Monday, September 10, 2007
Basrah’s Sadr Office Official Warns Americans: Do Not Enter Basrah
Security, Politics
(Addustour Newspaper) - 9 SEP - An official in Basrah’s Sadr Office warned, “US forces, do not enter Basrah…and try to take the place of the British forces.” Abd Al Razaq Al Nidawi delivered a speech in the Martyr Abu Qadr’s Square, located in western Basrah’s Hussein area. This speech was made at the end of a procession/parade of cars full of Sadr Movement followers who had driven through Basrah’s streets in celebration of the withdrawal of British forces from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
In this speech Al Nidawi said, “We congratulate Basrah’s residents because, we have defeated the British forces! We warn the US forces, not to take the place of the defeated British forces!” He added, “Although we were patient for a long time while defeating the British forces we will not be patient at all with the American forces if they attempt to enter Basrah!”
Al Nidawi continued, “The goal of the events in Karbala was to cause the spread of sectarian sedition. Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr has made a wise decision about ‘freezing’ the Mahdi Army in order to confront sedition. He (Al Sadr) wants to restructure the (Mahdi) Army in order to prevent anyone from infiltrating it or (falsely) using its’ name.” Al Nidawi went on, “The Occupation is not included in this decision (about the Mahdi Army). Resisting the Occupation is a legal (legitimate) action; we will not stop resisting them.”
Al Nidawi continued, “The goal of the events in Karbala was to cause the spread of sectarian sedition. Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr has made a wise decision about ‘freezing’ the Mahdi Army in order to confront sedition. He (Al Sadr) wants to restructure the (Mahdi) Army in order to prevent anyone from infiltrating it or (falsely) using its’ name.” Al Nidawi went on, “The Occupation is not included in this decision (about the Mahdi Army). Resisting the Occupation is a legal (legitimate) action; we will not stop resisting them.”
On Wednesday, the ceremony for the official signing of the memorandum which handed over responsibility for Basrah’s Presidential Palaces from the British forces, to the Iraqi government was completed.
Labels: Abd Al Razaq Al Nidawi, Basrah, British forces, Sadr movement, U.S. forces
Sadr Movement Holding Conference To Discuss Security Situation After British Withdrawal
Security, Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 9 SEP - The Sadr Movement has confirmed that the Mahdi Army “Companies” have been abiding by Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr’s order regarding the suspension of Mahdi Army activities for six months. The Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, has threatened that they will carry weapons against any foreign forces that attempt to replace the British forces in the center of the city.
He added that the Sadr Movement will organize a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Sadr Movement Parliament member, Maha Al Douri said, “The statement of Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr regarding the suspension of the Mahdi Army’s activities is clear and the Army has been abiding by this statement. No violations have been committed yet.”
Regarding the statement of the Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, Al Douri added, “I have not received any information yet. The Mahdi Army has its own command and is following its orders.”
Radio Sawa, based on the statements of Al Hammada, mentioned that the Mahdi Army will not pursue the British forces as long as they remain outside the city. Mahdi Army members will not carry weapons inside the city. The Mahdi Army will not disarm itself and rejects the agreement that was recently signed between 18 political entities in Basrah. This agreement was signed under the supervision of Basrah Operations Commander, Mohan Al Firaji.
Al Hammada, who also runs the Sadr Movement’s Martyrs of God Institution, said that the Sadr Movement will hold a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Regarding carrying weapons against foreign forces, Al Hammada added, “Resistance is the only option against any British or American presence. The Mahdi Army has no intention of raising weapons against the Iraqi governmental forces. The Mahdi Army’s goal is to maintain security.”
On the other, Maha Al Douri said, “The Sadr Movement has its obvious role and impact in Basrah’s streets. The Movement works to serve Basrah society. The Mahdi Army was the first to carry weapons as public resistance against the occupation and now we have been hearing many leaders claim that they lead the patriotic resistance but they all wear masks hiding their identity.” Regarding the security in Basrah, Al Douri said, “Basrah is secure and the British force’s withdrawal from Basrah is a victory and a clear defeat brought by the resistance. But the media has not covered it well.”
About the conference that will be held in Basrah regarding Mahdi Army’s role, Al Douri said, “If there is any direction from the Sadr Movement, this conference will be a success and will be good for the Iraqi people. But here I object to any claims against such a conference. Many political parties have held such conferences in Basrah.”
On the other hand, the Defense Minister’s advisor for the southern region, Majid Al Saari, believes that the British force’s withdrawal from central Basrah will lead to improvement of the political and security situations. Yesterday, Al Saari told Azzaman Newspaper, “Since the beginning, the British forces have not solved the security situation; rather, it was part of the security problem.”
Regarding the readiness of the army and IP in Basrah, Al Saari said, “The military and security forces are able to control security in Basrah and to fill the gap left by the British force’s withdrawal. We are still working to deal with the infiltration of the military and security forces.”
He added that the Sadr Movement will organize a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Sadr Movement Parliament member, Maha Al Douri said, “The statement of Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr regarding the suspension of the Mahdi Army’s activities is clear and the Army has been abiding by this statement. No violations have been committed yet.”
Regarding the statement of the Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, Al Douri added, “I have not received any information yet. The Mahdi Army has its own command and is following its orders.”
Radio Sawa, based on the statements of Al Hammada, mentioned that the Mahdi Army will not pursue the British forces as long as they remain outside the city. Mahdi Army members will not carry weapons inside the city. The Mahdi Army will not disarm itself and rejects the agreement that was recently signed between 18 political entities in Basrah. This agreement was signed under the supervision of Basrah Operations Commander, Mohan Al Firaji.
Al Hammada, who also runs the Sadr Movement’s Martyrs of God Institution, said that the Sadr Movement will hold a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Regarding carrying weapons against foreign forces, Al Hammada added, “Resistance is the only option against any British or American presence. The Mahdi Army has no intention of raising weapons against the Iraqi governmental forces. The Mahdi Army’s goal is to maintain security.”
On the other, Maha Al Douri said, “The Sadr Movement has its obvious role and impact in Basrah’s streets. The Movement works to serve Basrah society. The Mahdi Army was the first to carry weapons as public resistance against the occupation and now we have been hearing many leaders claim that they lead the patriotic resistance but they all wear masks hiding their identity.” Regarding the security in Basrah, Al Douri said, “Basrah is secure and the British force’s withdrawal from Basrah is a victory and a clear defeat brought by the resistance. But the media has not covered it well.”
About the conference that will be held in Basrah regarding Mahdi Army’s role, Al Douri said, “If there is any direction from the Sadr Movement, this conference will be a success and will be good for the Iraqi people. But here I object to any claims against such a conference. Many political parties have held such conferences in Basrah.”
On the other hand, the Defense Minister’s advisor for the southern region, Majid Al Saari, believes that the British force’s withdrawal from central Basrah will lead to improvement of the political and security situations. Yesterday, Al Saari told Azzaman Newspaper, “Since the beginning, the British forces have not solved the security situation; rather, it was part of the security problem.”
Regarding the readiness of the army and IP in Basrah, Al Saari said, “The military and security forces are able to control security in Basrah and to fill the gap left by the British force’s withdrawal. We are still working to deal with the infiltration of the military and security forces.”
The Sadr Movement Office in Basrah has described the British forces withdrawal there as a historical moment. Azzaman Newspaper has received a copy of a statement issued by the Sadr Movement in Basrah, which states, “There were three main factors that led to this withdrawal: First, your patience and the burdens you have bared; Second, the honorable resistance which taught the occupiers lessons through the Imam Mahdi Army’s attacks; And third, the encouragement of the British peoples’ attitude which pressed the Brown and Blair governments.
Labels: Basrah, British forces, Mahdi Army, Martyrs of God Institution, Mohan Al Firaji, Nazzar Al Hammada, Sadr movement
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
A move towards national reconciliation
Politics
(The Guardian) - Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, and fellow leaders in the country have reached consensus on key areas of national reconciliation, under mounting US pressure to demonstrate political progress on the eve of a key report to Congress on the Baghdad security "surge". The Shia prime minister appeared on television flanked by Jalal Talabani, the country's Kurdish president, and the Sunni vice-president, Tareq al-Hashemi, to announce a deal on easing restrictions on former members of the Ba'ath party joining the civil service and military.
Easing de-Ba'athification laws passed after the 2003 US invasion has long been seen as a vital step if disenchanted Sunnis, who formed the backbone of Saddam Hussein's regime and, since its fall, of the insurgency, are to be persuaded to take part in Iraqi political life. Agreement was also reported on holding provincial elections and releasing detainees held without charge across the country, two more of the "benchmarks" set by the Bush administration for political movement it hopes will stave off mounting congressional demands for a withdrawal from Iraq.
It was not immediately clear how, or when, these moves would be implemented and how far they would go to reversing the almost total Sunni boycott of the cabinet - the centre of Mr Maliki's difficulties. The beleaguered prime minister, facing mounting criticism from within the Bush administration, announced earlier that Mr Hashemi's Iraqi Islamic party was about to join with the four Shia and Kurdish parties which recently forged an alliance.
Mr Maliki said a committee formed by the parties had reviewed the current political stalemate and "accomplished some solutions". Last week a US national intelligence report cast doubt on Mr Maliki's ability to heal the country's sectarian divide and predicted "the Iraqi government will become more precarious over the next six to 12 months".
There were further signs of Mr Maliki's weakening grip on power when the former temporary prime minister, Ayad Allawi, removed his faction from the "unity" government on Saturday and put himself forward as an alternative. The growing pressure on the Iraqi leader comes at a sensitive moment in relations between Washington and Baghdad. The American commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, will soon present Congress with his analysis of the success or otherwise of the so-called "surge".
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence said last night that British forces have withdrawn from a base in Basra that they had shared with Iraqi police in the first phase of a plan to move all troops out of the city centre. A small number of troops had been stationed at the provincial joint coordination centre where they had been helping to train Iraqi police. Control of the facility has now been handed over to the Iraqi army.
Easing de-Ba'athification laws passed after the 2003 US invasion has long been seen as a vital step if disenchanted Sunnis, who formed the backbone of Saddam Hussein's regime and, since its fall, of the insurgency, are to be persuaded to take part in Iraqi political life. Agreement was also reported on holding provincial elections and releasing detainees held without charge across the country, two more of the "benchmarks" set by the Bush administration for political movement it hopes will stave off mounting congressional demands for a withdrawal from Iraq.
It was not immediately clear how, or when, these moves would be implemented and how far they would go to reversing the almost total Sunni boycott of the cabinet - the centre of Mr Maliki's difficulties. The beleaguered prime minister, facing mounting criticism from within the Bush administration, announced earlier that Mr Hashemi's Iraqi Islamic party was about to join with the four Shia and Kurdish parties which recently forged an alliance.
Mr Maliki said a committee formed by the parties had reviewed the current political stalemate and "accomplished some solutions". Last week a US national intelligence report cast doubt on Mr Maliki's ability to heal the country's sectarian divide and predicted "the Iraqi government will become more precarious over the next six to 12 months".
There were further signs of Mr Maliki's weakening grip on power when the former temporary prime minister, Ayad Allawi, removed his faction from the "unity" government on Saturday and put himself forward as an alternative. The growing pressure on the Iraqi leader comes at a sensitive moment in relations between Washington and Baghdad. The American commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, will soon present Congress with his analysis of the success or otherwise of the so-called "surge".
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence said last night that British forces have withdrawn from a base in Basra that they had shared with Iraqi police in the first phase of a plan to move all troops out of the city centre. A small number of troops had been stationed at the provincial joint coordination centre where they had been helping to train Iraqi police. Control of the facility has now been handed over to the Iraqi army.
Labels: Basra, British forces, debaathification, detainees, Jalal Talabani, national reconciliation, Nouri Al-Maliki, provincial elections, Tariq Al Hashemi
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Clashes with Mahdi Army in Kut and Basrah
Security
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 21 MAY - Yesterday, Wasit Police enforced a curfew in Kut city. The curfew started at 5pm and lasted until this morning. Wasit Police enacted the curfew because of clashes which occurred between the Mahdi Army and US forces in southwestern Kut. A source said, “Yesterday afternoon, violent clashes occurred between the Mahdi Army and US forces with the assistance of the Iraqi Police in southwest Kut.” The security source also said, “These clashes occurred after an IED exploded on a US Patrol. The IED explosion destroyed one Humvee.”
In related news, security sources said, “On Saturday, violent clashes occurred between unidentified gunmen and MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area. The clashes killed one civilian and wounded one person.” The source clarified, “Unidentified gunmen fought with the MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area and the gunmen escaped to an unknown location.”
In Basrah, the Mahdi Army also clashed with British Forces. The clashes destroyed a number of British vehicles and wounded a number of British soldiers. The clashes occurred a few hours after the British Prime Minister left Basrah. The clashes occurred because British forces arrested four people and later, the British camps came under attack.
The violent clashes occurred in the Maqal, Jamiyat Al Munkini, and the Hay Al Bidan areas. Eyewitnesses said, “The gunmen used light and heavy machine guns, as well as RPGs in the clashes that destroyed some British vehicles and wounded many on both sides.” Eyewitnesses confirmed, “Three British soldiers were wounded, two gunmen were also wounded, and two British vehicles were destroyed. In addition, cars and stores were burned and Isama Mosque was destroyed.
In related news, security sources said, “On Saturday, violent clashes occurred between unidentified gunmen and MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area. The clashes killed one civilian and wounded one person.” The source clarified, “Unidentified gunmen fought with the MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area and the gunmen escaped to an unknown location.”
In Basrah, the Mahdi Army also clashed with British Forces. The clashes destroyed a number of British vehicles and wounded a number of British soldiers. The clashes occurred a few hours after the British Prime Minister left Basrah. The clashes occurred because British forces arrested four people and later, the British camps came under attack.
The violent clashes occurred in the Maqal, Jamiyat Al Munkini, and the Hay Al Bidan areas. Eyewitnesses said, “The gunmen used light and heavy machine guns, as well as RPGs in the clashes that destroyed some British vehicles and wounded many on both sides.” Eyewitnesses confirmed, “Three British soldiers were wounded, two gunmen were also wounded, and two British vehicles were destroyed. In addition, cars and stores were burned and Isama Mosque was destroyed.
Labels: British forces, clashes, curfew, Kut, Mahdi Army, U.S. forces, Wasit
Friday, May 04, 2007
Sadrists in Basrah demand release of detainees while Islamic List threatens to demonstrate
Security, Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - The Islamic List’s leaders in Basrah’s Provincial Council have threatened to demonstrate, next week unless the national government approves their dismissal of Basrah’s Governor. During tense security situations and clashes between British forces and the followers of the young Shiite leader Muqtada Al Sadr and the arrest on Monday of Sheikh Salih Al Jizani, a Sadr Movement leader.
During a recent press conference, Qasim Al Fayadh, an Islamic List and Basrah Council Member, said “The List threatens to demonstrate in Basrah, unless the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Council approves the Provincial Council’s decision to ‘dismiss’ Basrah’s Governor.” Al Fayadh denied the accusations which Basrah’s Governor (Al Waili) has made against SCIRI [that SCIRI is encouraging Basrah’s people to oppose the Governor]. Al Fayadh said, “Many of Basrah’s parties and movements – including the Islamic List and independent entities – have demanded the Governor’s dismissal… Because, he has failed to manage the Province’s security file and has failed to stop the assassinations which occur in Basrah.”
Sources reported that Basrah’s Governor – Muhammed Musbah Al Waili, has left Basrah city under an escort by British forces and has moved to an undisclosed location. Salam Al Maliki, a Sadr Movement Member of Parliament, blames the Occupation forces and Iraq’s government for exacerbating the situation in Basrah.
Salam Al Maliki added, during an announcement, “After yesterday’s clashes between Sadr Movement elements and British forces in a number of Basrah’s neighborhoods, plus the arrests of a religious man/cleric (Sheikh Salih Al Jizani) and his five brothers. We can say ‘There is an organized campaign (in Basrah) against the elements of the Mahdi Army and the Al Sadr Martyr’s office' and, we demand the release of 315 detainees - Mahdi Army members and politicians - who are being held in the Occupation force’s prisons.”
During a recent press conference, Qasim Al Fayadh, an Islamic List and Basrah Council Member, said “The List threatens to demonstrate in Basrah, unless the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Council approves the Provincial Council’s decision to ‘dismiss’ Basrah’s Governor.” Al Fayadh denied the accusations which Basrah’s Governor (Al Waili) has made against SCIRI [that SCIRI is encouraging Basrah’s people to oppose the Governor]. Al Fayadh said, “Many of Basrah’s parties and movements – including the Islamic List and independent entities – have demanded the Governor’s dismissal… Because, he has failed to manage the Province’s security file and has failed to stop the assassinations which occur in Basrah.”
Sources reported that Basrah’s Governor – Muhammed Musbah Al Waili, has left Basrah city under an escort by British forces and has moved to an undisclosed location. Salam Al Maliki, a Sadr Movement Member of Parliament, blames the Occupation forces and Iraq’s government for exacerbating the situation in Basrah.
Salam Al Maliki added, during an announcement, “After yesterday’s clashes between Sadr Movement elements and British forces in a number of Basrah’s neighborhoods, plus the arrests of a religious man/cleric (Sheikh Salih Al Jizani) and his five brothers. We can say ‘There is an organized campaign (in Basrah) against the elements of the Mahdi Army and the Al Sadr Martyr’s office' and, we demand the release of 315 detainees - Mahdi Army members and politicians - who are being held in the Occupation force’s prisons.”
Labels: Basra Provincial Council, British forces, Islamic List, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Muhammed Musbah Al Waili, Salam Al Maliki, Sheikh Salih Al Jizani
Monday, April 23, 2007
Supreme Judicial Council to review Iraqis detained by U.S. and British troops
Security
(Azzaman) - The Supreme Judicial Council wants to review the cases of all Iraqis detained by U.S. and British forces. In a statement, the council said it has set up a commission to look into the cases of Iraqis held by foreign troops. Iraqi government sources say the U.S. alone holds up 15,000 Iraqis without trial in jails at several places in the country.
These jails are under U.S. mandate and the Iraqi government normally has no say on why the prisoners are there or how they are treated. The statement did not say why the council has taken the initiative and whether U.S. authorities would grant access. But it said the Iraqi Justice Ministry had the right to ensure that the prisoners were well treated and those arrested without evidence of committing an offense released immediately.
These jails are under U.S. mandate and the Iraqi government normally has no say on why the prisoners are there or how they are treated. The statement did not say why the council has taken the initiative and whether U.S. authorities would grant access. But it said the Iraqi Justice Ministry had the right to ensure that the prisoners were well treated and those arrested without evidence of committing an offense released immediately.
Labels: British forces, detainees, Iraqi Justice Ministry, Supreme Judicial Council, U.S. forces
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Iraqi government - British raid in Basra was illegal
Security, U.K.
(AP) - A British-led raid on a police intelligence headquarters in southern Iraq last month violated Iraq's sovereignty as well as a U.N. Security Council resolution, the government said on Friday. On March 4, British forces raided the National Iraqi Intelligence Agency building in the southern city of Basra and said they had captured an alleged death squad leader and found 30 prisoners with signs of torture. The rest of the prisoners in the facility fled during the raid, but Britain said that was unintentional.
The report on an investigation into the raid said the commander of the U.S.-led Multi-National Forces in Iraq should "officially apologize to the Iraqi people, the residents of Basra and the Interior Ministry." It also said coalition forces should "acknowledge that members of the Multi-National Forces have overstepped their authority, committed a major mistake and were negligent in allowing prisoners to escape."
The report, signed by Minister of State for Parliament Affairs and acting Justice Minister Safa al-Safi, said coalition forces should not take prisoners already in Iraqi custody without first getting a warrant from judicial authorities. It did not mention that some of the detainees showed signs of torture. At the time, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki vowed to punish "those who carried out this illegal and irresponsible act."
The investigation said that by detaining the suspect, multinational forces "violated the orders of an Iraqi judge, blatantly surpassed its authority and infringed on Iraq's sovereignty in contradiction with Security Council resolution 1546." The resolution assures Iraq will have full sovereignty and that all foreign troops eventually will leave the country. Britain has 7,100 troops in Iraq, mostly based around Basra.
The report on an investigation into the raid said the commander of the U.S.-led Multi-National Forces in Iraq should "officially apologize to the Iraqi people, the residents of Basra and the Interior Ministry." It also said coalition forces should "acknowledge that members of the Multi-National Forces have overstepped their authority, committed a major mistake and were negligent in allowing prisoners to escape."
The report, signed by Minister of State for Parliament Affairs and acting Justice Minister Safa al-Safi, said coalition forces should not take prisoners already in Iraqi custody without first getting a warrant from judicial authorities. It did not mention that some of the detainees showed signs of torture. At the time, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki vowed to punish "those who carried out this illegal and irresponsible act."
The investigation said that by detaining the suspect, multinational forces "violated the orders of an Iraqi judge, blatantly surpassed its authority and infringed on Iraq's sovereignty in contradiction with Security Council resolution 1546." The resolution assures Iraq will have full sovereignty and that all foreign troops eventually will leave the country. Britain has 7,100 troops in Iraq, mostly based around Basra.
Labels: Basra, British forces, Justice Minister Safa al-Safi, National Iraqi Intelligence Agency, raid
Monday, March 12, 2007
British forces hand over base in Basra to Iraqis
Security
(VOI) British forces handed over on Sunday its base at the Shatt-el-Arab hotel, in northern Basra, to the Iraqi army, the Multi-National Forces in southern Iraq said. "Iraqi army 10th Division troops have started to arrive at the Shatt-el-Arab hotel to receive the security responsibility for the base," the Multi-National Forces in southern Iraq said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). The statement added, "Iraqi soldiers have taken their positions at the hotel since Sunday morning and the Iraqi flag was hoisted over the building." The transfer of responsibility to the Iraqi army will release British forces to provide military assistance, support and training missions, the statement added. Shatt-el-Arab is located 10 km north of the southern Iraqi city of Basra. It has been used as a British base since Coalition forces entered Basra in 2003.
Labels: Basra, British forces, Iraqi Army, Shatt-el-Arab hotel
Friday, February 16, 2007
Security operation launched in Basra
Security
(Voices of Iraq) The spokeswoman for the British forces in southern Iraq said on Thursday a large-scale security operation was launched in the southern Iraqi city of Basra to "curb" the armed groups active in the city. Captain Katie said "the operation aims at curbing the criminals and militias and closing the borders through a series of security operations to be carried out by the Multi-National forces along with Iraqi troops."
Captain Brown added "the operation will continue for 72 hours in preparation to impose a buffer zone around Basra. It is a first step for a possible transfer of the security responsibility in Basra to the Iraqi forces," she said. The operation includes, Captain Brown pointed out, "positioning combined checkpoints on the highway to Basra, carrying out naval patrols in the Iraqi territorial waters and closing the borders. A large-scale search and arrest campaign will also be implemented by British and Iraqi forces in various parts of Basra," the spokeswoman added.
Captain Brown added "the operation will continue for 72 hours in preparation to impose a buffer zone around Basra. It is a first step for a possible transfer of the security responsibility in Basra to the Iraqi forces," she said. The operation includes, Captain Brown pointed out, "positioning combined checkpoints on the highway to Basra, carrying out naval patrols in the Iraqi territorial waters and closing the borders. A large-scale search and arrest campaign will also be implemented by British and Iraqi forces in various parts of Basra," the spokeswoman added.
Labels: Basra, British forces, security operation
