Thursday, October 04, 2007
UIA condemns recruitment of Sunni tribesmen into Iraqi police force
Security, Tribal, Politics
(Washington Post) - The largest Shiite political coalition in Iraq demanded Tuesday that the U.S. military abandon its recruitment of Sunni tribesmen into the Iraqi police, saying some are members of "armed terrorist groups" and are engaged in killing, kidnapping and extortion under the guise of fighting the insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq.
The statement by the United Iraqi Alliance, the Shiite bloc of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, is the most direct rebuke to a policy that U.S. military officers hold up as one of their most important achievements over the past year.
U.S. forces have given wide support to thousands of Sunni tribesmen across the country who have pledged to fight al-Qaeda in Iraq. U.S. officials describe the effort as promoting grass-roots reconciliation that brings disenfranchised Sunnis into the government and provides protection for their neighborhoods. U.S. officials acknowledge that many of the recruits have been involved with various Sunni insurgent groups; expressions of antipathy toward the Iraqi security forces and government are common among them.
"We condemn and reject embracing those terrorist elements which committed the most hideous crimes against our people," the United Iraqi Alliance statement said. It also condemned "authorizing the groups to conduct security acts away from the jurisdiction of the government and without its knowledge." The statement went on: "We demand that the American administration stop this adventure, which is rejected by all the sons of the people and its national political powers."
The U.S. military credits the partnerships with local Sunnis, a concept developed in Anbar province and replicated in many Sunni areas in and around Baghdad, as a primary factor in the declining violence over the past several months. In Washington on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the No. 2 commander in Iraq, described these partnerships as a "success story" and said 1,700 volunteers from the town of Abu Ghraib graduated last week after a month of police academy training. "Anbar now stands as an inspiring example to the rest of the country for what is possible, as citizens come together to reject extremist behavior," Odierno said.
But some Iraqi and U.S. officials have long expressed reservations about whether the experience in Anbar province, which is largely Sunni, could be repeated in areas with mixed populations, such as Baghdad. "Now the problem is that the American Army has started to arm some Sunni groups . . . and give them salaries, and they've enabled them to control some mixed areas," Humam Hamoudi, a senior Shiite leader in the coalition, said in a recent interview. "This has provoked astonishment, rejection and rage."
Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni, said there are insufficient U.S. and Iraqi troops to defeat the extremists, so the local tribes provide an important supplement. He said the recruits should be accountable to the Iraqi security forces. "At this particular moment, we need these tribes. It might be for a short period," he said in an interview. "I can't understand the fears. Frankly, it's people talking nonsense, that these tribes might turn into militiamen the next day and be a threat to the Shias and attack whomever."
The statement by the United Iraqi Alliance, the Shiite bloc of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, is the most direct rebuke to a policy that U.S. military officers hold up as one of their most important achievements over the past year.
U.S. forces have given wide support to thousands of Sunni tribesmen across the country who have pledged to fight al-Qaeda in Iraq. U.S. officials describe the effort as promoting grass-roots reconciliation that brings disenfranchised Sunnis into the government and provides protection for their neighborhoods. U.S. officials acknowledge that many of the recruits have been involved with various Sunni insurgent groups; expressions of antipathy toward the Iraqi security forces and government are common among them.
"We condemn and reject embracing those terrorist elements which committed the most hideous crimes against our people," the United Iraqi Alliance statement said. It also condemned "authorizing the groups to conduct security acts away from the jurisdiction of the government and without its knowledge." The statement went on: "We demand that the American administration stop this adventure, which is rejected by all the sons of the people and its national political powers."
The U.S. military credits the partnerships with local Sunnis, a concept developed in Anbar province and replicated in many Sunni areas in and around Baghdad, as a primary factor in the declining violence over the past several months. In Washington on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the No. 2 commander in Iraq, described these partnerships as a "success story" and said 1,700 volunteers from the town of Abu Ghraib graduated last week after a month of police academy training. "Anbar now stands as an inspiring example to the rest of the country for what is possible, as citizens come together to reject extremist behavior," Odierno said.
But some Iraqi and U.S. officials have long expressed reservations about whether the experience in Anbar province, which is largely Sunni, could be repeated in areas with mixed populations, such as Baghdad. "Now the problem is that the American Army has started to arm some Sunni groups . . . and give them salaries, and they've enabled them to control some mixed areas," Humam Hamoudi, a senior Shiite leader in the coalition, said in a recent interview. "This has provoked astonishment, rejection and rage."
Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni, said there are insufficient U.S. and Iraqi troops to defeat the extremists, so the local tribes provide an important supplement. He said the recruits should be accountable to the Iraqi security forces. "At this particular moment, we need these tribes. It might be for a short period," he said in an interview. "I can't understand the fears. Frankly, it's people talking nonsense, that these tribes might turn into militiamen the next day and be a threat to the Shias and attack whomever."
Labels: Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Sunni tribesmen, Tariq al-Hashimi, UIA
Iraq reconciliation drive offers bonuses for mixed marriages
(Reuters) -- Iraq is offering a cash bonus to married Iraqi couples from different sectarian groups in a drive to heal rifts between communities and foster reconciliation. At a ceremony in Baghdad to launch the new initiative on Tuesday, 250 recently married couples from across Iraq accepted awards from Sunni Arab vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. Those in mixed marriages received $1,500. Hashemi did not specify whether all couples getting married in the future would qualify for the bonuses but said there would be a programme of ceremonies to celebrate mixed marriages.
Tens of thousands of Iraqis have been killed in sectarian violence since the U.S. invasion of 2003 that toppled Saddam Hussein, a minority Sunni who suppressed the majority Shi'ites and Kurds in the north. Feuding between politicians from the sectarian groups has all but paralysed the government of Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and stymied progress on reconciliation reforms Washington wants. "Today we have a new programme in which we want to break the sectarian strife," Hashemi said. "We will allocate a special bonus to those who break this hateful sectarian yoke and get married on the basis that his wife is an Iraqi, not because she is a Sunni or a Shi'ite."
Shi'ite Ali al-Kilabi, 29, married a Sunni woman two months ago and was happy with the $1,500 he received to pay off his marriage debts. "There are people who are so fanatical. We are neutral, we do not pay attention to these matters. We do not differentiate between Shi'ites or Sunnis," he told Reuters. "My wife and I do not argue because we are from a different sect. We condemn people who are sensitive about these matters."
The sectarian violence in Iraq has forced hundreds of thousands of people to move out of neighbourhoods dominated by one sect or another, leading to huge displacement of Iraqis. According to an Iraqi Red Crescent report for August 2007, nearly two million Iraqis have left from their homes since the bombing of a Shi'ite shrine in Samarra in February 2006 sparked a wave of sectarian violence.
Um Fuad's son, a Kurd, married a Sunni Arab a year ago. The couple was keen to get the money to pay hospital bills as his wife is about to have a baby. Um Fuad's other son married a Shi'ite and needs the cash to pay off wedding debts. "We do not differentiate between sects," she said.
But for some at the ceremony, the money was scant compensation for the loss and suffering they have endured since Saddam was toppled. Um Ubaida, a 25-year-old Sunni civil servant, looked pale and expressionless as she went to receive the wedded couples bonus to help with her debts. She married last year and had a baby two months ago, but has not seen her husband for seven months. "My husband is missing, he went to visit his brother in prison and he never came back," she said.
Tens of thousands of Iraqis have been killed in sectarian violence since the U.S. invasion of 2003 that toppled Saddam Hussein, a minority Sunni who suppressed the majority Shi'ites and Kurds in the north. Feuding between politicians from the sectarian groups has all but paralysed the government of Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and stymied progress on reconciliation reforms Washington wants. "Today we have a new programme in which we want to break the sectarian strife," Hashemi said. "We will allocate a special bonus to those who break this hateful sectarian yoke and get married on the basis that his wife is an Iraqi, not because she is a Sunni or a Shi'ite."
Shi'ite Ali al-Kilabi, 29, married a Sunni woman two months ago and was happy with the $1,500 he received to pay off his marriage debts. "There are people who are so fanatical. We are neutral, we do not pay attention to these matters. We do not differentiate between Shi'ites or Sunnis," he told Reuters. "My wife and I do not argue because we are from a different sect. We condemn people who are sensitive about these matters."
The sectarian violence in Iraq has forced hundreds of thousands of people to move out of neighbourhoods dominated by one sect or another, leading to huge displacement of Iraqis. According to an Iraqi Red Crescent report for August 2007, nearly two million Iraqis have left from their homes since the bombing of a Shi'ite shrine in Samarra in February 2006 sparked a wave of sectarian violence.
Um Fuad's son, a Kurd, married a Sunni Arab a year ago. The couple was keen to get the money to pay hospital bills as his wife is about to have a baby. Um Fuad's other son married a Shi'ite and needs the cash to pay off wedding debts. "We do not differentiate between sects," she said.
But for some at the ceremony, the money was scant compensation for the loss and suffering they have endured since Saddam was toppled. Um Ubaida, a 25-year-old Sunni civil servant, looked pale and expressionless as she went to receive the wedded couples bonus to help with her debts. She married last year and had a baby two months ago, but has not seen her husband for seven months. "My husband is missing, he went to visit his brother in prison and he never came back," she said.
Labels: cash bonus, Iraq, marriage, Tariq al-Hashimi
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
KRG, Hashimi call on Iraqi government to do more to protect Kurdish citizens
Security, Kurdistan
(RFE/RL) - Sunni Arab Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi on August 27 called on the Iraqi government to protect Kurdish citizens from shelling operations carried out by neighboring states, Al-Sharqiyah television reported the same day. Al-Hashimi said in a statement released by the Iraqi Islamic Party, which he heads, that the nearly two weeks of shelling is unjustified. He said the Iraqi government is obliged to take action to secure the areas under attack and reduce casualties.
Kurdish officials have said Iran has bombed several villages Tehran suspects of sheltering Iranian Kurdish militants. Meanwhile, state-run Al-Iraqiyah television reported on August 27 that Kurds demonstrated outside the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan headquarters in Irbil to protest Iranian and Turkish shelling of villages outside Al-Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk. Iranian government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham denied on August 22 that Iran had dropped leaflets warning Kurdish villagers to evacuate the area ahead of a planned military operation, Reuters reported the same day.
Elham refused to comment further on Iranian operations in the area, except to say: "Iran is ready to deal with groups that jeopardize the security of the people in the region without hurting civilians," the news agency reported. Turkey has denied taking part in the shelling, but Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul last week voiced possible Turkish support for a cross-border operation by Iran, turkishweekly.net reported on August 27. Kurdistan Satellite television on August 28 carried a live broadcast of the Kurdistan regional parliament's extraordinary session to discuss the reported shelling of Iraqi Kurdish villages by Iran and Turkey.
Regional parliament spokesman Tariq Jawhar told Al-Iraqiyah in an August 27 interview that the central government has said little about the shelling. "We have not yet heard any official Iraqi reaction [to the shelling] except for the statements made [on August 26] by the prime minister to the effect that the Iranian and Turkish shelling and operations violate Iraq's sovereignty.... [We] hope the Iraqi government will take practical measures and demand the Iranian and Turkish sides halt their military operations." Prime Minister al-Maliki told reporters at an August 26 press briefing in Baghdad: "The bombardments by Iran and Turkey are violations of Iraq's sovereignty. We will not allow these violations, but this must come through diplomatic channels. We will inform our brothers in Turkey and Iran about that through the Foreign Ministry."
Labels: Iran, Iraqi Islamic Party, KRG, Kurdistan, PUK, Tariq al-Hashimi, Turkey
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Al-Hashimi - Sunnis fear Shiite control over security
Politics
(RFE/RL) - The Iraqi Islamic Party apologized in a statement posted to its website on August 16 for being unable to join the moderates' front. The party said it is convinced that the way out of the current political crisis will not be found through the forging of new alliances or agreements, but rather through reaching a national accord on key issues that continue to divide Iraqis. The party said it wishes the four parties success in their efforts to salvage Iraq from the current crisis.
Sunni Arab Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, who heads the Islamic Party reiterated the main points of the party's statement in an August 16 interview with Al-Jazeera television. "We believe the difficult situation which Iraq is going through now does not need polarization and new alliances," he said. "Our view of resolving the existing crisis lies in a national agreement on the basic general issues over which the Iraqis are sharply divided." He added that deep mistrust between Sunni and Shi'ite Arabs continues to affect political relations. Sunnis are fearful of Shi'ite control over security, he said, implying an Iranian influence over the security organizations. Shi'a, he said, fear that Sunnis want to return to a dictatorial state.
Labels: Iraqi Islamic Party, Moderates Front, Tariq al-Hashimi
Monday, August 20, 2007
Kurdish-Shia political alliance meet with Sunni leader
Politics
(CNN) -- The leaders of a new Shiite and Kurdish political alliance met with a top Sunni Arab leader Saturday, raising hope for a breakthrough to curb factional violence in Iraq. Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni and one of Iraq's two vice presidents, met with the other leaders ahead of a political summit that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has been planning.
The meeting started in the late afternoon and lasted for a few hours, and it may resume on Sunday, al-Maliki's office said. Al-Hashimi's office said they agreed on the summit's agenda and who will attend, as well as some similar issues. Al-Maliki's fractious government has been beset by walkouts and the parliament has been unable to agree on major legislation.
Lawmakers were alarmed when six members of the Iraq Accord Front, the Sunni bloc, walked out several weeks ago. Backroom negotiations have been going on ever since. The Bush administration is concerned about the central government's political problems. "Unfortunately, political progress at the national level has not matched the pace of progress at the local level," President Bush said in his weekly radio address.
Al-Maliki signed a political agreement Thursday with three other leaders -- President Jalal Talabani of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Kurdish regional government leader Massoud Barzani of the Kurdish Democratic Party, and Shiite Vice President Adel Abdul Mehdi of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq. The purpose was to create an alliance of moderates, particularly ahead of next month's report to the U.S. Congress on the state of affairs in Iraq. Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker will deliver the report.
Al-Hashimi did not show up at Thursday's meeting. His party, the Iraqi Islamic Party, is the largest in the government coalition and his presence in the new alliance is regarded as a major step in forging a national consensus. But on Saturday, Al-Hashimi and the four leaders who signed the agreement on Thursday discussed the political crisis and ways to resolve their differences.
Al-Maliki will travel to Syria on Monday for a three-day official visit to the Arab neighbor, his first. His delegation will include the ministers of trade and oil. Earlier this month, he visited Iran. Both Iran and Syria have been criticized by the Bush administration. The U.S. administration says that Iranian Revolutionary Guard agents are supporting Iraqi insurgents -- a claim Iran denies -- and accuses Syria of not doing enough to stop militants from crossing the Syrian border into Iraq to stage attacks. Nevertheless, Iraq has signed agreements with Iran on building oil pipelines and maintaining border security and has sought to establish ties with Syria.
The meeting started in the late afternoon and lasted for a few hours, and it may resume on Sunday, al-Maliki's office said. Al-Hashimi's office said they agreed on the summit's agenda and who will attend, as well as some similar issues. Al-Maliki's fractious government has been beset by walkouts and the parliament has been unable to agree on major legislation.
Lawmakers were alarmed when six members of the Iraq Accord Front, the Sunni bloc, walked out several weeks ago. Backroom negotiations have been going on ever since. The Bush administration is concerned about the central government's political problems. "Unfortunately, political progress at the national level has not matched the pace of progress at the local level," President Bush said in his weekly radio address.
Al-Maliki signed a political agreement Thursday with three other leaders -- President Jalal Talabani of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Kurdish regional government leader Massoud Barzani of the Kurdish Democratic Party, and Shiite Vice President Adel Abdul Mehdi of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq. The purpose was to create an alliance of moderates, particularly ahead of next month's report to the U.S. Congress on the state of affairs in Iraq. Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker will deliver the report.
Al-Hashimi did not show up at Thursday's meeting. His party, the Iraqi Islamic Party, is the largest in the government coalition and his presence in the new alliance is regarded as a major step in forging a national consensus. But on Saturday, Al-Hashimi and the four leaders who signed the agreement on Thursday discussed the political crisis and ways to resolve their differences.
Al-Maliki will travel to Syria on Monday for a three-day official visit to the Arab neighbor, his first. His delegation will include the ministers of trade and oil. Earlier this month, he visited Iran. Both Iran and Syria have been criticized by the Bush administration. The U.S. administration says that Iranian Revolutionary Guard agents are supporting Iraqi insurgents -- a claim Iran denies -- and accuses Syria of not doing enough to stop militants from crossing the Syrian border into Iraq to stage attacks. Nevertheless, Iraq has signed agreements with Iran on building oil pipelines and maintaining border security and has sought to establish ties with Syria.
Labels: Iraqi Accordance Front, Iraqi Islamic Party, Nouri Al-Maliki, Syria, Tariq al-Hashimi
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Al-Hashimi calls on Maliki to reform Security Ministry
Politics
(RFE/RL) - Sunni Arab Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi called on Prime Minister al-Maliki to reform the State Ministry for National Security Affairs, in a statement posted on the Iraqi Islamic Party's website on August 7. Al-Hashimi claimed the ministry has expanded beyond the size specified when it was created, with branches in every governorate, and is financed by unknown sources. Al-Hashimi contended that according to the Iraqi Constitution, the ministry is to have no more than 17 employees, noting it currently employs 1,400 people.
"I have major reservations about the formation of the units that are in charge of security, and also over how the security file is being run. Many violations are being carried out, and agreements that were reached before the formation of the government are being breached," al-Hashimi said in the statement. He claimed he presented a study on the security file that called for the ministry to be run jointly -- presumably by Sunnis and Shi'a -- but received no response from al-Maliki.
Labels: Iraqi Islamic Party, Nouri Al-Maliki, Security Ministry, Tariq al-Hashimi
Friday, July 27, 2007
Iraqi leaders meet today in effort to end political crisis
Politics
(RFE/RL) - Iraqi leaders are meeting today in Baghdad to seek an end to the country's political crisis and to discuss possible amendments to the constitution. The meeting will bring together President Jalal Talabani, who is Kurdish, Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, and Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. Sunni Arab ministers in the government have stopped attending cabinet meetings, while Shi'ite ministers loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have left the government.
The meeting comes a day after a car bomb attack in central Baghdad killed 25 people and wounded 115. Meanwhile, clashes broke out early today between U.S. forces and militiamen of al-Sadr's Imam Al-Mahdi Army in the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad. At least three militiamen have been killed in the fighting.
The meeting comes a day after a car bomb attack in central Baghdad killed 25 people and wounded 115. Meanwhile, clashes broke out early today between U.S. forces and militiamen of al-Sadr's Imam Al-Mahdi Army in the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad. At least three militiamen have been killed in the fighting.
Labels: Baghdad, car bomb, Jalal Talabani, Karbala, Mahdi Army, Nouri Al-Maliki, politics, Tariq al-Hashimi
Monday, July 09, 2007
Iraqi Islamic Party denies al-Hashimi has turned against al-Maliki
Politics
(Stratfor) - The Iraqi Islamic Party denied that Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi is rallying parliamentarians to cast a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, despite al-Hashimi's previous statements of dissatisfaction with the al-Maliki government. The party also denied reports that al-Hashimi met with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
Labels: Dick Cheney, Iraqi Islamic Party, Nouri Al-Maliki, Tariq al-Hashimi
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
Vice President To Dar Al Salam: Iraq Will Participate In Iranian-American Talks
Regional
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 22 MAY - Vice President Tariq Al Hashimi said, “Iraq will participate in the meeting which will be held between the US and Iran at the end of this month in Baghdad.” Al Hashimi said at the Economic Conference held in Jordan, “The Accord Front is discussing with all political fronts on how to resolve the problems in Iraq. We call for a review of the security ministries. We have many choices and we will choose one of these options if dialogue fails.”
Al Hashimi also said, “We confirm that we have many options but now we are talking with all political fronts. We will withdraw from the government if our dialogue fails but withdrawing is not our goal. We will use it as a policy tool to send a message to our brothers in the political process. Our message is: ‘what is happening now is not serving anyone.’”
Al Hashimi confirmed that Iraq will participate in the American-Iranian talks. Iraq received an invitation to attend this meeting. He said, “We will not accept the US holding a meeting with Iraq’s neighboring states without Iraq in attendance, especially when the meeting will discuss Iraqi affairs. We received an official date for the meeting.”
Al Hashimi also said, “We confirm that we have many options but now we are talking with all political fronts. We will withdraw from the government if our dialogue fails but withdrawing is not our goal. We will use it as a policy tool to send a message to our brothers in the political process. Our message is: ‘what is happening now is not serving anyone.’”
Al Hashimi confirmed that Iraq will participate in the American-Iranian talks. Iraq received an invitation to attend this meeting. He said, “We will not accept the US holding a meeting with Iraq’s neighboring states without Iraq in attendance, especially when the meeting will discuss Iraqi affairs. We received an official date for the meeting.”
Al Hashimi also said, “The Accord Front is holding discussions with the other political fronts and maybe we will form a new political front but this matter is still under discussion.” Al Hashimi spoke about the proposed oil law and said, “The Accord Front is against some items of the new oil law but the new oil law will allow foreign oil companies to invest in Iraq.”
Labels: Iran, Iraqi Accord Front, Tariq al-Hashimi, U.S.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Vice Presidents Tariq Al Hashimi and Adil Abd Al Mahdi meet
Politics
(Al Mada Newspaper) - 14 MAY - Yesterday, Vice Presidents Tariq Al Hashimi and Adil Abd Al Mahdi met; also attending this meeting was Iraq’s Ambassador to Russia; during their meeting the men discussed: Iraq’s foreign affairs, the current political situation, and the continuing efforts to remove “obstacles” between the (various Iraqi) political “blocs” in order to foster a better political environment.
The President (Talabani’s) Media Office released the following statement:
· Iraq’s two Vice Presidents discussed: DeBaathification, and (they resolved their differences regarding) a number of disagreements.
· Yesterday afternoon, Al Hashimi met with Sayid Amr Al Hakim, the Secretary General of the Al Muharab Martyr’s Organization. They discussed the results of SCIRI’s (a powerful Shiite group’s) ninth annual conference.
· Vice President (Al Hashimi) believes that SCIRI provides the true reflection of Iraq’s current political situation; and, he confirmed the need to unify (bring together) all of Iraq’s “patriotic” (national unity) efforts… in order to solve Iraq’s crises.
· Al Hashimi also met with a Fadhila Party (another Shiite party, which sometimes differs with SCIRI and the Shiite Alliance List) delegation led by Dr. Hassan Al Shimari. They discussed the recent activities in Basrah (demonstrations, clashes, calls to remove the Governor) …and legal ways to resolve these issues. They also discussed a number of political and economic issues.
The President (Talabani’s) Media Office released the following statement:
· Iraq’s two Vice Presidents discussed: DeBaathification, and (they resolved their differences regarding) a number of disagreements.
· Yesterday afternoon, Al Hashimi met with Sayid Amr Al Hakim, the Secretary General of the Al Muharab Martyr’s Organization. They discussed the results of SCIRI’s (a powerful Shiite group’s) ninth annual conference.
· Vice President (Al Hashimi) believes that SCIRI provides the true reflection of Iraq’s current political situation; and, he confirmed the need to unify (bring together) all of Iraq’s “patriotic” (national unity) efforts… in order to solve Iraq’s crises.
· Al Hashimi also met with a Fadhila Party (another Shiite party, which sometimes differs with SCIRI and the Shiite Alliance List) delegation led by Dr. Hassan Al Shimari. They discussed the recent activities in Basrah (demonstrations, clashes, calls to remove the Governor) …and legal ways to resolve these issues. They also discussed a number of political and economic issues.
Labels: Adil Abdul Mahdi, Fadhela party, Sayid Amr Al Hakim, SCIRI, Tariq al-Hashimi
Monday, May 14, 2007
Al-Maliki agrees to give Sunnis bigger role in security operations
Politics
(AP) -- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki agreed to give Sunnis a bigger role in security operations in their areas, lawmakers said Sunday, in a deal that staves off a threatened Sunni walkout that could have toppled the Shiite leader's embattled government. The deal reached with Iraq's Sunni vice president could help assuage long-standing Sunni complaints that Shiite-dominated security forces unfairly target Sunni areas but avoid cracking down on Shiite militias linked to influential politicians.
The lawmakers said the deal was reached in talks last week between al-Maliki and Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who had threatened to withdraw his bloc from the government if Sunni demands were not met. His bloc controls 44 of the 275 parliament seats. Under the terms, al-Hashemi will have an "executive role" in the fight against insurgents in Sunni areas inside and outside the capital of Baghdad, the lawmakers said. Al-Maliki remains the armed forces' commander in chief, they said.
However, the agreement was described by lawmakers as an understanding rather than a formal pact, and similar arrangements have broken down in the past. "The government realized that we were not just making empty threats, so they took us seriously" said Sunni lawmaker Salim Abdullah, a member of al-Hashemi's Iraqi Islamic Party, the country's biggest Sunni political group.
"The ball is now in the government's court," said Abdullah, who confirmed the deal along with a Shiite lawmaker close to al-Maliki. The Shiite spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information to the media. One Sunni Arab politician, Omar Abdul-Sattar, said 11,000 volunteers from Sunni areas west of the capital have been waiting for months to hear news about their applications to join the army.
Reconciliation is a key benchmark the U.S. wants al-Maliki's government to meet at a time of growing congressional opposition to the war. Other benchmarks include a new law to distribute oil revenues equitably among all Iraqis and amendments to the constitution to address Sunni demands.
In the deal with al-Hashemi, al-Maliki also agreed not to stand in the way when judicial authorities release Sunni Arab detainees suspected of having links to insurgent groups, but have not been formally charged. The U.N. says more than 37,000 detainees, most of them believed to be Sunnis, were being held by Iraqi and U.S.-led forces as of March 31.
It also provides for an end to government threats to lift the parliamentary immunity of Sunni lawmakers so they can be questioned about suspected links to insurgent groups. Al-Hashemi had wanted a halt to security raids targeting the homes and offices of Sunni lawmakers and the arrest of their personal security details, but it was unclear if al-Maliki accepted those demands.
The lawmakers said the deal was reached in talks last week between al-Maliki and Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who had threatened to withdraw his bloc from the government if Sunni demands were not met. His bloc controls 44 of the 275 parliament seats. Under the terms, al-Hashemi will have an "executive role" in the fight against insurgents in Sunni areas inside and outside the capital of Baghdad, the lawmakers said. Al-Maliki remains the armed forces' commander in chief, they said.
However, the agreement was described by lawmakers as an understanding rather than a formal pact, and similar arrangements have broken down in the past. "The government realized that we were not just making empty threats, so they took us seriously" said Sunni lawmaker Salim Abdullah, a member of al-Hashemi's Iraqi Islamic Party, the country's biggest Sunni political group.
"The ball is now in the government's court," said Abdullah, who confirmed the deal along with a Shiite lawmaker close to al-Maliki. The Shiite spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information to the media. One Sunni Arab politician, Omar Abdul-Sattar, said 11,000 volunteers from Sunni areas west of the capital have been waiting for months to hear news about their applications to join the army.
Reconciliation is a key benchmark the U.S. wants al-Maliki's government to meet at a time of growing congressional opposition to the war. Other benchmarks include a new law to distribute oil revenues equitably among all Iraqis and amendments to the constitution to address Sunni demands.
In the deal with al-Hashemi, al-Maliki also agreed not to stand in the way when judicial authorities release Sunni Arab detainees suspected of having links to insurgent groups, but have not been formally charged. The U.N. says more than 37,000 detainees, most of them believed to be Sunnis, were being held by Iraqi and U.S.-led forces as of March 31.
It also provides for an end to government threats to lift the parliamentary immunity of Sunni lawmakers so they can be questioned about suspected links to insurgent groups. Al-Hashemi had wanted a halt to security raids targeting the homes and offices of Sunni lawmakers and the arrest of their personal security details, but it was unclear if al-Maliki accepted those demands.
Labels: Iraqi Islamic Party, Nouri Al-Maliki, Salim Abdullah, Tariq al-Hashimi
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Al-Hashimi, Maliki meeting eases tensions
Politics
(CNN) - A meeting Tuesday between Iraq's Shiite prime minister and the country's top Sunni official appeared to ease tensions over threats that the entire Sunni bloc could pull out of the government. "The meeting was necessary to melt the ice that was accumulated over the brotherhood between me and my brother, the prime minister," said Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, after meeting with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
Al-Hashimi previously told CNN if key amendments to the Iraq Constitution are not made by May 15, he will step down and pull his 44 Sunni politicians out of the 275-member Iraqi parliament. Al-Hashimi's cooperation with the Shiite-led government is considered essential if there is to be a realistic chance of bridging the Shiite-Sunni divide in Iraq -- one of the key goals of the Bush administration.
The rhetoric the two imparted to reporters about the meeting included imagery of brotherhood, words that belied recent Sunni frustration over issues such as constitutional reform and the failure to be consulted by the government on security matters. Fostering support among Sunnis is a major effort for the government, which held power in Iraq throughout the Saddam Hussein era. Many of the insurgents in the country -- which has a Shiite majority -- are Sunni militants and supporters of Hussein's Baathist party.
Al-Maliki said the pair reviewed security and political issues. "Our brother, Mr. Vice-President, is one of makers of the political reality in Iraq," al-Maliki said. "Our meeting was blessed and good in discussing and reviewing the cases of mutual importance and responsibility within the frame of the program which was approved by the political partnership to be used in running the country and facing the crises."
He said he didn't hear of any intention to leave the government from his "brother." "We don't have guarantees between us, but there is a process of reviewing to put back everything to the right track," al-Maliki said. "Guarantees without being on the right track are worthless." Al-Hashimi, meanwhile, said the meeting was frank but "encouraging and productive" and "that we are able to build a promising future based on the real partnership and mutual trust, which is very important to make the political project going on toward the good."
Al-Hashimi previously told CNN if key amendments to the Iraq Constitution are not made by May 15, he will step down and pull his 44 Sunni politicians out of the 275-member Iraqi parliament. Al-Hashimi's cooperation with the Shiite-led government is considered essential if there is to be a realistic chance of bridging the Shiite-Sunni divide in Iraq -- one of the key goals of the Bush administration.
The rhetoric the two imparted to reporters about the meeting included imagery of brotherhood, words that belied recent Sunni frustration over issues such as constitutional reform and the failure to be consulted by the government on security matters. Fostering support among Sunnis is a major effort for the government, which held power in Iraq throughout the Saddam Hussein era. Many of the insurgents in the country -- which has a Shiite majority -- are Sunni militants and supporters of Hussein's Baathist party.
Al-Maliki said the pair reviewed security and political issues. "Our brother, Mr. Vice-President, is one of makers of the political reality in Iraq," al-Maliki said. "Our meeting was blessed and good in discussing and reviewing the cases of mutual importance and responsibility within the frame of the program which was approved by the political partnership to be used in running the country and facing the crises."
He said he didn't hear of any intention to leave the government from his "brother." "We don't have guarantees between us, but there is a process of reviewing to put back everything to the right track," al-Maliki said. "Guarantees without being on the right track are worthless." Al-Hashimi, meanwhile, said the meeting was frank but "encouraging and productive" and "that we are able to build a promising future based on the real partnership and mutual trust, which is very important to make the political project going on toward the good."
Labels: Iraq, Iraqi Islamic Party, Nouri Al-Maliki, politics, Tariq al-Hashimi
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Al-Hashimi sets deadline to withdraw his entire bloc from government
Politics
(CNN) - Iraq's top Sunni official has set a deadline of next week for pulling his entire bloc out of the government -- a potentially devastating blow to reconciliation efforts within Iraq. He also said he turned down an offer by President Bush to visit Washington until he can count more fully on U.S. help. Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi made his comments in an interview with CNN. He said if key amendments to the Iraq Constitution are not made by May 15, he will step down and pull his 44 Sunni politicians out of the 275-member Iraqi parliament.
"If the constitution is not subject to major changes, definitely, I will tell my constituency frankly that I have made the mistake of my life when I put my endorsement to that national accord," he said. Specifically, he wants guarantees in the constitution that the country won't be split into Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish federal states that he says will disadvantage Sunnis.
Al-Hashimi's cooperation with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government is widely seen as essential if there is to be a realistic chance of bridging the Shiite-Sunni divide in Iraq -- one of the key goals of the Bush administration. The withdrawal of the Sunni bloc would unravel months of efforts to foster political participation by Sunnis in Iraq's government. It also would further weaken al-Maliki just weeks after Shiite Cabinet ministers allied with Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr bolted from the government.
Al-Hashimi's Iraqi Islamic Party was key in getting Sunnis out to vote in the December 2005 election. Sunnis had been reluctant to take part in the political process, and many were only convinced to do so with the promise of changes to the Iraqi Constitution. Al-Hashimi said the United States co-signed those changes, and now a year and a half later nothing has been done.
Without a change to the constitution, he said, "The situation would be a disaster for Iraq." He added, "I would like to see the identity of my country, in fact, restored back." Al-Hashimi said he has expressed his concerns to Bush, and that for now he will not travel to the United States unless he knows it will result in action. Al-Hashimi was invited to Washington during a recent phone call with Bush. The Iraqi leader said he was "very clear" to Bush that "our [Sunni] participation is quite unfortunately becoming meaningless." Bush and al-Hashimi have met once before in Washington, in December.
Al-Hashimi said that his patience is running thin with the government's failure to promote reconciliation and that he feels he is not consulted regularly on key decisions. In addition, he said, he sees growing frustrations within the Sunni community that they are being left out of the political process.
If Sunnis aren't an equal partner in the government, he said, they should say "bye-bye to the political process." Asked if that meant all-out civil war with Shiites, he said no. "I'm not saying that I'm going to war," he said, adding he would not encourage his bloc to get involved with "any sort of violence whatsoever." At the same time, he said Sunnis will be "frustrated" and people will "think on other alternatives." But he said he'd also prefer not to reach that point.
"If the constitution is not subject to major changes, definitely, I will tell my constituency frankly that I have made the mistake of my life when I put my endorsement to that national accord," he said. Specifically, he wants guarantees in the constitution that the country won't be split into Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish federal states that he says will disadvantage Sunnis.
Al-Hashimi's cooperation with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government is widely seen as essential if there is to be a realistic chance of bridging the Shiite-Sunni divide in Iraq -- one of the key goals of the Bush administration. The withdrawal of the Sunni bloc would unravel months of efforts to foster political participation by Sunnis in Iraq's government. It also would further weaken al-Maliki just weeks after Shiite Cabinet ministers allied with Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr bolted from the government.
Al-Hashimi's Iraqi Islamic Party was key in getting Sunnis out to vote in the December 2005 election. Sunnis had been reluctant to take part in the political process, and many were only convinced to do so with the promise of changes to the Iraqi Constitution. Al-Hashimi said the United States co-signed those changes, and now a year and a half later nothing has been done.
Without a change to the constitution, he said, "The situation would be a disaster for Iraq." He added, "I would like to see the identity of my country, in fact, restored back." Al-Hashimi said he has expressed his concerns to Bush, and that for now he will not travel to the United States unless he knows it will result in action. Al-Hashimi was invited to Washington during a recent phone call with Bush. The Iraqi leader said he was "very clear" to Bush that "our [Sunni] participation is quite unfortunately becoming meaningless." Bush and al-Hashimi have met once before in Washington, in December.
Al-Hashimi said that his patience is running thin with the government's failure to promote reconciliation and that he feels he is not consulted regularly on key decisions. In addition, he said, he sees growing frustrations within the Sunni community that they are being left out of the political process.
If Sunnis aren't an equal partner in the government, he said, they should say "bye-bye to the political process." Asked if that meant all-out civil war with Shiites, he said no. "I'm not saying that I'm going to war," he said, adding he would not encourage his bloc to get involved with "any sort of violence whatsoever." At the same time, he said Sunnis will be "frustrated" and people will "think on other alternatives." But he said he'd also prefer not to reach that point.
Labels: Iraq constitution, Iraqi Islamic Party, Tariq al-Hashimi
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
CFR - Al Qaeda in Iraq is growing in strength
Security, Insurgency
(Council on Foreign Relations) - As al-Qaeda grows more diffuse, its franchise operations in places like Iraq appear to be gaining in strength and numbers. Across the country, suicide attacks against civilians are up in recent months, according to a March study by the Gulf Research Center, a Middle East policy institute. The latest attacks, many of which were carried out by al-Qaeda’s foreign fighters, have been timed to undermine the U.S.-led surge of additional forces into central Iraq.
(Council on Foreign Relations) - As al-Qaeda grows more diffuse, its franchise operations in places like Iraq appear to be gaining in strength and numbers. Across the country, suicide attacks against civilians are up in recent months, according to a March study by the Gulf Research Center, a Middle East policy institute. The latest attacks, many of which were carried out by al-Qaeda’s foreign fighters, have been timed to undermine the U.S.-led surge of additional forces into central Iraq.
The organization is also increasingly carrying out attacks using multiple bombs, the report finds. Al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ranks may have swelled to as many as 60,000 fighters, according to a January 2007 Center for Strategic and International Studies report. Frustratingly for U.S.-led stabilization efforts, al-Qaeda in Iraq appears to be both more fragmented and more effective, as this new Backgrounder points out. Another disturbing trend: the growing use of chlorine-laden bombs (Counterterrorismblog.org). As Army Major General Michael D. Barbero points out, these are the first poison gas attacks (U.S. Army News) on the Iraqi people since Saddam Hussein.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq faces opponents other than just U.S.-led forces. Zeyad Kasim, a U.S.-based Iraqi blogger, writes that a handful of local armed Sunni groups in Iraq may be severing their ties with al-Qaeda in Iraq, as Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi reportedly holds secret talks with insurgency leaders. There are also reports of locals and tribal leaders of Anbar Province feuding with foreign members of al-Qaeda in Iraq, as Sunni-versus-Sunni violence (MEMRI) continues to escalate.
Of course, rumors of al-Qaeda’s demise have been grossly exaggerated before. Indeed, its tensions with Sunni groups are nothing new and stretch back to December 2005, when al-Qaeda leaders threatened Sunnis against voting in parliamentary elections. Then again, after last summer’s death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, reports surfaced of the organization’s eventual downfall, as this Backgrounder notes. Zarqawi’s successor, Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, has kept a lower profile. Yet all the while he has proven effective at encouraging not just sectarian violence, but also Sunni-versus-Sunni violence. “Al-Qaeda is attempting to destroy any resistance in the Sunni community to the Islamic State of Iraq,” writes Bill Roggio in the Weekly Standard.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq faces opponents other than just U.S.-led forces. Zeyad Kasim, a U.S.-based Iraqi blogger, writes that a handful of local armed Sunni groups in Iraq may be severing their ties with al-Qaeda in Iraq, as Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi reportedly holds secret talks with insurgency leaders. There are also reports of locals and tribal leaders of Anbar Province feuding with foreign members of al-Qaeda in Iraq, as Sunni-versus-Sunni violence (MEMRI) continues to escalate.
Of course, rumors of al-Qaeda’s demise have been grossly exaggerated before. Indeed, its tensions with Sunni groups are nothing new and stretch back to December 2005, when al-Qaeda leaders threatened Sunnis against voting in parliamentary elections. Then again, after last summer’s death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, reports surfaced of the organization’s eventual downfall, as this Backgrounder notes. Zarqawi’s successor, Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, has kept a lower profile. Yet all the while he has proven effective at encouraging not just sectarian violence, but also Sunni-versus-Sunni violence. “Al-Qaeda is attempting to destroy any resistance in the Sunni community to the Islamic State of Iraq,” writes Bill Roggio in the Weekly Standard.
Labels: Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, Al Qaeda, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Gulf Research Center, Islamic State of Iraq, multiple bombs, suicide attacks, Tariq al-Hashimi
Monday, April 02, 2007
Al Hashimi calls on Iraqis to unite
Security, Politics
(AP) - Vice president Tariq Al Hashimi called Sunnis and Shias Sunday to abandon acts of revenge and live together in peace adding the armed forces should treat people fairly. In a televised speech marking Islam’s Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Al Hashimi also called for reviewing the issue of detainees so that those who are innocent be released.’ Thousands of Iraqi suspected insurgents or militiamen are being held in detention centers, run by Iraqi and foreign forces, in different parts of the country.
Al Hashimi, a Sunni Muslim, then called for activating the general amnesty which is the basis for reconciliation and this also include detention centers of foreign forces so that there will be no thousands of young men held without justification.’ Sectarian killings between the country’s Shia majority and Sunni minority have left tens of thousands of Iraqis dead in the past few years. US and Iraqi forces launched a major security plan in February in an attempt to try to pacify Baghdad.
Hundreds of thousands of us have fallen martyrs or maimed. Millions of Iraqis immigrated and there are thousands of detainees. Hasn’t the time come for an objective review to know that all of us, Sunnis and Shias, only have one alternative which is coexistence and change the culture of revenge with the culture of forgiveness,’ said Al Hashimi, one of two vice presidents. Our moral responsibility tells us to stop blood shedding and activate reconciliation so that immigrants return and the problem of unemployment is solved,’ said Al Hashimi during his 20-minute speech aired live on state-run Iraqiya television.
Al Hashimi, a Sunni Muslim, then called for activating the general amnesty which is the basis for reconciliation and this also include detention centers of foreign forces so that there will be no thousands of young men held without justification.’ Sectarian killings between the country’s Shia majority and Sunni minority have left tens of thousands of Iraqis dead in the past few years. US and Iraqi forces launched a major security plan in February in an attempt to try to pacify Baghdad.
Hundreds of thousands of us have fallen martyrs or maimed. Millions of Iraqis immigrated and there are thousands of detainees. Hasn’t the time come for an objective review to know that all of us, Sunnis and Shias, only have one alternative which is coexistence and change the culture of revenge with the culture of forgiveness,’ said Al Hashimi, one of two vice presidents. Our moral responsibility tells us to stop blood shedding and activate reconciliation so that immigrants return and the problem of unemployment is solved,’ said Al Hashimi during his 20-minute speech aired live on state-run Iraqiya television.
In an apparent reference to complaints by some Sunnis that Iraqi security forces are infiltrated by Shia militias, Al Hashimi said relations between the armed forces and the people are not as we wish and this should be treated in order to restore confidence. I call upon the armed forces to help the people and we expect a lot from them.’ I call Iraqis, Sunnis and Shias, not to give the enemies a chance and beware of their bad intentions,’ Al Hashimi said without naming the enemies.
Labels: Tariq al-Hashimi
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Al-Hashimi to visit Ahmadinejad
Politics, Region
(CNN) Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi will meet Monday with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, according to al-Hashimi's office. It is al-Hashimi's first visit to Iran. He is the head of the Iraqi Islamic Party, part of the Iraqi parliament's largest Sunni Arab political bloc. He is one of two vice presidents in Iraq. Iran, like Iraq, is majority Shiite Muslim. On Sunday, al-Hashimi met with his Iranian counterpart, Parviz Davoudi.
According to Iran's state-run news agency, IRNA, Davoudi expressed his country's support for a stable and strong Iraq to the visiting delegation. The report said the Iraqi vice president also had positive words about Tehran's role in Iraq. "Al-Hashimi, for his part, expressed gratitude to the Iranian government and nation for going the 'extra mile' to help solve Iraq's problems and for their concern for the people at this time of crisis," according to the IRNA report.
Al-Hashimi arrived in Tehran on Sunday, a day after Iraq hosted a Baghdad security conference attended by Iran and other neighboring countries as well as representatives from the United Nations and United States. Iran's role in Iraq has been criticized by the United States, which says the regime in Tehran has not done enough to stop the flow of weapons into Iraq. The U.S. military says it has evidence those weapons are ending up in the hands of Shiite insurgent groups.
On Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told CNN that he was misquoted by IRNA, which reported that he praised Iran's "constructive" role in Iraq. While acknowledging that Iran has a role in Iraq's future, Zebari said, "The message I gave them yesterday [Saturday] is not to turn Iraq into a battlefield for settling scores with the United States or any other countries at our cost." He said he confronted the Iranian delegates during bilateral meetings at Saturday's conference about "intelligence that weapons, people, some support is coming across the border from the Iranian side."
According to Iran's state-run news agency, IRNA, Davoudi expressed his country's support for a stable and strong Iraq to the visiting delegation. The report said the Iraqi vice president also had positive words about Tehran's role in Iraq. "Al-Hashimi, for his part, expressed gratitude to the Iranian government and nation for going the 'extra mile' to help solve Iraq's problems and for their concern for the people at this time of crisis," according to the IRNA report.
Al-Hashimi arrived in Tehran on Sunday, a day after Iraq hosted a Baghdad security conference attended by Iran and other neighboring countries as well as representatives from the United Nations and United States. Iran's role in Iraq has been criticized by the United States, which says the regime in Tehran has not done enough to stop the flow of weapons into Iraq. The U.S. military says it has evidence those weapons are ending up in the hands of Shiite insurgent groups.
On Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told CNN that he was misquoted by IRNA, which reported that he praised Iran's "constructive" role in Iraq. While acknowledging that Iran has a role in Iraq's future, Zebari said, "The message I gave them yesterday [Saturday] is not to turn Iraq into a battlefield for settling scores with the United States or any other countries at our cost." He said he confronted the Iranian delegates during bilateral meetings at Saturday's conference about "intelligence that weapons, people, some support is coming across the border from the Iranian side."
Labels: Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Iran, Iraqi Islamic Party, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Parviz Davoudi, Tariq al-Hashimi
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
al-Hashemi in Syria for security talks
Syria, Politics, Security
(SANA) Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi, arrived in Syria on March 5 for a "several days' visit," Iraqi and Syrian media reported. Al-Hashimi met with Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shar'a to discuss Syrian support for Iraqi security, SANA reported. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation "in all areas to serve their mutual interests," the state-run news agency reported. Al-Hashimi was accompanied by several Iraqi parliamentarians, the culture minister, and a representative from the Iraqi Accordance Front, the coalition to which his party belongs.
COMMENT: Both the U.S. and Iraq have accused Syria several times for not monitoring their border with Iraq adequately, resulting in insurgents and weapons crossing into Iraq with ease. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Syria, Tariq al-Hashimi, vice president
