people, parties, and social sects cooperate with the security forces. He also said that the mission of his forces is to: pressure criminals and outlaws to abandon their own (selfish) loyalties. He also said: the (Iraqi) aircraft will soon arrive…within two weeks from now.
Sheikh Abd Al Razaq Al Nadawi, the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah called for the issuing of a “fatwa” which forbids Iraqi bloodshed. And (Sheikh Al Nadawi), also called for the Chiefs (Sheikhs) of all the Tribes to: stop disputes, and work to achieve “unified speech and positions” (common ground). Then, Al Nadawi asked the Civil Community Organizations to: activate dialogue and National Reconciliation…and adopt “national attitudes” to deal with all opinions.
[It is worthy to note that] This Conference was held after the huge celebrations…which began on Friday… after the British forces signed the decision to withdraw their troops from (Basrah’s) Presidential Palaces. The celebration (marches, parades, and convoys of cars loaded with rejoicing people) ended in Basrah’s Al Hussein area…which is the (area of Basrah with) the most Mahdi Army “bases.”
Al Nadawi (the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah) also warned American troops not to enter Basrah; he said, “The Occupation forces are not included in the truce! ‘Freezing’ Mahdi Army activities do not include ‘freezing’ its actions against American troops!" According to many observers, the Sadr Office in Basrah held this conference… called the “Security and Stabilization Conference”… in order to:
Calm the local and national government, and
Decrease local residents’ fears that the Mahdi Army will take control of (all) of Basrah’s security and community services…after the British withdraw from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
Basrah’s “Operations Commander” – General Mohan Hafidh said, during the conference, that the (Iraqi) Security Forces have the ability to maintain security (keep the peace)…if the people, parties, and social sects cooperate with the security forces. He also said that the mission of his forces is to: pressure criminals and outlaws to abandon their own (selfish) loyalties. He also said: the (Iraqi) aircraft will soon arrive…within two weeks from now.
Labels: Basrah, Fadhela party, fatwas, General Mohan Hafidh, National Movement, Saabists, Sadr office, Sheikh Abd Al Razaq Al Nadawi, tribes
Governorate Council’s Conference Held In Nasiriya
Politics
(Badr Newspaper) - 10 SEP - The Second Annual Conference for the Southern Governorate Councils was held at the Cultural Center in Nasiriya. The conference began with the reading of verses of the holy Quran and a few introductory speeches. Dr. Surra Aboud, the Director of the Governorate Council Department, opened the conference with a short speech about governorate councils and their role in the democratic process and in serving the people.
Members of the governorate councils of Basrah, Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Muthana delivered speeches as did Salah Al Shimmari, a member of the Legal Committee in the Dhi Qar Governorate Council. All of the conference attendees put forth their best efforts to come up with ideas based on constitutional principles regarding decentralizing administration, the separation of powers, and the balance of power between the federal and local governments.
A statement was issued at the end of the conference that included many suggestions which the participants had agreed on. The statement was forwarded to the Presidency Council. Salah Al Shimmari told NINA that the statement’s suggestions included addressing many constitutional amendments such as: Local governorate council members should have immunity, including the provision that no one can sue them; that they cannot be arrested for committing any felony or misdemeanor as described in Constitutional Article #9, unless there is a simple majority Parliament vote removing this immunity.
Members of the governorate councils of Basrah, Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Muthana delivered speeches as did Salah Al Shimmari, a member of the Legal Committee in the Dhi Qar Governorate Council. All of the conference attendees put forth their best efforts to come up with ideas based on constitutional principles regarding decentralizing administration, the separation of powers, and the balance of power between the federal and local governments.
A statement was issued at the end of the conference that included many suggestions which the participants had agreed on. The statement was forwarded to the Presidency Council. Salah Al Shimmari told NINA that the statement’s suggestions included addressing many constitutional amendments such as: Local governorate council members should have immunity, including the provision that no one can sue them; that they cannot be arrested for committing any felony or misdemeanor as described in Constitutional Article #9, unless there is a simple majority Parliament vote removing this immunity.
Labels: conference, Southern Governorate Councils
Addax says Taq Taq test results encouraging
Oil
(AME Info FZ LLC) - Switzerland's Addax Petroleum has said it is 'very encouraged' by test results at the Taq Taq field in Iraq's Kurdistan, reported Upstream. The TT-07 well tested at 37,560 barrels per day. The field is controlled by the Taq Taq Operating Company, a joint venture between Addax and Turkey's Genel Enerji.
Labels: Addax Petroleum, Genel Enerji, Taq Taq oilfield
Syria imposes Iraqi visa requirement
Region
(Voices of Iraq) - The decision to impose a visa requirement on Iraqis seeking entering Syria put into force on Monday morning, an official source in al-Rabeeayia border checkpoint with Syria, noting that truck and cab drivers are giving a one-year visa for USD 200. "Iraqis have to resort to the Syrian embassy in Baghdad to obtain the visa," the source told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on condition of anonymity.
"The decision excludes Iraqi diplomats who seek to enter Syria," he also said. "The crossing point became empty from travelers," the source noted. For their part, a number of owners of transport and travel companies in Zakho said that the visa decision affected negatively on their work, because it decreased the number of Iraqis who travel to Syria and vice versa.
Syria Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem had informed his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zibari about his country's decision to require visas from Iraqi nationals as of September 10. Moallem asked the Iraqi government to cooperate in this regard.
"The decision excludes Iraqi diplomats who seek to enter Syria," he also said. "The crossing point became empty from travelers," the source noted. For their part, a number of owners of transport and travel companies in Zakho said that the visa decision affected negatively on their work, because it decreased the number of Iraqis who travel to Syria and vice versa.
Syria Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem had informed his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zibari about his country's decision to require visas from Iraqi nationals as of September 10. Moallem asked the Iraqi government to cooperate in this regard.
Labels: al-Rabeeayia, Iraq, Syria, visas
Sistani aide assassinated in Basra
Security
(Voices of Iraq) - An official source from Basra provincial council said on Tuesday unknown gunmen killed an aide to the top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani after storming his house in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
"Unknown gunmen stormed, last night, the house of Sayyed Hussein al-Husaini in al-Jiniynah neighborhood, northern Basra, and killed him," the source, who spoke on anonymity condition, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The source added that al-Husaini, a Sistani representative in Basra, is also the Imam of the Shiite al-Mahtah mosque. This is the second incident in as many days after unknown gunmen shot dead Sheikh Muslim al-Battat, an aide to Sistani, a week ago in Basra. Basra, a predominantly Shiite city, is 590 km south of Baghdad.
"Unknown gunmen stormed, last night, the house of Sayyed Hussein al-Husaini in al-Jiniynah neighborhood, northern Basra, and killed him," the source, who spoke on anonymity condition, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The source added that al-Husaini, a Sistani representative in Basra, is also the Imam of the Shiite al-Mahtah mosque. This is the second incident in as many days after unknown gunmen shot dead Sheikh Muslim al-Battat, an aide to Sistani, a week ago in Basra. Basra, a predominantly Shiite city, is 590 km south of Baghdad.
Labels: al-Mahtah mosque, assassination, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Basra Provincial Council, Sayyed Hussein al-Husaini, Sheikh Muslim al-Battat
Maliki calls for majority government instead of unity government
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized some political parties participating in the Iraqi government, saying that their role does not cope with the concept of the national unity government. He urged the parliament and the government to review the concept of forming the national unity government and forming a majority government instead of it.
The premier's statements came during his word delivered before the Iraqi parliament. Al-Maliki refused to allow reporters to attend the session and allowed only to the state-run al-Iraqiya satellite television to air the parliament's session. He blamed continued objections made by some participating parties in the government for the failure of the national unity government. "The national unity government's main focus should be the constitution and the signed agreements," he affirmed.
The withdrawal of a number of political blocs: the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF), the secular Iraqi National List (INL) and the Shiite Sadrists, from Maliki's cabinet caused a big dilemma to the entire political process. "We should establish a partnership government instead of a national unity government which does not abide by rules of the national unity," the premier also said.
Speaking about the quintuple deal singed a few weeks ago by the parties to the four-way agreement plus the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party, he described it as a "second step on the road to effectuating the political process and refreshing state institutions' performance in different fields."
He admitted that a stagnant situation faced the political process after the withdrawal of some political blocs.
Maliki attended Monday's session upon an invitation extended by parliament last weekMaliki was supposed to hold his weekly news briefing on Monday but it was cancelled due to his scheduled appearance before parliament today.
The premier's statements came during his word delivered before the Iraqi parliament. Al-Maliki refused to allow reporters to attend the session and allowed only to the state-run al-Iraqiya satellite television to air the parliament's session. He blamed continued objections made by some participating parties in the government for the failure of the national unity government. "The national unity government's main focus should be the constitution and the signed agreements," he affirmed.
The withdrawal of a number of political blocs: the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF), the secular Iraqi National List (INL) and the Shiite Sadrists, from Maliki's cabinet caused a big dilemma to the entire political process. "We should establish a partnership government instead of a national unity government which does not abide by rules of the national unity," the premier also said.
Speaking about the quintuple deal singed a few weeks ago by the parties to the four-way agreement plus the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party, he described it as a "second step on the road to effectuating the political process and refreshing state institutions' performance in different fields."
He admitted that a stagnant situation faced the political process after the withdrawal of some political blocs.
Maliki attended Monday's session upon an invitation extended by parliament last weekMaliki was supposed to hold his weekly news briefing on Monday but it was cancelled due to his scheduled appearance before parliament today.
Labels: Iraq, Nouri Al-Maliki, politics
Al-Khalis tribal leaders join Diala Rescue Council
Tribal, Security
(Voices of Iraq) - Tribal leaders from three Sunni villages in al-Khalis's neighborhood of al-Mansouriya have joined Diala Rescue Council in an attempt to defeat al-Qaeda, a member of the council's general board, Awwad Najm al-Rubaie, said on Monday.
"Sheikhs and top tribal leaders from the villages of al-Wishah, al-Bazwini and al-Wisi in al-Khalis, (15 km north of Baaquba) decided on Sunday to join Diala Rescue Council to fight al-Qaeda and all takfir (declaring someone an infidel) groups, which hold sway over dozens of villages and cities in the province," al-Rubaie told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
"Some of the reasons that prompted them to take this decision were the transgressions and fatwas issued by the self-styled 'Leaders of the Islamic State,' which coerced girls into marrying al-Qaeda leaders who have Arab and Afghan nationalities…," al-Rubaie explained. Other fatwas permitted the seizure of property of immigrant families, accused a large segment of the Iraqi people of disbelief and allowed the killing of innocent civilians, he added.
Diala Rescue Council, which includes 70 tribal leaders of different sects and 15,000 fighters, announced its readiness to cooperate with the Iraqi security apparatus and join efforts against terrorism. Baaquba, the capital city of Diala province, is located 57 northeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
"Sheikhs and top tribal leaders from the villages of al-Wishah, al-Bazwini and al-Wisi in al-Khalis, (15 km north of Baaquba) decided on Sunday to join Diala Rescue Council to fight al-Qaeda and all takfir (declaring someone an infidel) groups, which hold sway over dozens of villages and cities in the province," al-Rubaie told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
"Some of the reasons that prompted them to take this decision were the transgressions and fatwas issued by the self-styled 'Leaders of the Islamic State,' which coerced girls into marrying al-Qaeda leaders who have Arab and Afghan nationalities…," al-Rubaie explained. Other fatwas permitted the seizure of property of immigrant families, accused a large segment of the Iraqi people of disbelief and allowed the killing of innocent civilians, he added.
Diala Rescue Council, which includes 70 tribal leaders of different sects and 15,000 fighters, announced its readiness to cooperate with the Iraqi security apparatus and join efforts against terrorism. Baaquba, the capital city of Diala province, is located 57 northeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Labels: Al Qaeda, Al-Khalis, Diala Rescue Council, Diyala, Najm al-Rubaie, tribal leaders
Kurdistan Coalition willing to postpone Kirkuk referendum
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - The Kurdistan Coalition has no problem with putting off the planned referendum on the situation in Kirkuk until the end of this year, the head of the coalition's parliamentary bloc Fuad Masoum said on Monday. "We have no problem with postponing the referendum on Kirkuk for two or three months or even more," Masoum told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) by phone.
An Iraqi parliamentary vote on Saturday extended the work of the Constitutional Amendments Committee until the end of 2007, delaying the referendum on Kirkuk's status that was expected by the end of 2007. Masoum, who is also a member of the committee, said that the proposed constitutional amendments do not "conflict" with the referendum on Kirkuk. "The majority of parliamentary blocs agree that article 140 should not be subject to constitutional amendments," he said. Meanwhile the head of the committee, Humam Hamoudi, said on Saturday that the parliament's decision was taken in the light of the committee's failure to resolve several controversial issues, including article 140.
Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution is related to the normalization of the situation in Kirkuk, an important and mixed city of Kurds, Turkmen, Christians and Arabs. Kurds seek to include the city in the autonomous Iraq's Kurdistan region, while Sunni Arabs, Turkmen and Shiite Arabs oppose the incorporation. The article currently stipulates that all Arabs in Kirkuk be returned to their original locations in southern and central Iraqi areas, and formerly displaced residents returned to Kirkuk, 250 km northeast of Baghdad. A referendum, provided for in the Iraqi constitution, was scheduled to be held by the end of the current year on including the city into the Kurdistan region.
An Iraqi parliamentary vote on Saturday extended the work of the Constitutional Amendments Committee until the end of 2007, delaying the referendum on Kirkuk's status that was expected by the end of 2007. Masoum, who is also a member of the committee, said that the proposed constitutional amendments do not "conflict" with the referendum on Kirkuk. "The majority of parliamentary blocs agree that article 140 should not be subject to constitutional amendments," he said. Meanwhile the head of the committee, Humam Hamoudi, said on Saturday that the parliament's decision was taken in the light of the committee's failure to resolve several controversial issues, including article 140.
Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution is related to the normalization of the situation in Kirkuk, an important and mixed city of Kurds, Turkmen, Christians and Arabs. Kurds seek to include the city in the autonomous Iraq's Kurdistan region, while Sunni Arabs, Turkmen and Shiite Arabs oppose the incorporation. The article currently stipulates that all Arabs in Kirkuk be returned to their original locations in southern and central Iraqi areas, and formerly displaced residents returned to Kirkuk, 250 km northeast of Baghdad. A referendum, provided for in the Iraqi constitution, was scheduled to be held by the end of the current year on including the city into the Kurdistan region.
Labels: Article 140, Fuad Masoum, Humam Hamoudi, Kirkuk, Kirkuk referendum, Kurdistan Coalition
