Monday, October 08, 2007
Iraqi govt releases video confessions from Shiite cult after Najaf battle in January
Security
(Reuters) - The Iraqi government on Monday released video confessions from followers of a Shi'ite cult arrested after a major battle with U.S. and Iraqi forces in January near the holy city of Najaf. One of the confessions said the cult leader slain in the battle had met critics of the Iraqi government, including the country's first post-war prime minister Iyad Allawi.
The fierce battle in the area of Zarga, north of Najaf, left 220 militants dead, including spiritual leader Dhia al-Garrawi. Iraq said the heavily-armed group planned to assassinate top Shi'ite scholars to destabilise the country. Riyadh al-Garrawi, who was captured after the fighting, said on the video confession that his brother, Dhia, had met both Allawi and Sunni cleric Harith al-Dari outside Iraq.
Dhia al-Garrawi had proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a messiah-like figure in Islam, and had a cult following. Allawi and Dari, both of whom spend most of their time abroad, are very critical of the Iraqi government and Dari has often accused it of forcing confessions from detainees for political ends. "(Dhia) requested me to arrange an interview with Allawi and (an intermediary) arranged a meeting with Allawi in Jordan," Riyadh al-Garrawi said on the video, shown at an Interior Ministry news conference.
He said Dhia also met Sunni cleric Dari at least twice to discuss political issues, in Syria's capital Damascus and the Gulf emirate of Dubai. "He told me they debated politics and agreed they were against federalism and favoured a secular state," he said.
Usama al-Nujeyfi, a lawmaker from Allawi's bloc, called the investigation results a sham. "It's not a proper investigation, it's all politicised. Dr. Allawi is a national leader who rejects violence in all its forms," he told Reuters. Dari was not immediately available for comment on the video confession.
The fierce battle in the area of Zarga, north of Najaf, left 220 militants dead, including spiritual leader Dhia al-Garrawi. Iraq said the heavily-armed group planned to assassinate top Shi'ite scholars to destabilise the country. Riyadh al-Garrawi, who was captured after the fighting, said on the video confession that his brother, Dhia, had met both Allawi and Sunni cleric Harith al-Dari outside Iraq.
Dhia al-Garrawi had proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a messiah-like figure in Islam, and had a cult following. Allawi and Dari, both of whom spend most of their time abroad, are very critical of the Iraqi government and Dari has often accused it of forcing confessions from detainees for political ends. "(Dhia) requested me to arrange an interview with Allawi and (an intermediary) arranged a meeting with Allawi in Jordan," Riyadh al-Garrawi said on the video, shown at an Interior Ministry news conference.
He said Dhia also met Sunni cleric Dari at least twice to discuss political issues, in Syria's capital Damascus and the Gulf emirate of Dubai. "He told me they debated politics and agreed they were against federalism and favoured a secular state," he said.
Usama al-Nujeyfi, a lawmaker from Allawi's bloc, called the investigation results a sham. "It's not a proper investigation, it's all politicised. Dr. Allawi is a national leader who rejects violence in all its forms," he told Reuters. Dari was not immediately available for comment on the video confession.
Labels: Dhia al-Garrawi, Harith al-Dari, Iyad Allawi, Najaf, Riyadh al-Garrawi, Shiite cult, Zarga
Thursday, September 20, 2007
INL members go independent
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraqi National List's (INL) members of parliament Safiyah al-Sehil and Hachem al-Hassani announced their withdrawal from the secular list, which is led by former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, saying they will sit as independents in the Iraqi parliament. "We announce our defection from the INL and we will sit as independents in the parliament," the two parliamentarians said in a joint news conference before the session of the parliament.
When asked about the reasons behind his decision, al-Hassani told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) that divisions within the secular list over the decision-making process resulted in a complete lack of harmony between some of its members.
Al-Hassani was the former speaker of Iraq's Transitional National Assembly, the first Iraqi parliament formed after the 2005 elections. He was also a leading member in the Iraqi Islamic Party and was appointed as the minister of industry in Allawi's interim government. During the second legislative elections in 2005, al-Hassani joined the secular alliance led by Allawi, which includes many political parties of different ethnic affiliation.
Meanwhile, al-Sehil said that the list's deviation from the moderate and liberal line and its adoption of a "national Baathist line" led some of its senior members to consider reform. "We have tried to bring in reforms and rectify the path of the INL, but we unfortunately failed," al-Sehil said. After the defections of the two parliamentarians the INL now has 22 seats in the 275-member parliament.
When asked about the reasons behind his decision, al-Hassani told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) that divisions within the secular list over the decision-making process resulted in a complete lack of harmony between some of its members.
Al-Hassani was the former speaker of Iraq's Transitional National Assembly, the first Iraqi parliament formed after the 2005 elections. He was also a leading member in the Iraqi Islamic Party and was appointed as the minister of industry in Allawi's interim government. During the second legislative elections in 2005, al-Hassani joined the secular alliance led by Allawi, which includes many political parties of different ethnic affiliation.
Meanwhile, al-Sehil said that the list's deviation from the moderate and liberal line and its adoption of a "national Baathist line" led some of its senior members to consider reform. "We have tried to bring in reforms and rectify the path of the INL, but we unfortunately failed," al-Sehil said. After the defections of the two parliamentarians the INL now has 22 seats in the 275-member parliament.
Labels: Hachem al-Hassani, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, Safiyah al-Sehil
Monday, September 10, 2007
Kurdish Coalition deny contact with Baathists
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Two members of the Kurdistan Coalition (KC) denied on Sunday having any contacts with Baathists, adding some Kurdish politicians have met with members of the former ruling party in their personal capacity not as KC members. "There are no contacts between the KC and the Baathists and the information reported about that was not true," Friad Rawndozi, the official spokesman for the KC, the second largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament with 55 out of a total 275 seats, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
Earlier on Sunday a prominent member of former Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi's Iraqi National List (INL) said that the KC was making contacts with Baathists, noting Allawi "was not the only one making these contacts. Everyone is denying contacts with Baathists, but there are dialogues grouping together members of the Baath Party and more than one political bloc," Nejefi told VOI by telephone.
Rawndozi indicated that "Jalal Talabani has met armed factions that have links with the dissolved Baath Party but in his capacity as president of Iraq." On Saturday, Iyad Jamal al-Din, an INL member of parliament, said he mediated between U.S. officials and Baathists belonging to former Iraqi vice president Ezzat al-Dori to boost the political process. "They were several meetings that took place inside and outside Iraq," Jamal al-Din told VOI.
He said the meetings "were convened in Arab countries." He declined to name those Arab countries or say when those meetings were held. "The meetings or negotiations were not meant against the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. On the contrary, they were supporting it and would be of benefit to the country's political process," Jamal al-Din said.
He pointed out that the Baathists, or members of the former ruling Baath (Resurrection) Party, "objected the law on debaathification and the Americans spoke to them about means to push forward the political process."
Allawi had said he met secretly with representatives from the dissolved party's Ezzat al-Dori wing with the aim of arranging their return to Iraq and participation in the political process.
"The dialogue has taken place upon the request of the United States, which was represented by high-ranking officials in those meetings. The discussions focused on how to merge the Baath Party members into the political process," Allawi said in a televised interview by the all-news Dubai-based al-Arabiya satellite channel.
Earlier on Sunday a prominent member of former Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi's Iraqi National List (INL) said that the KC was making contacts with Baathists, noting Allawi "was not the only one making these contacts. Everyone is denying contacts with Baathists, but there are dialogues grouping together members of the Baath Party and more than one political bloc," Nejefi told VOI by telephone.
Rawndozi indicated that "Jalal Talabani has met armed factions that have links with the dissolved Baath Party but in his capacity as president of Iraq." On Saturday, Iyad Jamal al-Din, an INL member of parliament, said he mediated between U.S. officials and Baathists belonging to former Iraqi vice president Ezzat al-Dori to boost the political process. "They were several meetings that took place inside and outside Iraq," Jamal al-Din told VOI.
He said the meetings "were convened in Arab countries." He declined to name those Arab countries or say when those meetings were held. "The meetings or negotiations were not meant against the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. On the contrary, they were supporting it and would be of benefit to the country's political process," Jamal al-Din said.
He pointed out that the Baathists, or members of the former ruling Baath (Resurrection) Party, "objected the law on debaathification and the Americans spoke to them about means to push forward the political process."
Allawi had said he met secretly with representatives from the dissolved party's Ezzat al-Dori wing with the aim of arranging their return to Iraq and participation in the political process.
"The dialogue has taken place upon the request of the United States, which was represented by high-ranking officials in those meetings. The discussions focused on how to merge the Baath Party members into the political process," Allawi said in a televised interview by the all-news Dubai-based al-Arabiya satellite channel.
Labels: Baathists, Ezzat al-Dori, Friad Rawndozi, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, Iyad Jamal al-Din, Kurdistan Coalition
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Allawi's party to attend summit if officially invited
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - The Iraqi National List (INL) said on Wednesday that it would accept the demands of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and the President of the Kurdistan region Massoud Barazani to take part in the political leaders’ meetings only if it receives an official invitation. “We are ready to participate in the meetings if we receive an official invitation from the government,” INL member of parliament Iyad Jamal el-Din told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on Wednesday.
“We appreciate the positions of President Talabani and Barazani and their calls for the importance of the INL’s participation in the summit because of its political and ethical weight in the Iraqi political arena,” he added. “There is a need to create an atmosphere of harmony among all politicians to solve political problems,” he also said. “The INL has to be part of these meetings to save the country from repeated crises and its demands must be studied as they are not factional national demands,” the lawmaker explained.
The parliamentary bloc ordered its five ministers last week to boycott cabinet sessions because of the government's failure to implement its program. The ministers of science and technology did not comply with he decision. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's INL has 24 seats out of the 275-seat parliament.
“We appreciate the positions of President Talabani and Barazani and their calls for the importance of the INL’s participation in the summit because of its political and ethical weight in the Iraqi political arena,” he added. “There is a need to create an atmosphere of harmony among all politicians to solve political problems,” he also said. “The INL has to be part of these meetings to save the country from repeated crises and its demands must be studied as they are not factional national demands,” the lawmaker explained.
The parliamentary bloc ordered its five ministers last week to boycott cabinet sessions because of the government's failure to implement its program. The ministers of science and technology did not comply with he decision. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's INL has 24 seats out of the 275-seat parliament.
Labels: Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, Iyad Jamal el-Din
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Iraqi List Suggests Political Commission To Run The Country
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 13 AUG - The Iraqi National List has suggested forming a political commission that will include all the parties in the government in order to run the country. They pointed out that this commission will not take the place of the leaders. The list has denied reports about its withdrawal from the political process or of it trying to destabilize the Al Maliki government.
Iraqi List Parliament member, Izzat Al Shabandar, announced yesterday that there is now a project to form a political commission from the main political entities. This commission will look like a front, but this front will not take the place of the leader. It will just say to him, do not be autocratic with political decisions which are connected with the present and the future of the country. Al Shabandar also said that the Al Maliki government can not continue under these circumstances.
He added, “Al Maliki will not continue with this government; it is impossible and we do not care who takes his place as long as the next leader is chosen is a nationalist and is away from sectarianism and religion. The Communist Party, which is part of the Iraqi List, announced that it has created a project to save the country from the recent crisis. The Communist Party Central Committee Secretary and a Parliament member, Hamid Majid Moussa, confirmed that negotiations between his party and other political powers are continuing to solve the crisis.
Iraqi List leader, Ayad Allawi, has told his list’s ministers to continue with their duties, but do not attend the cabinet meetings as a first step before their withdrawal. The Sadr Movement confirmed that their movement is still in the political process. The Movement also confirmed that Ahmed Al Sharifi does not represent the Movement or the political council. Ahmed Al Massoudi (Sadr Movement) has denied what Al Sharifi announced during his press conference Saturday, that there will be changes in the Sadr Movement.
Iraqi List Parliament member, Izzat Al Shabandar, announced yesterday that there is now a project to form a political commission from the main political entities. This commission will look like a front, but this front will not take the place of the leader. It will just say to him, do not be autocratic with political decisions which are connected with the present and the future of the country. Al Shabandar also said that the Al Maliki government can not continue under these circumstances.
He added, “Al Maliki will not continue with this government; it is impossible and we do not care who takes his place as long as the next leader is chosen is a nationalist and is away from sectarianism and religion. The Communist Party, which is part of the Iraqi List, announced that it has created a project to save the country from the recent crisis. The Communist Party Central Committee Secretary and a Parliament member, Hamid Majid Moussa, confirmed that negotiations between his party and other political powers are continuing to solve the crisis.
Iraqi List leader, Ayad Allawi, has told his list’s ministers to continue with their duties, but do not attend the cabinet meetings as a first step before their withdrawal. The Sadr Movement confirmed that their movement is still in the political process. The Movement also confirmed that Ahmed Al Sharifi does not represent the Movement or the political council. Ahmed Al Massoudi (Sadr Movement) has denied what Al Sharifi announced during his press conference Saturday, that there will be changes in the Sadr Movement.
Labels: Ahmed Al Massoudi, Ahmed Al Sharifi, Hamid Majid Moussa, Iraqi Communist Party, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, Izzat Al Shabandar, political commission, Sadr movement
Allawi won't attend political summit
Politics
(Al-Arabiyah television) - Salim al-Juburi, a spokesman for the Iraqi Accordance Front, told Al-Arabiyah television in an August 12 interview that leaders from the front will likely attend the meeting convened by Prime Minister al-Maliki. Al-Juburi said a number of preparatory meetings have already been held in order to set the agenda for the political summit.
"We feel the meeting is important and it is a step for political reform," al-Juburi said. He added that even if some of its demands are met, that doesn't necessarily mean the front's members will return to their cabinet posts.
Former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi will not attend the political summit, Al-Sharqiyah television reported on August 12. The news channel quoted Allawi as saying he will not be able to accept an invitation to attend. It also quoted an unidentified member of Allawi's media office as saying Allawi never received an invitation to attend the meeting.
Meanwhile, Iraqi media reported on August 12 that Kurdistan regional President Mas'ud Barzani has arrived in Baghdad to attend the political summit. Barzani reportedly met on August 12 with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and aides to al-Maliki.
Labels: emergency political summit, Iraqi Accordance Front, Iyad Allawi, Salim al-Juburi
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Nearly half of maliki's cabinet has quit or is boycotting
Politics
(Al Jazeera) - The unity government of Nuri al-Maliki, Iraq's prime minister, has been plunged deeper into crisis after five ministers withdrew from cabinet meetings, less than a week after the main Sunni Arab bloc quit. Seventeen ministers - nearly half of al-Maliki's cabinet - have now quit or are boycotting meetings, leaving it with no Sunni members.
The boycotting ministers all belong to the political bloc loyal to Iyad Allawi, the former interim prime minister. The group of mostly secular Sunnis and Shia accused al-Maliki of not responding to their demands for political reform. Wijdan Michael, Iraq's human rights minister and one of those staying away, said: "We are still in the government but we are boycotting cabinet meetings."
The withdrawal comes at a time when the prime minister is under growing pressure from frustrated US officials to make demonstrable progress in reconciling Iraq's warring factions.
The boycotting ministers all belong to the political bloc loyal to Iyad Allawi, the former interim prime minister. The group of mostly secular Sunnis and Shia accused al-Maliki of not responding to their demands for political reform. Wijdan Michael, Iraq's human rights minister and one of those staying away, said: "We are still in the government but we are boycotting cabinet meetings."
The withdrawal comes at a time when the prime minister is under growing pressure from frustrated US officials to make demonstrable progress in reconciling Iraq's warring factions.
Labels: Iraq, Iyad Allawi, Nouri Al-Maliki, Wijdan Michael
Monday, August 06, 2007
Allawi and Barzani to meet for political discussions
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraq's Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani will meet former Iraqi Prime Minister and Head of the Iraqi National List (INL) Ayad Allawi in Erbil to discuss developments in the Iraqi political process, the head of Barzani's office, Fouad Hussein, said on Saturday. The meeting will take place at the headquarters of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and cabinet in northeastern the capital city of Erbil, Hussein said. Hussein did not give further details of the meeting, but ruled out a press conference between the two leaders. The meeting comes after the withdrawal of the Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) from the government and threats by the INL to follow suit. The INL holds 24 seats in the 275-member parliament.
Labels: Erbil, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, KRG, Massoud Barzani
Friday, August 03, 2007
Iraqi National List considers withdrawal from government
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - A member in the Iraqi National List (INL) said on Thursday that his bloc is considering withdrawing from the Iraqi government, stressing that the withdrawal, if it happens, will be an outcome of the front's stance, not another bloc’s position. "A withdrawal decision of the (INL) ministers has not been made yet," Osama al-Negefi, an INL MP, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) by telephone.
"We have reservations about the government's performance and we presented a memorandum regarding this three months ago… in which we asked to reform the political process," he said, noting that the withdrawal option is open if demands are not met. The Iraqi National List is a secular bloc and the fourth largest bloc with 25 seats out of the 275-member parliament. The parliamentary bloc has four portfolios within al-Maliki's government.
He stressed that if the bloc withdraws from the government this will be an outcome of their position, not that of the Iraqi Accordance Front. The Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) announced on Wednesday its withdrawal from the government and the resignation of five ministers in addition to Deputy Prime Minister Salam al-Zubaie. The IAF had 44 seats in the parliament and it is the third largest bloc after the Unified Iraqi Coalition (UIC) and the Kurdistan Coalition (KC).
"The memorandum presented by the INL has 14 points, and we said that the political process had deviated from its right track and the security file was in the hands of a group belonging to certain parties," al-Negefi said. "The memorandum also included (demands concerning) the participation of some parties not included in the political process, the national reconciliation project and the detainees file," the legislator noted.
MP from the same bloc, Mayson al-Demlougi, said that their demands were ignored by al-Maliki's government, saying "we feel marginalized." She urged the premier to listen carefully to the demands of other blocs, which have reservations about the government's performance, warning of grave consequences if the current government keeps on ignoring blocs' demands.
Head of the INL, Iyad Allawi, described in a televised interview on Wednesday, after the withdrawal of the IAF, the current government as "a sectarian government," considering the withdrawal of the IAF as "a collapse of the political process," highlighting that his front is considering making a similar step.
"We have reservations about the government's performance and we presented a memorandum regarding this three months ago… in which we asked to reform the political process," he said, noting that the withdrawal option is open if demands are not met. The Iraqi National List is a secular bloc and the fourth largest bloc with 25 seats out of the 275-member parliament. The parliamentary bloc has four portfolios within al-Maliki's government.
He stressed that if the bloc withdraws from the government this will be an outcome of their position, not that of the Iraqi Accordance Front. The Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) announced on Wednesday its withdrawal from the government and the resignation of five ministers in addition to Deputy Prime Minister Salam al-Zubaie. The IAF had 44 seats in the parliament and it is the third largest bloc after the Unified Iraqi Coalition (UIC) and the Kurdistan Coalition (KC).
"The memorandum presented by the INL has 14 points, and we said that the political process had deviated from its right track and the security file was in the hands of a group belonging to certain parties," al-Negefi said. "The memorandum also included (demands concerning) the participation of some parties not included in the political process, the national reconciliation project and the detainees file," the legislator noted.
MP from the same bloc, Mayson al-Demlougi, said that their demands were ignored by al-Maliki's government, saying "we feel marginalized." She urged the premier to listen carefully to the demands of other blocs, which have reservations about the government's performance, warning of grave consequences if the current government keeps on ignoring blocs' demands.
Head of the INL, Iyad Allawi, described in a televised interview on Wednesday, after the withdrawal of the IAF, the current government as "a sectarian government," considering the withdrawal of the IAF as "a collapse of the political process," highlighting that his front is considering making a similar step.
Labels: Iraqi Accordance Front, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, Osama al-Negefi
Monday, July 23, 2007
Iraq's top five political leaders to hold a summit
Politics
(Reuters) - Iraq’s top five political leaders are due to hold a summit this week in an attempt to end a political crisis which has paralyzed the country for months, officials said on Monday. They told Reuters that Kurdish, Sunni Arab and Shi’ite leaders acknowledge the political impasse and may meet on Friday. “They will be holding marathon meetings. So far we have the 27th as the date but it is yet to be confirmed,” a senior government official told Reuters.
The summit will bring together President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and Sunni Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. It will also involve Masoud Barzani, president of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and a top aide of powerful Shi’ite leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim. The government official said the summit may also be extended to include other key figures such as former interim prime minister Iyad Allawi.
The leaders are expected to discuss various issues, including how to agree on amending the constitution. The identity of the disputed oil-rich northern city of Kirkuk could also be on the agenda, officials said. Kurds want Kirkuk included in their autonomous Kurdistan region as its capital and want to press ahead with a referendum by the end of the year, but other ethnic groups object. Iraq’s constitution stipulates a Kirkuk referendum by year’s end.
Maliki’s government is under mounting pressure to meet benchmarks set by Washington to end sectarian violence and push for economic and political reforms. But political wrangling among its factions has left it weak and shaky. Sunni Arab ministers in the government have stopped attending cabinet meetings, while Shi’ite ministers loyal to fiery cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have left the government.
Behind the scenes there has been talk about reshuffling the government, but some people think this would push Iraq to the brink of collapse because various factions would then argue to scratch issues that had already been agreed on. Washington has been pushing Iraq to speed passage of several laws aimed at curbing sectarian violence and healing deep divisions between majority Shi’ites and minority Sunni Arabs.
Only one draft, which concerns Iraq’s huge oil reserves, has been submitted, but the full legislature has yet to debate it. The draft oil law aims to ease tension by ensuring Sunnis share in oil profits. Iraq has the world’s third largest oil reserves, but most is in the Kurdish north or Shi’ite south. Other laws that set provincial elections by the year-end and allow some members of Saddam Hussein’s Baath party to return to government and the military also need to be passed.
But the Iraqi government is running out of time ahead of a report due in Washington by Sept. 15 on Iraq’s security and political progress. The report, by U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker and military leader General David Petraeus, is being viewed as a political watershed. Lack of action on those benchmark laws is sure to heighten calls from opposition Democrats in Congress and also some Republicans for an American troop pullout from Iraq.
The summit will bring together President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and Sunni Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. It will also involve Masoud Barzani, president of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and a top aide of powerful Shi’ite leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim. The government official said the summit may also be extended to include other key figures such as former interim prime minister Iyad Allawi.
The leaders are expected to discuss various issues, including how to agree on amending the constitution. The identity of the disputed oil-rich northern city of Kirkuk could also be on the agenda, officials said. Kurds want Kirkuk included in their autonomous Kurdistan region as its capital and want to press ahead with a referendum by the end of the year, but other ethnic groups object. Iraq’s constitution stipulates a Kirkuk referendum by year’s end.
Maliki’s government is under mounting pressure to meet benchmarks set by Washington to end sectarian violence and push for economic and political reforms. But political wrangling among its factions has left it weak and shaky. Sunni Arab ministers in the government have stopped attending cabinet meetings, while Shi’ite ministers loyal to fiery cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have left the government.
Behind the scenes there has been talk about reshuffling the government, but some people think this would push Iraq to the brink of collapse because various factions would then argue to scratch issues that had already been agreed on. Washington has been pushing Iraq to speed passage of several laws aimed at curbing sectarian violence and healing deep divisions between majority Shi’ites and minority Sunni Arabs.
Only one draft, which concerns Iraq’s huge oil reserves, has been submitted, but the full legislature has yet to debate it. The draft oil law aims to ease tension by ensuring Sunnis share in oil profits. Iraq has the world’s third largest oil reserves, but most is in the Kurdish north or Shi’ite south. Other laws that set provincial elections by the year-end and allow some members of Saddam Hussein’s Baath party to return to government and the military also need to be passed.
But the Iraqi government is running out of time ahead of a report due in Washington by Sept. 15 on Iraq’s security and political progress. The report, by U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker and military leader General David Petraeus, is being viewed as a political watershed. Lack of action on those benchmark laws is sure to heighten calls from opposition Democrats in Congress and also some Republicans for an American troop pullout from Iraq.
Labels: Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, Iyad Allawi, Jalal Talabani, Kirkuk, Massoud Barzani, meeting, Nouri Al-Maliki, Tareq al-Hashemi
Monday, July 09, 2007
Allawi says National List considering withdawing from Maliki's government
Politics
(Gulf News article) - US withdrawal from Iraq must follow the building of the country's military and security capabilities and the establishment of "some sort of law and order," says former Iraqi Prime Minister Eyad Allawi. "The withdrawal [of the US forces] will not lead to stability; instead, it will be catastrophic," he told Gulf News in an exclusive interview in Amman, Jordan. He questioned the ability of the Iraqi government, "held hostage in the Green Zone", to function if US protection were to be lifted.
Allawi, leader of one of the biggest groups in the parliament, said that the United Nations and its Security Council should be given a bigger role in Iraq, in coordination with the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Conference. Allawi said his parliamentary bloc, the Iraqi National List, was seriously considering "withdrawing from the political process" in Iraq, or at least from the Nouri Al Maliki government. FOLLOW LINK FOR FULL INTERVIEW
Allawi, leader of one of the biggest groups in the parliament, said that the United Nations and its Security Council should be given a bigger role in Iraq, in coordination with the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Conference. Allawi said his parliamentary bloc, the Iraqi National List, was seriously considering "withdrawing from the political process" in Iraq, or at least from the Nouri Al Maliki government. FOLLOW LINK FOR FULL INTERVIEW
Labels: Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, U.S. troop withdrawal, UNSC
Monday, July 02, 2007
Adala Party And The Democracy Front Announce They Have Joined The National Accord Movement
Politics
(Baghdad Newspaper) - 1 JUL - The Adala Party and Democracy Front announced that they have joined the National Accord Front, led by Dr. Allawi, in order to work together to build a new Iraq. A National Accord Movement spokesman stated, “The National Accord Movement has negotiated with important national individuals. The purpose of these negotiations is for a unified Iraq to serve Iraq’s political process and to restore peace and stability for Iraq. The negotiations continue with other individuals and tribes.”
Labels: Adala Party, Democracy Front, Iyad Allawi, National Accord Front
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Kurds stress need for a non-sectarian united government
Politics
(RFE/RL) - Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih told Al-Arabiyah television that all political parties in Iraq agree that the current political landscape in Iraq must change, the news channel reported on June 1. "We undoubtedly have observations about the performance of the government," he said, speaking about the Kurdish position. "The political, sectarian, and nationalist quota system produced a government that is not on the required level in various fields." Salih said that parliament might consider a no-confidence vote. "Iraq has a parliamentary system, and alliances change every now and then," he said.
Referring to former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's efforts to gain support for a nonsectarian-based national-unity government, Salih said: "Iyad Allawi is our friend [and] we have good relations. He discussed this issue [of a new front] with the Kurdish leaders. We stressed the need to have an alliance for the moderates in Iraq and in the Iraqi parliament.... We believe in the need to bring these forces together so that they can serve as a political base for rule in Iraq. Talks were held on this issue with Iyad Allawi and other leaders in the [United Iraqi] Alliance and the Iraqi Accordance Front and we continue to discuss this issue."
Labels: Barham Salih, Iyad Allawi, no-confidence vote, politics
Friday, June 01, 2007
Maliki meets with Dhi Qar tribal leaders
Politics, Tribal
(RFE/RL) - Nuri al-Maliki met with tribal leaders from the southern Dhi Qar Governorate on May 30, state-run Al-Iraqiyah television reported the same day. Al-Maliki discussed security in Iraq, saying, "Due to the rule of the Ba'ath-controlled government [of Saddam Hussein], the Iraqi people, who should have enjoyed life, welfare, sovereignty, and prosperity, are still suffering severe shortages in services" and insecurity.
Al-Maliki called on tribal leaders to create civilian policing bodies that he suggested be called "support councils" or "care and monitoring councils." Al-Maliki appeared to comment on rumors of a coup by Allawi supporters, telling tribal leaders that some countries are attempting to interfere in Iraqi affairs through their support of political blocs. The tribal leaders, meanwhile, expressed their support for al-Maliki's national-unity government, the news channel reported.
Labels: Dhi Qar, Iyad Allawi, Nouri Al-Maliki, security, tribal leaders
Allawi supporters demonstrate across Iraq
Politics
(RFE/RL) - Thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi demonstrated in the cities of Baghdad, Al-Basrah, Mosul, and Karbala on May 29 to protest allegations that Allawi is plotting to overthrow the Iraqi government, the London-based "Al-Sharq al-Awsat" reported on May 30. Critics of Allawi alleged that his foreign and regional tour was aimed at drumming up support for his return to power. The demonstrators reportedly called on Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to resign.
A statement released by Allawi's office said the government's "conspiracy theory paranoia" has prevented it from effecting change on the ground, the daily reported. Meanwhile, Iraqis List parliamentarian Mahdi al-Hafiz said on May 29 that he will withdraw from the list, led by Allawi, citing a lack of transparency in the list's political work, "Al-Mashriq" reported on May 30. Ayham al-Samarra'i, who served as electricity minister in Allawi's interim government, told Al-Jazeera on May 27 that Allawi has won Arab states' support for his political vision, adding that while Iraq's neighbors "do not want a coup in Iraq, they want to see Iraq succeed."
Labels: Ayham al-Samarra'i, Baghdad, Basrah, Iraqi List, Iyad Allawi, Karbala, Mahdi al-Hafiz, Mosul
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Al-Hashimi met with Allawi about forming a new party
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper AR.) - 28 MAY - Accord Front spokesman, Salim Al Jabouri, confirmed that there will soon be a new national front. He also confirmed that a few days ago VP Tariq Al Hashimi met with former PM, Ayad Allawi, the chief of the Iraqi List. They discussed creating a new front. Al Jabouri said to an Emirate newspaper that there are continuing communications with influential groups and parties, such as Fadhila Party, National Dialogue Front, and the Kurdish Coalition.
He added that there have been meetings with these groups and parties as well. He denied that these meetings area targeted at having a coup against the current government, rather, he described it as a democratic political activity targeted to create a new national front to represent the majority of Iraqis and be away from sectarianism. This new front will have patriotic programs and will serve all Iraqis. Finally, Al Hashimi stated in Amman yesterday that he has three choices: to dialog with the current government; withdraw from the current government; or create a new front.
Labels: Fadhela party, Iraqi Accord Front, Iraqi List, Iyad Allawi, Kurdish Coalition, National Dialogue Front, Salim Al Jabouri, Tariq al-Hashimi
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Allawi Guarantees Arab And Regional Support For Coup Against Al Maliki
Politics
(Al Mada Newspaper) - 22 MAY - During a meeting of the Iraqi List in Jordan between the 17th and 19th of May, which was headed by Ayad Allawi and that was attended by Adnan Al Pachachi, Mahdi Al Hafidh, Ayad Jamal Al Din, Falah Al Naqib, Maysoun Al Damlouji, and others, Allawi demanded that his list’s members make the decision to withdraw from Al Maliki’s government promising them that there will be large regional support in many sectors.
Allawi adopted this position because of the political crisis in Iraq as well as because of the dominating political entity’s continuing of its sectarian agenda and its insistence to marginalize other entities from participating in the political process. Participants said that the meeting was devoted to discussing the political situation in Iraq which needs extraordinary steps. Sources said that Allawi confirmed that his political activities are supported by some Arab and regional countries, such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Yemen, and Syria.
The meeting also discussed the formation of a new political front to face the Iraqi situation and the inclusion of the National Dialogue Front in this new front as well as the inclusion of Khalaf Al Aliyan’s political entity. Information also states that there is an understanding with some members from Fadhila Party, the Sadr Movement, the Islamic Party, as well as some Kurds, “such as Arshad Zebari, who is well known as being one of Saddam’s mules.”
The meeting was also attended by the former Deputy PM, Abid Mutlak Al Jabouri. Leaders from the Iraqi List said that the meeting and side discussions were focused on mobilizing efforts to be utilized to dissolve the current political coalitions. Political sources in Amman expressed Allawi’s lack of confidence in the seriousness of the Islamic Party to take important steps toward this new political front. They also mentioned that Allawi is unsure of the Sadr Movement’s intentions regarding this new front.
The meeting also discussed the formation of a new political front to face the Iraqi situation and the inclusion of the National Dialogue Front in this new front as well as the inclusion of Khalaf Al Aliyan’s political entity. Information also states that there is an understanding with some members from Fadhila Party, the Sadr Movement, the Islamic Party, as well as some Kurds, “such as Arshad Zebari, who is well known as being one of Saddam’s mules.”
The meeting was also attended by the former Deputy PM, Abid Mutlak Al Jabouri. Leaders from the Iraqi List said that the meeting and side discussions were focused on mobilizing efforts to be utilized to dissolve the current political coalitions. Political sources in Amman expressed Allawi’s lack of confidence in the seriousness of the Islamic Party to take important steps toward this new political front. They also mentioned that Allawi is unsure of the Sadr Movement’s intentions regarding this new front.
These points were confirmed by Dr. Ali Al Adib, a Shiite Alliance member, when he said that the discussions between Allawi and the Sadr Movement were unsuccessful. These sources also said that there were two points of view during the Amman meeting. The first was Allawi’s point of view that was focusing on withdrawing from Al Maliki’s government in the next week. The second view of Al Pachachi was that the withdrawal from the government must be parallel with the announcement of the new political front.
Some participants, who have good relations with some Arab countries, believe that for support to continue from the Gulf countries, they must withdraw and announce the new front. The same participants confirmed that there is security and political coordination among these countries to develop assistance for Allawi’s plan.
Some observers say that the Iraqi List’s leadership is searching for any position in the government regardless of the higher national interest for Iraq.
Other observers, who are outside the government, believe that what is developing is intended to destroy the current political infrastructure in Iraq which confirms that if the current government wants to face this coup, it must take certain steps regarding the economic, political and security situations. The current government must also minimize sectarianism. These observers add that the government should also look toward open and secret dialogue with those in and outside of Iraq.
Some Iraq List members said that this political development is related to Cheney’s failure in convincing the Arab countries to support the political process in Iraq. Regarding Fadhila Party, some sources are saying that there has been a dialogue between it and Alllawi’s list. Meanwhile, Al Adib said that Fadhila Party is reconsidering its position regarding the Shiite Alliance and it will likely return to the Alliance in the next few days.
Some participants, who have good relations with some Arab countries, believe that for support to continue from the Gulf countries, they must withdraw and announce the new front. The same participants confirmed that there is security and political coordination among these countries to develop assistance for Allawi’s plan.
Some observers say that the Iraqi List’s leadership is searching for any position in the government regardless of the higher national interest for Iraq.
Other observers, who are outside the government, believe that what is developing is intended to destroy the current political infrastructure in Iraq which confirms that if the current government wants to face this coup, it must take certain steps regarding the economic, political and security situations. The current government must also minimize sectarianism. These observers add that the government should also look toward open and secret dialogue with those in and outside of Iraq.
Some Iraq List members said that this political development is related to Cheney’s failure in convincing the Arab countries to support the political process in Iraq. Regarding Fadhila Party, some sources are saying that there has been a dialogue between it and Alllawi’s list. Meanwhile, Al Adib said that Fadhila Party is reconsidering its position regarding the Shiite Alliance and it will likely return to the Alliance in the next few days.
Labels: coup, Fadhela party, Iraqi List, Iyad Allawi
Friday, May 11, 2007
Will Maliki be able to stay the course?
Politics
(Gulf News) - The fate of Nouri Al Maliki's government has been the subject of many Iraqi rumours and possible scenarios. Rumours differed on whether Al Maliki will continue as the prime minister or leave office. Described by observers, Baghdad is witnessing political momentum towards 'military coup' to overthrow the Shiite coalition government headed by Al Maliki.
In Baghdad, analysts believe coming July will be crucial and decisive and decide Al Maliki and Iraq's fate. In Shiite circles there are speculations that the Shiite coalition leader Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, if Al Maliki failed in the security and reconciliation, will announce the Shiite autonomy territory in the south and middle of Iraq including nine provinces.
Mudhir Al Husaini, a Political researcher at Baghdad University, told Gulf News: "The new security plan for Baghdad, which started three months ago, is a double-edged sword. If Al Maliki succeeds in halting the decadent security situation then he will remain in his office but if he fails to do so then his position is increasingly shaky".
He added: "The Sharm Al Shaikh international covenant conference and the neighbouring countries meeting was considered as Al Maliki's last opportunity to prove his effectiveness in halting sectarian violence or he would lose the support provided by the conferees and have to leave his office".
One name that surfaces while discussing Al Maliki's successor is Eyad Allawi, Iraq's former interim prime minister who is Shiite and more secular than Al Maliki and not deeply tied to Iran. He seeks to exploit the recent prime minister's security and political failure in the light of Americans desire to form an Iraqi emergency government.
Allawi will most probably be the leading candidate for heading the next alternative government, and accordingly he is seeking to gain trust and support from political blocs like Kurds, the Sadr trend, the Fadhila party and some Sunni parties, beside moving towards obtaining vigorous backing of some regional states. Mohammad Abdul Sahib, a senior official at the Iraqi National Dialogue Ministry, told Gulf News: "We have gone to lengthy rounds in contacting Iraqi opposition armed groups which have their own conditions."
In Baghdad, analysts believe coming July will be crucial and decisive and decide Al Maliki and Iraq's fate. In Shiite circles there are speculations that the Shiite coalition leader Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, if Al Maliki failed in the security and reconciliation, will announce the Shiite autonomy territory in the south and middle of Iraq including nine provinces.
Mudhir Al Husaini, a Political researcher at Baghdad University, told Gulf News: "The new security plan for Baghdad, which started three months ago, is a double-edged sword. If Al Maliki succeeds in halting the decadent security situation then he will remain in his office but if he fails to do so then his position is increasingly shaky".
He added: "The Sharm Al Shaikh international covenant conference and the neighbouring countries meeting was considered as Al Maliki's last opportunity to prove his effectiveness in halting sectarian violence or he would lose the support provided by the conferees and have to leave his office".
One name that surfaces while discussing Al Maliki's successor is Eyad Allawi, Iraq's former interim prime minister who is Shiite and more secular than Al Maliki and not deeply tied to Iran. He seeks to exploit the recent prime minister's security and political failure in the light of Americans desire to form an Iraqi emergency government.
Allawi will most probably be the leading candidate for heading the next alternative government, and accordingly he is seeking to gain trust and support from political blocs like Kurds, the Sadr trend, the Fadhila party and some Sunni parties, beside moving towards obtaining vigorous backing of some regional states. Mohammad Abdul Sahib, a senior official at the Iraqi National Dialogue Ministry, told Gulf News: "We have gone to lengthy rounds in contacting Iraqi opposition armed groups which have their own conditions."
Labels: Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, Iyad Allawi, Nouri Al-Maliki, politics, Sharm el-Sheikh
Monday, April 30, 2007
Allawi to attend Sharm el-Sheikh conference
Politics
(AP) - Former Iraqi prime minister Ayad Allawi, a sharp critic of the Shiite-led Iraqi government, will participate in an international conference on the country next week, an Egyptian news agency reported Saturday. The move could spark conflict with Baghdad since Allawi is believed to be garnering support to replace Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, which he has accused of being sectarian.
Allawi arrived in Cairo on Saturday to discuss Iraqi affairs with Egyptian officials, just as the Middle East News Agency reported that he planned to attend the May 3-4 conference. Allawi is believed to have Cairo's support, but it is unclear if the Egyptian government invited him to the conference. MENA also reported that al-Maliki will head the Iraqi delegation to the upcoming meeting, citing Saad Mohammed Ridha, the head of Iraq's diplomatic mission in Cairo.
Allawi, while Shiite through family history, rejects mixing religion and government and says Iraq can only survive through reconciliation with Sunni Muslims. He was installed as Iraq's first post-Saddam prime minister and ran the country from June 2004 until his party was routed by religious Shiite parties in the January 2005 election. Al-Maliki is said to fear rising support among U.S.-allied Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan for an Iraqi national unity government led by Allawi, a favorite of Washington.
At next week's conference, Arab countries will demand that al-Maliki's government do more to reach out to disgruntled Sunni Arabs before they pledge substantial aid to the country, according to a document obtained several days ago by The Associated Press.
On the first day of the conference, officials will unveil the International Compact with Iraq, a five-year plan aimed at strengthening the role of international organizations to stabilize the country's politics and economy.
The second day's meetings will be attended by Iraq's neighbors and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain.
Allawi arrived in Cairo on Saturday to discuss Iraqi affairs with Egyptian officials, just as the Middle East News Agency reported that he planned to attend the May 3-4 conference. Allawi is believed to have Cairo's support, but it is unclear if the Egyptian government invited him to the conference. MENA also reported that al-Maliki will head the Iraqi delegation to the upcoming meeting, citing Saad Mohammed Ridha, the head of Iraq's diplomatic mission in Cairo.
Allawi, while Shiite through family history, rejects mixing religion and government and says Iraq can only survive through reconciliation with Sunni Muslims. He was installed as Iraq's first post-Saddam prime minister and ran the country from June 2004 until his party was routed by religious Shiite parties in the January 2005 election. Al-Maliki is said to fear rising support among U.S.-allied Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan for an Iraqi national unity government led by Allawi, a favorite of Washington.
At next week's conference, Arab countries will demand that al-Maliki's government do more to reach out to disgruntled Sunni Arabs before they pledge substantial aid to the country, according to a document obtained several days ago by The Associated Press.
On the first day of the conference, officials will unveil the International Compact with Iraq, a five-year plan aimed at strengthening the role of international organizations to stabilize the country's politics and economy.
The second day's meetings will be attended by Iraq's neighbors and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain.
Labels: Egypt, International Compact with Iraq, Iyad Allawi, Nouri Al-Maliki, Saad Mohammed Ridha, Sharm al-Sheikh Conference
Friday, April 27, 2007
Iranian military occupy border post to explore for Iraqi oil
Oil, Iran
(Azzaman) - The Iranian military have occupied an Iraqi border post and are planning to explore for oil inside Iraqi territory. The Iranians first ordered Iraqi border guards to leave the post before storming it. The Iranians claim that they have already notified the Iraqi authorities of the move, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The border post is situated west of the southern city of Kut and Iraqi police in the city declined to comment. Meantime, Iraqi politicians and groups have pressed ahead with their harsh criticism of the current U.S.-Iraqi military operation in Baghdad and U.S. troops’ construction of ‘separation walls’ in the city.
The first portion of the wall is to involve the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Adhamiya in Baghdad. The high concrete slabs, currently encircling part of the neighborhood, are said to be erected to separate more districts. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Alawi said the policy of ‘walls and military operations’ was doomed to failure. “Such measures being implemented by U.S. and Iraqi forces are a recipe for a failed strategy. The only alternative is national reconciliation,” he said.
The border post is situated west of the southern city of Kut and Iraqi police in the city declined to comment. Meantime, Iraqi politicians and groups have pressed ahead with their harsh criticism of the current U.S.-Iraqi military operation in Baghdad and U.S. troops’ construction of ‘separation walls’ in the city.
The first portion of the wall is to involve the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Adhamiya in Baghdad. The high concrete slabs, currently encircling part of the neighborhood, are said to be erected to separate more districts. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Alawi said the policy of ‘walls and military operations’ was doomed to failure. “Such measures being implemented by U.S. and Iraqi forces are a recipe for a failed strategy. The only alternative is national reconciliation,” he said.
Labels: Adhamiyah, border post, Iran, Iraq Oil, Iyad Allawi, Kut
