Monday, September 17, 2007
U.S. military says southern Sheiks want to join forces
Security, Tribal
American commanders in southern Iraq say Shiite sheiks are showing interest in joining forces with the US military against extremists, in much the same way that Sunni clansmen in the western part of the country have worked with American forces against Al Qaida.
Sheik Majid Tahir Al Magsousi, the leader of the Migasees tribe here in Wasit province, acknowledged tribal leaders have discussed creating a brigade of young men trained by the Americans to bolster local security as well as help patrol the border with Iran. He also said last week's assassination of Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, who spearheaded the Sunni uprising against Al Qaida in Anbar province, only made the Shiite tribal leaders more resolute.
''The death of Shaikh Abu Risha will not thwart us,'' he said. ''What matters to us is Iraq and its safety.'' The movement by Shiite clan leaders offers the potential to give US and Iraqi forces another tactical advantage in curbing lawlessness in Shiite areas. It also would give the Americans another resource as they beef up their presence on the border with Iran, which the military accuses of arming and training Shiite extremists.
Similar alliances with Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province helped break the grip of groups such as Al Qaida in Iraq and were widely cited in the Washington hearings as a major military success this year. Such pacts to fill the vacuum left by Iraqi police and soldiers unable or unwilling to act against Shiite militias carry even greater potential spin-offs for Iraq's US-backed leadership -- but also higher risks. Shiites represent about 60 per cent of Iraq's population and the bulk of the security forces and parliament. Worsening the current Shiite-on-Shiite battles could ripple to the highest levels.
But US officials at the heart of the effort hope to tap a wellspring of public frustration with militias and criminal gangs to recruit the tribal volunteers, although they stress it is still in the early stages. ''It's an anti-militia movement ... Shiite extremists of all stripes,'' said Wade Weems, head of a Provincial Reconstruction Team leading the dialogue in the Wasit province southeast of Baghdad.
But while the military has made inroads with Sunni leaders in some Baghdad neighborhoods and areas surrounding the capital, including Diyala province, officials stressed it's too early to know if efforts to extend the strategy to Shiite leaders will take root.
Sheik Majid Tahir Al Magsousi, the leader of the Migasees tribe here in Wasit province, acknowledged tribal leaders have discussed creating a brigade of young men trained by the Americans to bolster local security as well as help patrol the border with Iran. He also said last week's assassination of Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, who spearheaded the Sunni uprising against Al Qaida in Anbar province, only made the Shiite tribal leaders more resolute.
''The death of Shaikh Abu Risha will not thwart us,'' he said. ''What matters to us is Iraq and its safety.'' The movement by Shiite clan leaders offers the potential to give US and Iraqi forces another tactical advantage in curbing lawlessness in Shiite areas. It also would give the Americans another resource as they beef up their presence on the border with Iran, which the military accuses of arming and training Shiite extremists.
Similar alliances with Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province helped break the grip of groups such as Al Qaida in Iraq and were widely cited in the Washington hearings as a major military success this year. Such pacts to fill the vacuum left by Iraqi police and soldiers unable or unwilling to act against Shiite militias carry even greater potential spin-offs for Iraq's US-backed leadership -- but also higher risks. Shiites represent about 60 per cent of Iraq's population and the bulk of the security forces and parliament. Worsening the current Shiite-on-Shiite battles could ripple to the highest levels.
But US officials at the heart of the effort hope to tap a wellspring of public frustration with militias and criminal gangs to recruit the tribal volunteers, although they stress it is still in the early stages. ''It's an anti-militia movement ... Shiite extremists of all stripes,'' said Wade Weems, head of a Provincial Reconstruction Team leading the dialogue in the Wasit province southeast of Baghdad.
But while the military has made inroads with Sunni leaders in some Baghdad neighborhoods and areas surrounding the capital, including Diyala province, officials stressed it's too early to know if efforts to extend the strategy to Shiite leaders will take root.
Labels: Al Qaeda in Iraq, Migasees tribe, Sheik Abdul-Sattar abu Risha, Sheik Majid Tahir Al Magsousi, Shiite sheiks, southern Iraq, Wade Weems, Wasit
Monday, August 06, 2007
Shiites press for autonomy in southern Iraq
Politics
(Christian Science Monitor) - When Najaf unplugged its power station from the national grid last week, it was a sign of provincial dissent over the unequal distribution of electricity. But it also indicates a new assertiveness in the south, as Iraq's regional leaders seek to wrest control from a central government in Baghdad paralyzed by political infighting.
Multiple visions for unifying the county's southern provinces are emerging. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), one of the most powerful Shiite parties, is leading the charge to form an autonomous "South of Baghdad Region." But 45 southern tribal notables in Najaf last week signed their own pact that envisions creating "the self-rule government of the unified Iraqi south."
Regardless of which southern group wins out, Baghdad faces a formidable challenge that could mean not just the loss of electricity, but revenue from the region's ports and oil fields, and further fracturing along sectarian lines. When Najaf pulled the plug on its electricity from Baghdad, provincial spokesman Ahmed Duaibel said it was because the provincial officials felt Najaf was not getting its fair share of electricity. He says the province is prepared to turn on the power station's remote terminal unit, which normally allows Baghdad to manage the output, if Baghdad addresses provincial grievances.
But one prominent resident who is familiar with the workings of the local authority says the move is part of a larger effort to include Najaf in the "South of Baghdad Region." The other provinces included in the project are Babil, Basra, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah (also known as Qadisiyah), Karbala, Maysan, Muthana, and Wasit.
In recent weeks, Ammar al-Hakim, the son of SIIC leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, has been leading a passionate grassroots campaign to rally support for the project. "I call upon you to be totally prepared from now to form the South of Baghdad Region at the end of the period prescribed by parliament," he said. On July 21, he repeated the plea at another rally in Baghdad.
The national assembly had passed a controversial law in October 2006 outlining the mechanism for establishing regions in Iraq. The law allows for regions to be created starting early April 2008 provided local referendums are held on the issue. The law was opposed by Sunnis and Shiite rivals to SIIC, such as the Fadhila Party and Moqtada al-Sadr's movement, because they said it heralded the fragmentation of Iraq.
Multiple visions for unifying the county's southern provinces are emerging. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), one of the most powerful Shiite parties, is leading the charge to form an autonomous "South of Baghdad Region." But 45 southern tribal notables in Najaf last week signed their own pact that envisions creating "the self-rule government of the unified Iraqi south."
Regardless of which southern group wins out, Baghdad faces a formidable challenge that could mean not just the loss of electricity, but revenue from the region's ports and oil fields, and further fracturing along sectarian lines. When Najaf pulled the plug on its electricity from Baghdad, provincial spokesman Ahmed Duaibel said it was because the provincial officials felt Najaf was not getting its fair share of electricity. He says the province is prepared to turn on the power station's remote terminal unit, which normally allows Baghdad to manage the output, if Baghdad addresses provincial grievances.
But one prominent resident who is familiar with the workings of the local authority says the move is part of a larger effort to include Najaf in the "South of Baghdad Region." The other provinces included in the project are Babil, Basra, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah (also known as Qadisiyah), Karbala, Maysan, Muthana, and Wasit.
In recent weeks, Ammar al-Hakim, the son of SIIC leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, has been leading a passionate grassroots campaign to rally support for the project. "I call upon you to be totally prepared from now to form the South of Baghdad Region at the end of the period prescribed by parliament," he said. On July 21, he repeated the plea at another rally in Baghdad.
The national assembly had passed a controversial law in October 2006 outlining the mechanism for establishing regions in Iraq. The law allows for regions to be created starting early April 2008 provided local referendums are held on the issue. The law was opposed by Sunnis and Shiite rivals to SIIC, such as the Fadhila Party and Moqtada al-Sadr's movement, because they said it heralded the fragmentation of Iraq.
Under the Iraqi Constitution, regions have been given significant power, including adopting their own constitution; exercising executive, legislative, and judicial authority, organizing and managing internal security forces; and opening offices as part of Iraqi missions abroad. Also, regional laws take precedence over national ones in case of conflict.
The power of regions is currently one of the points of contention in the constitutional amendment process, according to an aide to Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, who heads the constitutional amendment committee in parliament.
An alternative to the plan that SIIC is promoting is the pact from tribal leaders. Leaders from Basra, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah, Maysan, and Muthana provinces signed a pact in Najaf that envisions creating "the self-rule government of the unified Iraqi south." They even elected a president and announced plans to form a legislative-type body made up of 130 sheikhs and experts.
Sheikh Abdul-Karim al-Mahamadawi, who supports the initiative, says it's an alternative to the federalist or "super-region" project of the SIIC that would give more powers to "real southerners" while maintaining a commitment to a unified Iraq.
Although Najaf and neighboring Karbala Province hold spiritual significance to Shiites, the viability of any regional federation hinges on Basra, which is the economic linchpin with its oil resources and sea access.
The power of regions is currently one of the points of contention in the constitutional amendment process, according to an aide to Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, who heads the constitutional amendment committee in parliament.
An alternative to the plan that SIIC is promoting is the pact from tribal leaders. Leaders from Basra, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah, Maysan, and Muthana provinces signed a pact in Najaf that envisions creating "the self-rule government of the unified Iraqi south." They even elected a president and announced plans to form a legislative-type body made up of 130 sheikhs and experts.
Sheikh Abdul-Karim al-Mahamadawi, who supports the initiative, says it's an alternative to the federalist or "super-region" project of the SIIC that would give more powers to "real southerners" while maintaining a commitment to a unified Iraq.
Although Najaf and neighboring Karbala Province hold spiritual significance to Shiites, the viability of any regional federation hinges on Basra, which is the economic linchpin with its oil resources and sea access.
Partition is increasingly being advocated by Washington lawmakers and think tanks as the only way to bring peace to Iraq. "There is a massive operation underway to pave the way for the [south of Baghdad] region, but it's being done quietly," says Sheikh Jalaleddin al-Saghir, a senior parliamentarian and Hakim partisan who favors the SIIC plan.
Besides enjoying a close relationship with Iraq's most revered Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and educating the public about the merits of the "South of Baghdad" project, Sheikh Saghir says his party has already drawn up a detailed blueprint for creating the regional administration and that regular meetings take place now between top political, economic, and security officials from all nine provinces to further the goal.
He says the issue is of "tremendous regional and strategic significance that leaves no room for misadventures."
But the project faces important obstacles from other influential elements within the Shiite community. There is Mr. Sadr who, despite his low profile in recent months and a US-led crackdown against his Mahdi Army militia, continues to enjoy wide support, especially among disaffected segments of Shiite society.
The Fadhila Party says that one of the main reasons why SIIC and its allies "orchestrated a campaign" to squeeze out Basra's governor, Muhammad al-Waeli, is because of his strong opposition to joining the federation. "They simply want to eliminate all those opposing the region project," says Jaber Khalifa, a Fadhila leader.
Besides enjoying a close relationship with Iraq's most revered Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and educating the public about the merits of the "South of Baghdad" project, Sheikh Saghir says his party has already drawn up a detailed blueprint for creating the regional administration and that regular meetings take place now between top political, economic, and security officials from all nine provinces to further the goal.
He says the issue is of "tremendous regional and strategic significance that leaves no room for misadventures."
But the project faces important obstacles from other influential elements within the Shiite community. There is Mr. Sadr who, despite his low profile in recent months and a US-led crackdown against his Mahdi Army militia, continues to enjoy wide support, especially among disaffected segments of Shiite society.
The Fadhila Party says that one of the main reasons why SIIC and its allies "orchestrated a campaign" to squeeze out Basra's governor, Muhammad al-Waeli, is because of his strong opposition to joining the federation. "They simply want to eliminate all those opposing the region project," says Jaber Khalifa, a Fadhila leader.
Labels: autonomy, Babil, Basra, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah, Karbala, Maysan, Muthana, Najaf, Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, SIIC, southern Iraq, tribal leaders, Wasit
Friday, July 20, 2007
Al-Maliki meets with wasit tribal leaders
Politics, Security, Tribal
(RFE/RL) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki met with tribal leaders from the central Wasit Governorate in Baghdad on July 18, state-run Al-Iraqiyah television reported. Al-Maliki praised the leadership of the tribes in Wasit, saying their actions should serve as a model for a peaceful, cooperative, and stable society. He told tribal leaders that it is necessary to mobilize public support against terrorism, adding that the key to mobilizing public support is in the hands of scholars, tribal, and civil society leaders.
Labels: Nouri Al-Maliki, tribal leaders, Wasit
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
400 tribal chiefs meet in Kut to sign security agreement
Security, Tribal
(Azzaman) - Tribal chiefs in the southern Province of Wasit have signed a pact under which they have pledged to work for reinstating the rule of law in their areas. The tribes in the Province of Wasit of which the city of Kut is the capital have traditionally exercised a lot of authority in their areas. In early 20th century they repelled a British attack on their town. Thousands of British troops were killed and captured.
The tribal leaders were brought together amid worsening security in the province. A provincial official said about 400 tribal chiefs attended the meeting last week in which they signed the agreement. “They (tribal leaders) signed an honor pact which states their full support for the rule of law and the exertion of all efforts to reactivate the file of (Iraqi) prisoners in jails led by multinational forces,” said Ali Hameed, the province’s information officer.
Thousands of Iraqis languish in U.S. jails without trial. The detainees are taken from their families and it takes a lot of efforts and time before they are told about their whereabouts. The security forces in Wasit have launched a campaign to bring stability to the province where armed groups have recently increased their attacks and activities. Such tribal meetings have become common in Iraq, which usually end up with the signing of a pact. But the level of violence has nonetheless been rising as armed groups often attack the tribes opposing their authority.
The tribal leaders were brought together amid worsening security in the province. A provincial official said about 400 tribal chiefs attended the meeting last week in which they signed the agreement. “They (tribal leaders) signed an honor pact which states their full support for the rule of law and the exertion of all efforts to reactivate the file of (Iraqi) prisoners in jails led by multinational forces,” said Ali Hameed, the province’s information officer.
Thousands of Iraqis languish in U.S. jails without trial. The detainees are taken from their families and it takes a lot of efforts and time before they are told about their whereabouts. The security forces in Wasit have launched a campaign to bring stability to the province where armed groups have recently increased their attacks and activities. Such tribal meetings have become common in Iraq, which usually end up with the signing of a pact. But the level of violence has nonetheless been rising as armed groups often attack the tribes opposing their authority.
Labels: honour pact, tribal leaders, Wasit
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Clashes with Mahdi Army in Kut and Basrah
Security
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 21 MAY - Yesterday, Wasit Police enforced a curfew in Kut city. The curfew started at 5pm and lasted until this morning. Wasit Police enacted the curfew because of clashes which occurred between the Mahdi Army and US forces in southwestern Kut. A source said, “Yesterday afternoon, violent clashes occurred between the Mahdi Army and US forces with the assistance of the Iraqi Police in southwest Kut.” The security source also said, “These clashes occurred after an IED exploded on a US Patrol. The IED explosion destroyed one Humvee.”
In related news, security sources said, “On Saturday, violent clashes occurred between unidentified gunmen and MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area. The clashes killed one civilian and wounded one person.” The source clarified, “Unidentified gunmen fought with the MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area and the gunmen escaped to an unknown location.”
In Basrah, the Mahdi Army also clashed with British Forces. The clashes destroyed a number of British vehicles and wounded a number of British soldiers. The clashes occurred a few hours after the British Prime Minister left Basrah. The clashes occurred because British forces arrested four people and later, the British camps came under attack.
The violent clashes occurred in the Maqal, Jamiyat Al Munkini, and the Hay Al Bidan areas. Eyewitnesses said, “The gunmen used light and heavy machine guns, as well as RPGs in the clashes that destroyed some British vehicles and wounded many on both sides.” Eyewitnesses confirmed, “Three British soldiers were wounded, two gunmen were also wounded, and two British vehicles were destroyed. In addition, cars and stores were burned and Isama Mosque was destroyed.
In related news, security sources said, “On Saturday, violent clashes occurred between unidentified gunmen and MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area. The clashes killed one civilian and wounded one person.” The source clarified, “Unidentified gunmen fought with the MOI Special Forces in the Saydia area and the gunmen escaped to an unknown location.”
In Basrah, the Mahdi Army also clashed with British Forces. The clashes destroyed a number of British vehicles and wounded a number of British soldiers. The clashes occurred a few hours after the British Prime Minister left Basrah. The clashes occurred because British forces arrested four people and later, the British camps came under attack.
The violent clashes occurred in the Maqal, Jamiyat Al Munkini, and the Hay Al Bidan areas. Eyewitnesses said, “The gunmen used light and heavy machine guns, as well as RPGs in the clashes that destroyed some British vehicles and wounded many on both sides.” Eyewitnesses confirmed, “Three British soldiers were wounded, two gunmen were also wounded, and two British vehicles were destroyed. In addition, cars and stores were burned and Isama Mosque was destroyed.
Labels: British forces, clashes, curfew, Kut, Mahdi Army, U.S. forces, Wasit
