Thursday, October 04, 2007
Iraqi insurgent groups announce new coalition
Insurgency
(AP) -- Nearly two dozen previously unknown Iraqi insurgent groups announced a new coalition to fight foreign occupation but it also set conditions for talks with the U.S. in a statement on a Web site affiliated with the country's deposed Baath party. The 22 groups said their leader is Izzat al-Douri, the highest ranking member of Saddam Hussein's former ruling party still at large.
In the nearly half hour video message, an unidentified man, face blurred, was shown sitting behind a table with an Iraqi flag on his right side reading a statement announcing the formation of the new alliance called "The Jihad and Liberation."
The new alliance laid down a series of conditions for talks with the U.S. It demanded an unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, immediately or within a short timetable, the release of all detainees, return of the security forces to their status before the occupation and a halt to all operations against the people.
"If the enemy wants to withdraw and save face, they should sit down and speak directly with the resistance to discuss implementing these sacred principles. Otherwise, the only alternative is their collapse and flight," the statement said. Ayad Allawi, Iraq's first post-Saddam prime minister, has recently said he held talks with members of the Baath party loyal to al-Douri, for which he was severely criticized by Iraq's current prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.
The statement made no mention of al-Qaida in Iraq, but it contained slogans praising Arab nationalism and the Arab nation's great past. Al-Qaida's extremist ideology does not recognize nationalism, but calls for an Islamic state. There have been reports of clashes in Iraq between the more nationalist and secular elements of the insurgency with groups following al-Qaida.
The coalition is led by a group linked to al-Douri, who in his later years ascribed to a moderate, mystic Sufi form of Islam. An Islamic Web site linked to extremist groups such as al-Qaida also carried the announcement, but ridiculed al-Douri and the new group.
In the nearly half hour video message, an unidentified man, face blurred, was shown sitting behind a table with an Iraqi flag on his right side reading a statement announcing the formation of the new alliance called "The Jihad and Liberation."
The new alliance laid down a series of conditions for talks with the U.S. It demanded an unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, immediately or within a short timetable, the release of all detainees, return of the security forces to their status before the occupation and a halt to all operations against the people.
"If the enemy wants to withdraw and save face, they should sit down and speak directly with the resistance to discuss implementing these sacred principles. Otherwise, the only alternative is their collapse and flight," the statement said. Ayad Allawi, Iraq's first post-Saddam prime minister, has recently said he held talks with members of the Baath party loyal to al-Douri, for which he was severely criticized by Iraq's current prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.
The statement made no mention of al-Qaida in Iraq, but it contained slogans praising Arab nationalism and the Arab nation's great past. Al-Qaida's extremist ideology does not recognize nationalism, but calls for an Islamic state. There have been reports of clashes in Iraq between the more nationalist and secular elements of the insurgency with groups following al-Qaida.
The coalition is led by a group linked to al-Douri, who in his later years ascribed to a moderate, mystic Sufi form of Islam. An Islamic Web site linked to extremist groups such as al-Qaida also carried the announcement, but ridiculed al-Douri and the new group.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, Baath Party, Izzat al-Douri, The Jihad and Liberation
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Iraqi List: Signs Of An Agreement Soon Between Allawi And The Sadr Movement
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 4 SEP - Iraqi List Parliament member, Hussam Al Azzawi said that Iraqi List leader, Ayad Allawi is continuing his negotiations with important blocs and Parliament members. Al Azawi added that these negotiations are with the Accord Front, the Iraqi National Dialogue Front, The Fadhila Party and the Sadr Movement.
Al Azzawi pointed out that there are some agreements with the Sadr Movement, but recent problems between the Sadr Movement and the government as well as with the American forces are making these conversations difficult. He also said the Iraqi List has been in contact with prominent people in the Shiite Alliance and many of them have shown cooperation and support for the national project of the Iraqi List.
About the Iraqi List’s leaders visit to Kurdistan, Al Azzawi said it was a successful visit with positive negotiations that will solve the political crisis in the country. Al Azzawi added, “The Iraqi List’s project to solve the current crisis, which Allawi has introduced to the Kurdish parties, was welcomed by these parties.” He said, “The two Kurdish Parties are an important side in the political domain and they are a number you cannot ignore, and in the end, they are close to the patriotic liberal national project.
On Saturday, Allawi ended his visit to Sulaymaniya where he met with President Jalal Talabani and other Kurdish officials. About the Iraqi List’s vision to solve the crisis Al Azzawi said, “The solution is in the patriotic conversations between the political blocs and to participate in decisions, and not to put aside others.”
He added, “The Iraqi List is not an enemy of the Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki. We have some notes on the nature and performance of the government which have led the country into more fighting and disputes.” About their withdrawal from the government, Al Azzawi said, “Our position is unwavering on our withdrawal because there are many reasons and disagreements.” Al Azzawi believes that the crisis will not end because the government is continuing in its ignoring of other’s opinions. The Iraqi List has suspended its ministers, but they have given them time to run their ministries.
Al Azzawi pointed out that there are some agreements with the Sadr Movement, but recent problems between the Sadr Movement and the government as well as with the American forces are making these conversations difficult. He also said the Iraqi List has been in contact with prominent people in the Shiite Alliance and many of them have shown cooperation and support for the national project of the Iraqi List.
About the Iraqi List’s leaders visit to Kurdistan, Al Azzawi said it was a successful visit with positive negotiations that will solve the political crisis in the country. Al Azzawi added, “The Iraqi List’s project to solve the current crisis, which Allawi has introduced to the Kurdish parties, was welcomed by these parties.” He said, “The two Kurdish Parties are an important side in the political domain and they are a number you cannot ignore, and in the end, they are close to the patriotic liberal national project.
On Saturday, Allawi ended his visit to Sulaymaniya where he met with President Jalal Talabani and other Kurdish officials. About the Iraqi List’s vision to solve the crisis Al Azzawi said, “The solution is in the patriotic conversations between the political blocs and to participate in decisions, and not to put aside others.”
He added, “The Iraqi List is not an enemy of the Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki. We have some notes on the nature and performance of the government which have led the country into more fighting and disputes.” About their withdrawal from the government, Al Azzawi said, “Our position is unwavering on our withdrawal because there are many reasons and disagreements.” Al Azzawi believes that the crisis will not end because the government is continuing in its ignoring of other’s opinions. The Iraqi List has suspended its ministers, but they have given them time to run their ministries.
Labels: Accord Front, Ayad Allawi, Fadhila Party, Hussam Al Azzawi, Iraqi List, Iraqi National Dialogue Front, Jalal Talabani, Sadr movement
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Kurdistan Region Would Like Allawi’s Bloc To Join The “Four Party” Front
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 7 AUG - The Kurdistan region’s President, and KDP leader, Massoud Barzani, met (recently) with Ayad Allawi and they discussed the recent developments in the Iraqi political process, especially, the crisis which confronts the Al Maliki government, since the Accord Front decided to withdraw from this government.
Sources close to the Kurdistan President’s office said, “Barzani discussed the subject of Allawi joining the ‘four party front’.” [He was referring to the new political front which includes the KDP, PUK, SICI, and Dawa parties.] Fouad Hussein, spokesman for the Kurdistan region’s government, said, “The two sides (Allawi and Barzani) discussed the forming of this ‘fourth front’… which will remain open to fronts from all sides of the political process.”
The sources continued, “Kurdistan’s regional command (group) is working to (convince) Allawi to join this ‘fourth front’.” The ‘fourth front’, which is also known as “The Moderate Front”, is a new political bloc which is ‘supposed to’ include: the two main Kurdish parties (KDP and PUK) plus the SICI and Dawa Parties. This (new) Front is open to accepting other groups, into the Front, if those groups believe in the political process.
Yesterday, an Iraqi List source announced: former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, the leader of the Iraqi List, has ‘requested’ his List’s five Ministers (in Maliki’s Cabinet) to boycott the meetings of the Ministers’ Council… (This boycott is called for) as a condemnation of the ‘workings of this government’ (the Al Maliki Administration) which Allawi described as “sectarian”.
In related news, on Saturday, US President George Bush phoned (Kurdistan’s) President Barzani…they (the two men) shared their points of view regarding the current situation in Iraq. Barzani confirmed, to Bush, that he (Barzani) is working with Iraq’s leader in order to bring out of its current crisis. Barzani was expected to go to Baghdad, on Sunday, in order to participate in a meeting of ‘top-level’ political leaders.
Sources close to the Kurdistan President’s office said, “Barzani discussed the subject of Allawi joining the ‘four party front’.” [He was referring to the new political front which includes the KDP, PUK, SICI, and Dawa parties.] Fouad Hussein, spokesman for the Kurdistan region’s government, said, “The two sides (Allawi and Barzani) discussed the forming of this ‘fourth front’… which will remain open to fronts from all sides of the political process.”
The sources continued, “Kurdistan’s regional command (group) is working to (convince) Allawi to join this ‘fourth front’.” The ‘fourth front’, which is also known as “The Moderate Front”, is a new political bloc which is ‘supposed to’ include: the two main Kurdish parties (KDP and PUK) plus the SICI and Dawa Parties. This (new) Front is open to accepting other groups, into the Front, if those groups believe in the political process.
Yesterday, an Iraqi List source announced: former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, the leader of the Iraqi List, has ‘requested’ his List’s five Ministers (in Maliki’s Cabinet) to boycott the meetings of the Ministers’ Council… (This boycott is called for) as a condemnation of the ‘workings of this government’ (the Al Maliki Administration) which Allawi described as “sectarian”.
In related news, on Saturday, US President George Bush phoned (Kurdistan’s) President Barzani…they (the two men) shared their points of view regarding the current situation in Iraq. Barzani confirmed, to Bush, that he (Barzani) is working with Iraq’s leader in order to bring out of its current crisis. Barzani was expected to go to Baghdad, on Sunday, in order to participate in a meeting of ‘top-level’ political leaders.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, Dawa party, Four party front, Iraqi Accord Front, KDP, Massoud Barzani, PUK, SICI, The Moderate Front
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Allawi's party office raided
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - The National Accord Movement (NAM), headed by former prime minister Ayad Allawi, denounced on Wednesday raids on its office in Adhamiyah neighborhood in northern Baghdad by a joint Iraqi-U.S. force. "The forces tied up security guards, destroyed the office's doors and stole its contents," the movement said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
No comment was available from the U.S. army on the incident. "This was not the first time the movement's offices were attacked by Iraqi army and police forces," the statement also said. "Some of the movement's members were arrested two weeks ago in the city of Karbala," the statement added, noting that such measures show chaos in government's security institutions, which must protect citizens not attack them," it also said.
The movement urged the government to immediately free all captives and provide them with protection.
The NAM is one of the main components of the Iraqi National List, which has 25 seats out of the 275-seat parliament.
No comment was available from the U.S. army on the incident. "This was not the first time the movement's offices were attacked by Iraqi army and police forces," the statement also said. "Some of the movement's members were arrested two weeks ago in the city of Karbala," the statement added, noting that such measures show chaos in government's security institutions, which must protect citizens not attack them," it also said.
The movement urged the government to immediately free all captives and provide them with protection.
The NAM is one of the main components of the Iraqi National List, which has 25 seats out of the 275-seat parliament.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, NAM, National Accord Movement
Friday, July 20, 2007
Allawi says there are plots to assassinate him in Baghdad
Politics
(Azzaman) - Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said there were serious plots to have him assassinated in Baghdad. In a television interview, Allawi said: “Organs in the current government with the assistance of a foreign state are trying to liquidate me.” Allawi did not name the foreign country but analysts said he was most probably referring to Iran.
Allawi is a Shiite but his Iraqi National List party is secular and moderate and includes members from across the country’s diverse sects, religions and nationalities. The list has 24 deputies in the parliament and is part of the current ruling Shiite-Kurdish government. Allawi said he learned about attempts to have him assassinated “from the U.S. and a number of Arab countries”. He did not elaborate.
Despite his participation in the ruling coalition, Allawi was critical of the government, indicating that he might withdraw if it fails to introduce reconciliation. “If we find that our presence is no longer useful and our presence in the government ineffective, our withdrawal from the government is a measure to resort to,” he said.
He lashed out at the government of Nouri al-Maliki, saying that instead of curbing the country’s unruly militias it was encouraging them. “The militias now target anyone in disagreement with the government,” he said. Allawi is spearheading efforts to form a new ‘moderate’ front but has so far failed to persuade the disgruntled Sunnis to join him.
“I want to set up the front in order to seek real national reconciliation and rid Iraq of the political impasse it is going through,” he said. Allawi strongly opposes a ruling by the Iraqi tribunal trying members of the former regime for sentencing former defense minister to death. “I have called for the release of the former Defense Minister (General) Sultan Hashem Ahmad … We have documents that confirm that coalition forces had given him a promise that he would not be hurt in case he cooperated, and he did,” said Allawi.
Allawi is a Shiite but his Iraqi National List party is secular and moderate and includes members from across the country’s diverse sects, religions and nationalities. The list has 24 deputies in the parliament and is part of the current ruling Shiite-Kurdish government. Allawi said he learned about attempts to have him assassinated “from the U.S. and a number of Arab countries”. He did not elaborate.
Despite his participation in the ruling coalition, Allawi was critical of the government, indicating that he might withdraw if it fails to introduce reconciliation. “If we find that our presence is no longer useful and our presence in the government ineffective, our withdrawal from the government is a measure to resort to,” he said.
He lashed out at the government of Nouri al-Maliki, saying that instead of curbing the country’s unruly militias it was encouraging them. “The militias now target anyone in disagreement with the government,” he said. Allawi is spearheading efforts to form a new ‘moderate’ front but has so far failed to persuade the disgruntled Sunnis to join him.
“I want to set up the front in order to seek real national reconciliation and rid Iraq of the political impasse it is going through,” he said. Allawi strongly opposes a ruling by the Iraqi tribunal trying members of the former regime for sentencing former defense minister to death. “I have called for the release of the former Defense Minister (General) Sultan Hashem Ahmad … We have documents that confirm that coalition forces had given him a promise that he would not be hurt in case he cooperated, and he did,” said Allawi.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, Gen. Sultan Hashem Ahmad, militias, national reconciliation
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Allawi’s Group Demands To Postpone Implementation Of Article 140
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 25 JUN - The Iraqi List, which is led by Ayad Allawi, has demanded the postponement of the implementation of Article 140 regarding Kirkuk. The Iraqi List also demands that Mahmoud Al Mashahdani remain as Parliament chief. The Iraqi List stated that forming a new political front that includes political entities from the current political process will help extricate Iraq from its current situation.
The Iraqi List has presented a suggestion to postpone the implementation of Article 140. Yesterday, the Iraqi List issued a statement that said, “The current circumstances are not stable enough for the implementation of this article because of the major changes that have occurred in Kirkuk since the war. This postponement would assist in providing stability and security.” The Iraqi List’s statement also requested the formation of a political board to draft standards and criteria for implementing Article 140.
On the other hand, Iraqi List Parliament member, Aaliya Al Ubaidi said, “The Iraqi List supports Mahmoud Al Mashahdani remaining as the Parliament chief because of his patriotic and nationalistic attitude, which is aligned with the Iraqi street’s beliefs. There is a general opinion in the Iraqi List that he remains in his position. The causes behind the attempts to remove him are all political and are being attempted in order that certain laws can then be passed. If we review the original incident involving Al Mashahdani’s bodyguards, this incident was fabricated for the purpose of removing Al Mashahdani because there is no mention of removing the Parliament chief in the constitution or in the Parliament’s internal procedures. Article 12 of the Iraqi Parliament Rules stated that the Parliament chief’s resignation should only be for a very serious reason but no one has presented any such reason in this case. The incident was related to security and had nothing to do with Al Mashahdani.”
Iraqi List Parliament member, Izzat Al Shabandar stated, “The Iraqi List believes forming a new political entity is a method of extricating Iraq from its current political crisis. The Iraqi List has presented this project to the political entities for discussion. The Iraqi List does not want to announce the formation of the entity before it is guaranteed to succeed. Therefore, the formation of this entity will remain under discussion. This political entity will be able to ‘melt’ the internal problems and stand against Iraq’s enemies who want chaos in this country. This front will help relax Iraq’s neighboring countries.”
Regarding the Iraqi List’s and KDP’s shared beliefs, Shabandar clarified, “The meetings continue with the KDP have continued on an uninterrupted basis. The most recent meeting with the Kurdish personalities in the new front was to clarify viewpoints.” It is worthy to mention that the Iraqi List has held meetings with a number of parties and political entities in Cairo in order to prepare for the announcement of the new front. Some Parliament members believe these meetings were part of a coup against the current government.
On the other hand, Iraqi List Parliament member, Aaliya Al Ubaidi said, “The Iraqi List supports Mahmoud Al Mashahdani remaining as the Parliament chief because of his patriotic and nationalistic attitude, which is aligned with the Iraqi street’s beliefs. There is a general opinion in the Iraqi List that he remains in his position. The causes behind the attempts to remove him are all political and are being attempted in order that certain laws can then be passed. If we review the original incident involving Al Mashahdani’s bodyguards, this incident was fabricated for the purpose of removing Al Mashahdani because there is no mention of removing the Parliament chief in the constitution or in the Parliament’s internal procedures. Article 12 of the Iraqi Parliament Rules stated that the Parliament chief’s resignation should only be for a very serious reason but no one has presented any such reason in this case. The incident was related to security and had nothing to do with Al Mashahdani.”
Iraqi List Parliament member, Izzat Al Shabandar stated, “The Iraqi List believes forming a new political entity is a method of extricating Iraq from its current political crisis. The Iraqi List has presented this project to the political entities for discussion. The Iraqi List does not want to announce the formation of the entity before it is guaranteed to succeed. Therefore, the formation of this entity will remain under discussion. This political entity will be able to ‘melt’ the internal problems and stand against Iraq’s enemies who want chaos in this country. This front will help relax Iraq’s neighboring countries.”
Regarding the Iraqi List’s and KDP’s shared beliefs, Shabandar clarified, “The meetings continue with the KDP have continued on an uninterrupted basis. The most recent meeting with the Kurdish personalities in the new front was to clarify viewpoints.” It is worthy to mention that the Iraqi List has held meetings with a number of parties and political entities in Cairo in order to prepare for the announcement of the new front. Some Parliament members believe these meetings were part of a coup against the current government.
Labels: Article 140, Ayad Allawi, Iraqi List, Kirkuk, Mahmoud Al Mashahdani
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Allawi’s List Explains Barzani’s Desire To Form New Political Front
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 20 JUN - Iraqi List Parliament member, Intisar Allawi, confirmed that Massoud Al Barzani wants to form a political parliament front led by Ayad Allawi. She clarified, “Mr. Massoud Al Barzani will form a new political entity with Ayad Allawi. Dr. Ayad Allawi has spoken to Barzani about this issue.” She said that Massoud Barzani said that if Baghdad is not enough for Dr. Allawi, then all of Kurdistan Region will be happy to receive him. Intisar Allawi emphasized that the new front will only be connected to entities inside of the parliament.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, Intisar Allawi, Massoud Barzani
Monday, June 11, 2007
Al-Maliki urges military to thwart possible coup
Politics
(Azzaman) - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked his military commanders to confront any attempt to topple him as political factions have joined efforts to unseat him. Maliki accused his political opponents of seeking help from abroad to stage what he described as ‘a coup’ against his government.
Several political parties with representatives in the parliament are openly opposing the way Maliki has been handling issues related to security but particularly their concerns regarding national reconciliation. “Some parties which are part of the political process are involved in staging a coup against the Iraqi government,” said Sami al-Askari, a senior member of Maliki’s coalition government.
Several political parties with representatives in the parliament are openly opposing the way Maliki has been handling issues related to security but particularly their concerns regarding national reconciliation. “Some parties which are part of the political process are involved in staging a coup against the Iraqi government,” said Sami al-Askari, a senior member of Maliki’s coalition government.
Tareq al-Hashemi, a vice-president, and head of the main Sunni faction in parliament, is on a tour of Arab states and has hinted that a new ‘moderate front’ to counterbalance Maliki’s coalition was being formed. Maliki draws most of his support from Kurdish factions who have a large bloc in the parliament. His coalition was dealt a blow when Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said he was not happy with his performance.
A meeting in Cairo which brought together several parties among them small Kurdish factions seems to have unnerved the government. Ayad Allawi, a former prime minister, as well as Hashemi and the leader of a Kurdish Islamic party met in Cairo with the aim of setting up a ‘secular’ government. Maliki is reported to have rushed to Iraqi Kurdistan to secure support from his traditional Kurdish allies, Jalal Talabani, the Iraqi President and Massoud Barzani, head of the Kurdish autonomous region.
These factions hope to form a united front against the current government but they still lack backing from within the mainstream Shiite parties. Invitations to attend the Cairo meeting were sent to the Shiite al-Fadhila party which holds power in the southern city of Basra and the more powerful Shiite movement of cleric Moqtada Sadr’s supporters.
Amar Wajeeh, a senior member of Hashemi’s Islamic Party, confirmed that a joint front has been established to confront Maliki. He said the front was established in Cairo when it became clear that Maliki and his coalition were thwarting attempts to form a moderate coalition. Wajeeh said the front was still waiting a response from Fadhila and has sent a letter inviting Sadr’s group to join. Wajeeh said there was no truth behind reports that the front was staging a ‘coup.’ He said the front would use democratic means and try to gather enough votes in the parliament to bring about change.
A meeting in Cairo which brought together several parties among them small Kurdish factions seems to have unnerved the government. Ayad Allawi, a former prime minister, as well as Hashemi and the leader of a Kurdish Islamic party met in Cairo with the aim of setting up a ‘secular’ government. Maliki is reported to have rushed to Iraqi Kurdistan to secure support from his traditional Kurdish allies, Jalal Talabani, the Iraqi President and Massoud Barzani, head of the Kurdish autonomous region.
These factions hope to form a united front against the current government but they still lack backing from within the mainstream Shiite parties. Invitations to attend the Cairo meeting were sent to the Shiite al-Fadhila party which holds power in the southern city of Basra and the more powerful Shiite movement of cleric Moqtada Sadr’s supporters.
Amar Wajeeh, a senior member of Hashemi’s Islamic Party, confirmed that a joint front has been established to confront Maliki. He said the front was established in Cairo when it became clear that Maliki and his coalition were thwarting attempts to form a moderate coalition. Wajeeh said the front was still waiting a response from Fadhila and has sent a letter inviting Sadr’s group to join. Wajeeh said there was no truth behind reports that the front was staging a ‘coup.’ He said the front would use democratic means and try to gather enough votes in the parliament to bring about change.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, coup, Fadhela party, Nouri Al-Maliki, Sami al-Askari, Tareq al-Hashemi
Monday, May 28, 2007
Dr. Allawi Reveals There Will Be A Meeting Between Gunmen And The US
Politics, Insurgency
(Baghdad Newspaper) - 27 MAY - Iraqi List Chief, Dr. Ayad Allawi said, “There will be a meeting between the US and the gunmen [insurgents] which will be held in the next few days in Baghdad.” He added in an interview with Al Jazeera TV Channel, “A few days ago, I met with representatives of various Iraqi groups in a neighboring state.”
He did not say which country but he said, “The purpose of this meeting will be to call for Iraqi groups to participate in the political process and we are also working to amend the political process to create an Iraq based on non-sectarianism.” Dr. Allawi expressed his support for this meeting and he said, “In the past, I held meetings like this in my house.”
Labels: Ayad Allawi, insurgents, U.S.
