Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Shiite tribal leaders say Islamism on the rise in southern Iraq
Religion ,Politics, Tribal
(Reuters) - Shi'ite Islamist political parties are imposing strict Islamic rules in the oil-producing southern provinces of Iraq and using their armed wings to create a state of fear, a group of tribal Shi'ite leaders said. The four tribal leaders approached Reuters on condition of anonymity, fearing assassination if their names or even their home provinces were made public.
"Fear rules the streets now," said one of the sheikhs. "We cannot speak our minds, people are not allowed to oppose them. They would immediately disappear or get killed. The evidence of that is I am talking about it but cannot use my name." The fear is not unfounded -- two provincial governors and a police chief were blown up by roadside bombs in August, apparent victims of infighting between the Shi'ite parties for political dominance in the region, source of most of Iraq's oil wealth.
Aides to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the reclusive religious leader of Iraq's Shi'ites, have also been killed. The sheikhs said the conservative religious attitudes meant only religious music was now allowed to be played in public places and dancing was forbidden, as was drinking alcohol. Women were also harassed for wearing clothing deemed inappropriate.
Photographs of secular political leaders like former interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi could not be displayed in shops and other public areas. Street committees that were set up to protect neighbourhoods from al Qaeda attacks were being misused to spy on residents and report infractions to the militias and the police, they said.
"The people of the south are religious, we are believers, but at the same time we like to live our lives and we like freedom," said one sheikh.
The Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) and the movement of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr are the dominant political forces in the Shi'ite provinces. Both have links to neighbouring Iran and believe Iraq should be governed according to Islamic principles. SIIC controls most of the governors in the south, and its armed wing, the Badr Organisation, has many members in the police force. Sadr's powerful Mehdi Army militia has fought fierce battles with police loyal to the Badr Organisation.
SIIC and the Sadrists saw their rise to power cemented by the December 2005 elections which brought the Islamist Shi'ite Alliance to power. The Sadrists have since pulled out of the Alliance and the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, leader of the smaller Islamist Dawa party. The growing strength of the parties in the south has weakened some secular tribal leaders and excluded them from power structures, a source of patronage and revenues.
"Some say the Shi'ites are lucky because they are now ruling Iraq, but that is wrong. It is the Islamist Shi'ites who are ruling Iraq. Their victory was a curse for us," said one sheikh. The sheikhs blamed Washington for giving Shi'ite Islamists a free hand in the south. U.S. forces are concentrated to the north, focused mainly on Sunni Islamist al Qaeda and other Sunni Arab militants and so-called rogue Mehdi Army groups.
Washington has thrown its weight behind Baghdad's Islamist- led government despite misgivings about its failure to push ahead with national reconciliation and the close ties between some parties and Iran, the United States' long-time foe. SIIC and the Sadrists are seen by the sheikhs as importing a conservative brand of Shi'ism from neighbouring Iran, which U.S. officials accuse of arming Shi'ite militias to use as proxies to enforce their influence in the south.
"We are suffering from two occupations -- America and Iran. We have told American officials this and we have met some of them, but they are not listening to us," one sheikh complained. Some tribes were talking about taking up arms against the Islamist parties, but the tribal leaders said they feared this would unleash a bloodbath that would destabilise the south. "The tribes do not want violence ... but at the same time we want to see a change that preserves the rights of all Iraqis, so that we are really free," said one sheikh.
"Fear rules the streets now," said one of the sheikhs. "We cannot speak our minds, people are not allowed to oppose them. They would immediately disappear or get killed. The evidence of that is I am talking about it but cannot use my name." The fear is not unfounded -- two provincial governors and a police chief were blown up by roadside bombs in August, apparent victims of infighting between the Shi'ite parties for political dominance in the region, source of most of Iraq's oil wealth.
Aides to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the reclusive religious leader of Iraq's Shi'ites, have also been killed. The sheikhs said the conservative religious attitudes meant only religious music was now allowed to be played in public places and dancing was forbidden, as was drinking alcohol. Women were also harassed for wearing clothing deemed inappropriate.
Photographs of secular political leaders like former interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi could not be displayed in shops and other public areas. Street committees that were set up to protect neighbourhoods from al Qaeda attacks were being misused to spy on residents and report infractions to the militias and the police, they said.
"The people of the south are religious, we are believers, but at the same time we like to live our lives and we like freedom," said one sheikh.
The Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) and the movement of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr are the dominant political forces in the Shi'ite provinces. Both have links to neighbouring Iran and believe Iraq should be governed according to Islamic principles. SIIC controls most of the governors in the south, and its armed wing, the Badr Organisation, has many members in the police force. Sadr's powerful Mehdi Army militia has fought fierce battles with police loyal to the Badr Organisation.
SIIC and the Sadrists saw their rise to power cemented by the December 2005 elections which brought the Islamist Shi'ite Alliance to power. The Sadrists have since pulled out of the Alliance and the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, leader of the smaller Islamist Dawa party. The growing strength of the parties in the south has weakened some secular tribal leaders and excluded them from power structures, a source of patronage and revenues.
"Some say the Shi'ites are lucky because they are now ruling Iraq, but that is wrong. It is the Islamist Shi'ites who are ruling Iraq. Their victory was a curse for us," said one sheikh. The sheikhs blamed Washington for giving Shi'ite Islamists a free hand in the south. U.S. forces are concentrated to the north, focused mainly on Sunni Islamist al Qaeda and other Sunni Arab militants and so-called rogue Mehdi Army groups.
Washington has thrown its weight behind Baghdad's Islamist- led government despite misgivings about its failure to push ahead with national reconciliation and the close ties between some parties and Iran, the United States' long-time foe. SIIC and the Sadrists are seen by the sheikhs as importing a conservative brand of Shi'ism from neighbouring Iran, which U.S. officials accuse of arming Shi'ite militias to use as proxies to enforce their influence in the south.
"We are suffering from two occupations -- America and Iran. We have told American officials this and we have met some of them, but they are not listening to us," one sheikh complained. Some tribes were talking about taking up arms against the Islamist parties, but the tribal leaders said they feared this would unleash a bloodbath that would destabilise the south. "The tribes do not want violence ... but at the same time we want to see a change that preserves the rights of all Iraqis, so that we are really free," said one sheikh.
Labels: islamism, militias, Moqtada Al-Sadr, SIIC, southern Iraq, tribal leaders
Monday, October 08, 2007
Basra police chief steps up to militia challenge
Security
The Iraqi government, along with political forces, are following with concern the situation in Basra province, with the withdrawal of the British military continuing in the forthcoming months until a full withdrawal is implemented. General Abdul Jalil Khalaf, Basra police chief, told Gulf News: "The task is very difficult and conditions are extremely dangerous because each party believes that it represents the law, and each element thinks of himself as a state hero. The city includes tens or even hundreds of militias and I am ready for the task."
Statistics at the University of Basra indicates that there are about 250,000 individuals involved in the armed militias and around 144 militia groups.
There are the militias of the Dawa party headed by Nouri Al Maliki, the Badr Brigades headed by Hadi Al Ameri affiliated to Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, the Mahdi Army of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, the Hezbollah movement militia led by Hassan Sari, Hezbollah affiliated to Abdul Kareem Al Muhamadawi, the Fadhila party militias belong to Mohammad Al Yacoubi and other small resistance militias in the south as Imam Ali rebels, Hassan and Hussain rebels and Al Ridha followers.
The oil-rich city consists of 40 to 55 private militia who specialise in oil smuggling to Iran and stealing copper wires from electric grids. Abdul Hadi, an Iraqi army officer in Basra, told Gulf News: "The most dangerous militia is the police and security forces' militias because they have weapons and work in the name of the law. These are groups that consist of between 40 to 90 members who agree to implement kidnapping and blackmail operations or condone gang activities for major financial commissions."
Basra, especially Faw and Majnoon Islands, includes the richest oil fields in the region as well as bunches of palm orchards which yield the best types of dates in the world.
Fadhil Al Jamaly, an economic researcher, told Gulf News: "The issue of oil is the essence of conflict between armed militias, whether these are affiliated to political parties or smuggling gangs. I believe fighting will break out between the outlaw armed groups because of the weakness of state security forces and also the penetration of these militias in these forces, besides seizing land and dates palms is no less important than oil for the armed groups."
Recently, the dispute settlement body in Basra reported that armed militias affiliated to political parties, gangs and powerful individuals seized thousands of houses and real estate.
Statistics at the University of Basra indicates that there are about 250,000 individuals involved in the armed militias and around 144 militia groups.
There are the militias of the Dawa party headed by Nouri Al Maliki, the Badr Brigades headed by Hadi Al Ameri affiliated to Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, the Mahdi Army of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, the Hezbollah movement militia led by Hassan Sari, Hezbollah affiliated to Abdul Kareem Al Muhamadawi, the Fadhila party militias belong to Mohammad Al Yacoubi and other small resistance militias in the south as Imam Ali rebels, Hassan and Hussain rebels and Al Ridha followers.
The oil-rich city consists of 40 to 55 private militia who specialise in oil smuggling to Iran and stealing copper wires from electric grids. Abdul Hadi, an Iraqi army officer in Basra, told Gulf News: "The most dangerous militia is the police and security forces' militias because they have weapons and work in the name of the law. These are groups that consist of between 40 to 90 members who agree to implement kidnapping and blackmail operations or condone gang activities for major financial commissions."
Basra, especially Faw and Majnoon Islands, includes the richest oil fields in the region as well as bunches of palm orchards which yield the best types of dates in the world.
Fadhil Al Jamaly, an economic researcher, told Gulf News: "The issue of oil is the essence of conflict between armed militias, whether these are affiliated to political parties or smuggling gangs. I believe fighting will break out between the outlaw armed groups because of the weakness of state security forces and also the penetration of these militias in these forces, besides seizing land and dates palms is no less important than oil for the armed groups."
Recently, the dispute settlement body in Basra reported that armed militias affiliated to political parties, gangs and powerful individuals seized thousands of houses and real estate.
Labels: Al Ridha followers, Badr Brigade, Basra, Dawa party, Fadhila Party, General Abdul Jalil Khalaf, Hassan and Hussain rebels, Hezbollah, Imam Ali rebels, Mahdi Army, militias
Thursday, September 06, 2007
U.S. generals want to disband Iraqi Police Force
Security
(Al Jazeera) - Iraq's police force is infiltrated by sectarian militias and should be disbanded and reorganised, a panel of retired US generals led by former Nato commander James Jones has told congress. And while military special forces are "highly capable and extremely effective", and some army units are becoming better at counter-insurgency, overall, the security forces "will be unable to fulfil their essential security responsibilities independently over the next 12-18 months", the report says.
The leaked report is one of several independent studies that congress commissioned in May. John Warner, the second-most senior Republican on the senate armed services committee, who last month called on the US president to pull out some troops by this Christmas, said he wanted an assessment on the capability of Iraq's military and police forces because their success is considered by George Bush's administration as necessary for US troops to leave.
General Jones, who was also formerly Marine Corps commandant, is scheduled to testify before congress on Thursday. His report says militia infiltration in the police force, overseen by a "dysfunctional and sectarian" interior ministry, renders it unable to provide security to civilians. "Its ability to be effective is crippled by significant challenges, including public distrust, sectarianism [both real and perceived], and a lack of clarity about its identity - specifically whether it is a military or a police force," the report says. "Sectarianism in its units undermines its ability to provide security; the [police] force is not viable in its current form."
It is a sentiment echoed by a senior member of congress who on Wednesday demanded the US stop providing funds and weapons to Iraqi forces. "It's just a bad policy to train and equip Iraqi forces and policy makers should resist equipping forces in a failed state and must resist adding further fuel to the fire that is raging in Iraq," Maxine Waters, a Democrat, said.
"We also acknowledge there have been real sectarian problems within the national police force," Geoff Morel, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "The Iraqi government is committed to fixing this problem. Has it happened at pace the US wants? No, we want it to happen sooner than it has. But I don't believe the projects should be abandoned because progress has not happened at the pace we want. We must wait until Iraq can police itself without US help," he said.
The Jones report does acknowledge that the security situation has improved dramatically in al-Anbar province and sees "signs of encouraging tactical successes in the Baghdad capital region". It says those "circumstances of the moment" may provide an opportunity for beginning to transition US forces to a "strategic overwatch posture" in early 2008, re-tasking them to concentrate on border defence and infrastructure defence.
The leak of the report comes a day after another congressionally mandated report was formally published - after it too was leaked – giving Bush's troop "surge" strategy failing marks. General David Petraeus, the US commander in Iraq, is set to give his assessment of the Iraq situation to congress next week.
The leaked report is one of several independent studies that congress commissioned in May. John Warner, the second-most senior Republican on the senate armed services committee, who last month called on the US president to pull out some troops by this Christmas, said he wanted an assessment on the capability of Iraq's military and police forces because their success is considered by George Bush's administration as necessary for US troops to leave.
General Jones, who was also formerly Marine Corps commandant, is scheduled to testify before congress on Thursday. His report says militia infiltration in the police force, overseen by a "dysfunctional and sectarian" interior ministry, renders it unable to provide security to civilians. "Its ability to be effective is crippled by significant challenges, including public distrust, sectarianism [both real and perceived], and a lack of clarity about its identity - specifically whether it is a military or a police force," the report says. "Sectarianism in its units undermines its ability to provide security; the [police] force is not viable in its current form."
It is a sentiment echoed by a senior member of congress who on Wednesday demanded the US stop providing funds and weapons to Iraqi forces. "It's just a bad policy to train and equip Iraqi forces and policy makers should resist equipping forces in a failed state and must resist adding further fuel to the fire that is raging in Iraq," Maxine Waters, a Democrat, said.
"We also acknowledge there have been real sectarian problems within the national police force," Geoff Morel, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "The Iraqi government is committed to fixing this problem. Has it happened at pace the US wants? No, we want it to happen sooner than it has. But I don't believe the projects should be abandoned because progress has not happened at the pace we want. We must wait until Iraq can police itself without US help," he said.
The Jones report does acknowledge that the security situation has improved dramatically in al-Anbar province and sees "signs of encouraging tactical successes in the Baghdad capital region". It says those "circumstances of the moment" may provide an opportunity for beginning to transition US forces to a "strategic overwatch posture" in early 2008, re-tasking them to concentrate on border defence and infrastructure defence.
The leak of the report comes a day after another congressionally mandated report was formally published - after it too was leaked – giving Bush's troop "surge" strategy failing marks. General David Petraeus, the US commander in Iraq, is set to give his assessment of the Iraq situation to congress next week.
Labels: Iraqi Police Force, James Jones, John Warner, militias, The Jones report
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Sectarian Militias Attack Basrah Grand Mosque And Sunni Endowment
Security
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 4 SEP - Sectarian militias have attacked the Grand Basrah Mosque. Eyewitnesses said that the militias opened fire on the mosque and a civilian was wounded. The militias have also attacked the Sunni Endowment office in Basrah, injuring one of the guards. Eyewitnesses reported that the militias were using a vehicle and a motorbike. One of the attackers was arrested and his motor bike was confiscated. It is worthy to mention that Basrah’s mosques are often attacked by militias.
Labels: Basra, Grand Basrah Mosque, militias, Sunni Endowment office
Monday, September 03, 2007
British troops withdraw from Basra
Security
(AP) - Iraqi soldiers hoisted the nation's flag over the Basra palace compound Monday after British troops withdrew from their last garrison in the city, a move that will hand control to an Iraqi force riddled with Shiite militiamen. A British statement said the operation began at 10 p.m. Sunday "with all British troops arriving at the airport by midday" Monday.
"There were no clashes or attacks on British forces during the operation. The formal handing-over of the Palaces will happen in the near future," British spokesman Maj. Matthew Bird said. The departure of most of the remaining 500-member British force from the palace left the nation's second largest city without any multinational presence for the first time since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.
"We told those (militias) who were fighting the British troops that the Iraqi forces are now in the palaces," Lt. Gen. Mohan al-Fireji, the Iraqi commander in the area. He said the last of the British force left about 4:30 a.m.
British vehicles rumbled out of the gates of the sprawling compound after dark Sunday headed for the Basra international airport, about 12 miles away. It is Britain's last remaining base in southern Iraq.
U.S. officials have raised concerns about the prospect of British troops leaving the city, which has seen rival armed militia groups, some linked to Iran, battling for control. The city controls a key land supply line from Kuwait to Baghdad and farther north, and is also near important oil fields. In London, Prime Minister Gordon Brown disputed claims that the redeployment marks a British "defeat" and said the move to the airport had been planned and organized.
The Basra palace had come under near daily rocket and mortar fire from Shiite militias until the British released about 30 gunmen a few months ago and spread the word that they would soon leave. Over the past years, Britain's ability to control events in Basra waned as the militias rose in power. People on the streets of Basra cheered the departure of the British.
Following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's rule, Britain controlled security across southern Iraq, but has since handed over most of the territory to Iraqi forces. Britain's Ministry of Defense said it hoped to hand security responsibility for Basra, the last remaining province, over to Iraqi forces sometime this autumn.
Brown has consistently refused to set a timetable for the overall withdrawal of British troops from the country, but the long anticipated pullout from the downtown palace will give the British government the option to pull out more than 500 soldiers immediately.
Ex-leader Tony Blair's decision to cut troops numbers in Iraq from 7,000 to 5,500 in February included an option of pulling out the soldiers based in the Basra palace once it was handed back to the Iraqis. Britain's Defense Ministry said in a statement that U.S. officials had been consulted over the plan, and offered assurances that there was still a large enough British presence in the area to provide security. "The decision is an Iraqi-led initiative and is part of a coalition-endorsed process," the ministry said.
British forces will operate from Basra Air Station, but "retain security responsibility for Basra until we hand over to provincial Iraqi control, which we anticipate in the autumn," the statement said.
"There were no clashes or attacks on British forces during the operation. The formal handing-over of the Palaces will happen in the near future," British spokesman Maj. Matthew Bird said. The departure of most of the remaining 500-member British force from the palace left the nation's second largest city without any multinational presence for the first time since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.
"We told those (militias) who were fighting the British troops that the Iraqi forces are now in the palaces," Lt. Gen. Mohan al-Fireji, the Iraqi commander in the area. He said the last of the British force left about 4:30 a.m.
British vehicles rumbled out of the gates of the sprawling compound after dark Sunday headed for the Basra international airport, about 12 miles away. It is Britain's last remaining base in southern Iraq.
U.S. officials have raised concerns about the prospect of British troops leaving the city, which has seen rival armed militia groups, some linked to Iran, battling for control. The city controls a key land supply line from Kuwait to Baghdad and farther north, and is also near important oil fields. In London, Prime Minister Gordon Brown disputed claims that the redeployment marks a British "defeat" and said the move to the airport had been planned and organized.
The Basra palace had come under near daily rocket and mortar fire from Shiite militias until the British released about 30 gunmen a few months ago and spread the word that they would soon leave. Over the past years, Britain's ability to control events in Basra waned as the militias rose in power. People on the streets of Basra cheered the departure of the British.
Following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's rule, Britain controlled security across southern Iraq, but has since handed over most of the territory to Iraqi forces. Britain's Ministry of Defense said it hoped to hand security responsibility for Basra, the last remaining province, over to Iraqi forces sometime this autumn.
Brown has consistently refused to set a timetable for the overall withdrawal of British troops from the country, but the long anticipated pullout from the downtown palace will give the British government the option to pull out more than 500 soldiers immediately.
Ex-leader Tony Blair's decision to cut troops numbers in Iraq from 7,000 to 5,500 in February included an option of pulling out the soldiers based in the Basra palace once it was handed back to the Iraqis. Britain's Defense Ministry said in a statement that U.S. officials had been consulted over the plan, and offered assurances that there was still a large enough British presence in the area to provide security. "The decision is an Iraqi-led initiative and is part of a coalition-endorsed process," the ministry said.
British forces will operate from Basra Air Station, but "retain security responsibility for Basra until we hand over to provincial Iraqi control, which we anticipate in the autumn," the statement said.
Labels: Basra, Basra Air Station, British troop withdrawal, Gordon Brown, Iran, Lt. Gen. Mohan al-Fireji, Maj. Matthew Bird, militias
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Leading Iraqi Accordance Front member welcomes al-Sadr's move to suspend Mahdi Army
Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - A leading figure from the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) welcomed on Wednesday the order by the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to suspend the activities of the Mahdi army, describing the recent incidents in Karbala as "disastrous". "We welcome this decision which should have been taken by the government in a move to disband all kinds of militias," Omar Abdul Sattar told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The IAF leading figure also described the clashes that took place in Karbala, 108 km southwest of Baghdad, as "disastrous", noting that "we have warned from the very beginning against the disasters that might take place because of presence of these militias. The government has started more seriously considering the issue of militias following the recent meeting of the political blocs' leaders and Karbala incidents," the Accordance member said.
The IAF leading figure also described the clashes that took place in Karbala, 108 km southwest of Baghdad, as "disastrous", noting that "we have warned from the very beginning against the disasters that might take place because of presence of these militias. The government has started more seriously considering the issue of militias following the recent meeting of the political blocs' leaders and Karbala incidents," the Accordance member said.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr decided to freeze al-Mahdi army militia and to restructure its fighters, calling for "an impartial and just investigation" into Karbala incidents where 42 Iraqis were killed and 282 more wounded in clashes near two shrines sacred to Shiite Muslims.
Labels: Iraqi Accordance Front, Karbala, Mahdi Army, militias, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Omar Abdul Sattar
Friday, August 24, 2007
British troops on verge of pullout from Basra
Security
(The Guardian) - Britain's long-awaited and much-postponed pull-out from the Basra palace, its last remaining base in the Iraqi city, is imminent, sources have told the Guardian. The move, which is symbolically significant and will improve the safety of British troops, is expected to take place within the next two weeks and may come within days, officials say. An announcement will be made by the Iraqis.
The decision to hand over the palace to Iraqi forces comes at a time of growing criticism by elements in the US military of Britain's role in southern Iraq. The criticism is dismissed by British military commanders. "All indications are it shouldn't be far away," Major Mike Shearer, the army's spokesman in Basra, said when asked about the handover of the Basra palace. Privately, defence officials go further, saying a decision in principle has been taken and the 500 British troops based there are on the verge of leaving.
British troops have made it clear they believe their presence at the palace carries huge risks but serves no useful purpose. Kevan Jones, a Labour member of the Commons defence committee recently returned from a visit to Basra, described the delivery of supplies to the British garrison at the Basra palace as "nightly suicide missions". He added: "We have a force surrounded like cowboys and Indians in the Basra palace." Other MPs said British troops told them the only reason they were staying in southern Iraq was "because of our relations with the US" and "American domestic sensibilities".
Jack Keane, a former US general and Pentagon envoy just back from Iraq, told the BBC on Wednesday that the British were more focused on training Iraqi troops than controlling "deteriorating" security. He described the situation in Basra as "almost gangland warfare". Defence officials suggest American criticism is partly the result of deep-seated resentment at previous British criticism of the US in Iraq. A Foreign Office memo leaked in 2004 referred to "heavy-handed US military tactics" fuelling "both Sunni and Shia opposition to the coalition" which had "lost us much public support inside Iraq".
Major Shearer implicitly rejected US critics of British tactics. "We are absolutely moving in the right direction", he said. Britain was "giving space" to the Iraqis so they could take the lead in policing their city. "It makes absolute sense we reduce our operational footprint", he added.
"We would not hand over [to the Iraqis] believing we were going to create a security vacuum. That would be madness in the extreme," one official insisted. However, military commanders have long been frustrated by the time it is taking to train an effective Iraqi army in the south and by the problems forming a police force, many of whom have links with Shia militia.
The decision to hand over the palace to Iraqi forces comes at a time of growing criticism by elements in the US military of Britain's role in southern Iraq. The criticism is dismissed by British military commanders. "All indications are it shouldn't be far away," Major Mike Shearer, the army's spokesman in Basra, said when asked about the handover of the Basra palace. Privately, defence officials go further, saying a decision in principle has been taken and the 500 British troops based there are on the verge of leaving.
British troops have made it clear they believe their presence at the palace carries huge risks but serves no useful purpose. Kevan Jones, a Labour member of the Commons defence committee recently returned from a visit to Basra, described the delivery of supplies to the British garrison at the Basra palace as "nightly suicide missions". He added: "We have a force surrounded like cowboys and Indians in the Basra palace." Other MPs said British troops told them the only reason they were staying in southern Iraq was "because of our relations with the US" and "American domestic sensibilities".
Jack Keane, a former US general and Pentagon envoy just back from Iraq, told the BBC on Wednesday that the British were more focused on training Iraqi troops than controlling "deteriorating" security. He described the situation in Basra as "almost gangland warfare". Defence officials suggest American criticism is partly the result of deep-seated resentment at previous British criticism of the US in Iraq. A Foreign Office memo leaked in 2004 referred to "heavy-handed US military tactics" fuelling "both Sunni and Shia opposition to the coalition" which had "lost us much public support inside Iraq".
Major Shearer implicitly rejected US critics of British tactics. "We are absolutely moving in the right direction", he said. Britain was "giving space" to the Iraqis so they could take the lead in policing their city. "It makes absolute sense we reduce our operational footprint", he added.
"We would not hand over [to the Iraqis] believing we were going to create a security vacuum. That would be madness in the extreme," one official insisted. However, military commanders have long been frustrated by the time it is taking to train an effective Iraqi army in the south and by the problems forming a police force, many of whom have links with Shia militia.
Labels: Basra, British troop withdrawal, Major Mike Shearer, militias
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Sacked Iraqi police in Basra turn to terrorism
Security, Politics
(The Times) - A British police chief in Basra has given a warning that Iraqi officers sacked for corruption have turned to terrorism in revenge. Mike Colbourne, Assistant Chief Constable of Bedfordshire but currently the senior police adviser in southern Iraq, said many of those who had been dismissed or had retired were involved in violence.
The bleak assessment after four years of British attempts to convert the Iraqi police into an effective force comes within weeks of the expected handover of the city of Basra to Iraqi security control. The 500 British soldiers based at Basra Palace in the heart of the city who patrol the districts in armoured vehicles and work alongside the Iraqi Army and police force, are to be withdrawn and relocated to the main airport base along with all the other military units.
Although the pullout date remains an operational secret the Ministry of Defence in London has stated that the handover should go ahead within the next few weeks. Mr Colbourne said on BBC Radio’s The World at One that the British troops would not withdraw until the Iraqis were ready to take on responsibility for security in the city themselves. However, he admitted that a significant number of Iraqi police officers were still engaged in corruption and violence, including murder and kidnappings.
“There are a number of Iraqi police service officers who are clearly aligned to militias,” he said. He added: “I think that there is violence being committed by police officers and other Iraqi security forces’ officers. We know there are significant numbers of both serving officers [and] those who have been sacked and retired who continue to be involved in violence.”
The infiltration of militia-loyal police officers into the Basra force has been a threat to the stability of the city since the British military occupation of southern Iraq formally came to an end in June 2004.
The bleak assessment after four years of British attempts to convert the Iraqi police into an effective force comes within weeks of the expected handover of the city of Basra to Iraqi security control. The 500 British soldiers based at Basra Palace in the heart of the city who patrol the districts in armoured vehicles and work alongside the Iraqi Army and police force, are to be withdrawn and relocated to the main airport base along with all the other military units.
Although the pullout date remains an operational secret the Ministry of Defence in London has stated that the handover should go ahead within the next few weeks. Mr Colbourne said on BBC Radio’s The World at One that the British troops would not withdraw until the Iraqis were ready to take on responsibility for security in the city themselves. However, he admitted that a significant number of Iraqi police officers were still engaged in corruption and violence, including murder and kidnappings.
“There are a number of Iraqi police service officers who are clearly aligned to militias,” he said. He added: “I think that there is violence being committed by police officers and other Iraqi security forces’ officers. We know there are significant numbers of both serving officers [and] those who have been sacked and retired who continue to be involved in violence.”
The infiltration of militia-loyal police officers into the Basra force has been a threat to the stability of the city since the British military occupation of southern Iraq formally came to an end in June 2004.
Labels: Basra, corruption, Iraqi police officers, Mike Colbourne, militias
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Militias fight for control of Basra
Security
(Azzaman) - The most powerful authority in Basra is not the British garrison where more than 5,000 British troops have withdrawn behind barbed wire and cement blocks. It is the Iranian consulate where major decisions regarding the city are taken. And it is not difficult to see who is in control of the city’s thoroughfares and residential quarters. The roundabouts, major squares and even some small streets and neighborhoods are decorated with portraits of Iranian religious and political leaders.
Basra is perhaps Iraq’s most important province from which most of the country’s oil production and exports originate. Within Basra’s provincial borders, the country’s most prolific oil fields are to be found. When bombs fall on the British garrison in the city or a British armored vehicle is knocked out, many of Basra residents celebrate with gunfire and shouts of joy.
The Brits have left a huge power vacuum in southern Iraq in the aftermath of their miscalculated adventure. Their influence does not exceed the few square miles of their only base in Basra. And the militias have rushed to fill in the vacuum, spreading their control over key establishments including oil installations and dividing the city into separate zones of influence.
The country’s three most influential Shiite factions have their own heavily armed militias. Though in bitter rivalry, they are almost unanimous in their tactics to inflict a humiliating defeat on Britain by forcing it to withdraw its troops. Many of Basra intellectuals and members of its once thriving religious minorities – such as Christians and Mandeans – have fled the city. The militias have their own rules and systems of governing which they impose on their subjects and areas.
Hameed Hussain who fled the city recently says the Iraqi police and army are not in control of the city. “Practically, the militias have the city under their sway.” An oil engineer, Ali Hatroush, who also fled the city in the past few weeks, says the British troops no longer have the power or capacity to “to rein in the militias.” “The fundamentalists are the ones who run the city. They have devised their own means and ways of how to control the people and the resources and liquidate those opposing them,” he said.
Abdulkareem Saleh, who used to work at Basra port, said he was sad to see how young people were lured to join the political factions advocating militancy. “The factions rely on religious slogans and high-ranking clergy to deceive the population. It is really disappointing to see how young Iraqis are being coaxed to join their murderous militias,” he said.
The rival factions are represented in the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Nonetheless they are the ones undermining official authority. For example, the Fadhila party which controls the administrations has 15 deputies in the parliament but has refused to disband its militias. Other groups like the Sadr bloc has 30 deputies and seven ministers in the cabinet but has strongly rejected calls to disarm its powerful military wing, the Mahdi Army. The other influential group the Supreme Council, a major partner in Maliki’s coalition government, is reported to have one the most heavily armed militias in the country.
Basra is perhaps Iraq’s most important province from which most of the country’s oil production and exports originate. Within Basra’s provincial borders, the country’s most prolific oil fields are to be found. When bombs fall on the British garrison in the city or a British armored vehicle is knocked out, many of Basra residents celebrate with gunfire and shouts of joy.
The Brits have left a huge power vacuum in southern Iraq in the aftermath of their miscalculated adventure. Their influence does not exceed the few square miles of their only base in Basra. And the militias have rushed to fill in the vacuum, spreading their control over key establishments including oil installations and dividing the city into separate zones of influence.
The country’s three most influential Shiite factions have their own heavily armed militias. Though in bitter rivalry, they are almost unanimous in their tactics to inflict a humiliating defeat on Britain by forcing it to withdraw its troops. Many of Basra intellectuals and members of its once thriving religious minorities – such as Christians and Mandeans – have fled the city. The militias have their own rules and systems of governing which they impose on their subjects and areas.
Hameed Hussain who fled the city recently says the Iraqi police and army are not in control of the city. “Practically, the militias have the city under their sway.” An oil engineer, Ali Hatroush, who also fled the city in the past few weeks, says the British troops no longer have the power or capacity to “to rein in the militias.” “The fundamentalists are the ones who run the city. They have devised their own means and ways of how to control the people and the resources and liquidate those opposing them,” he said.
Abdulkareem Saleh, who used to work at Basra port, said he was sad to see how young people were lured to join the political factions advocating militancy. “The factions rely on religious slogans and high-ranking clergy to deceive the population. It is really disappointing to see how young Iraqis are being coaxed to join their murderous militias,” he said.
The rival factions are represented in the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Nonetheless they are the ones undermining official authority. For example, the Fadhila party which controls the administrations has 15 deputies in the parliament but has refused to disband its militias. Other groups like the Sadr bloc has 30 deputies and seven ministers in the cabinet but has strongly rejected calls to disarm its powerful military wing, the Mahdi Army. The other influential group the Supreme Council, a major partner in Maliki’s coalition government, is reported to have one the most heavily armed militias in the country.
Labels: Basra, British troops, Fadhela party, Iranian consulate, Mahdi Army, militias, Sadr bloc, SIIC
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
British govt to review case of Iraqi interpreters
Humanitarian
(BBC) - The government says it will review the cases of Iraqi interpreters who have been told any claim for asylum in the UK will not be given special treatment. The 91 interpreters say they are in fear for their lives, because they are seen as traitors by local militias. The Home Office insists they will have to apply for asylum in the normal way - registering when they arrive in the UK.
Defence Secretary Des Browne told the BBC that the government took its "duty of care very seriously". He said about 20,000 Iraqis had helped British forces since 2003. No 10 said the issue would be kept under review, but previous decisions were unlikely to be overturned. Requests for help from serving or ex-employees were based on their "individual merits", the Ministry of Defence said.
Mr Browne said: "The challenge that we face here is quite complex. "People who do interpreting work believe themselves to be particularly [more] vulnerable than other people do. "That's why the prime minister has made it clear that we will review how best to [carry out] our duty of care to these people. "That's in hand, I have a responsibility on that, as does the foreign secretary and we will report to ministers in the autumn."
Mr Browne also said the government would "move at the appropriate pace" to get its policy right in relation to duty of care "to all of those whom we have a responsibility to". He said: "We will do what we can in the meantime, as we continue to do, to keep those people who we think are under immediate threat safe."
Defence Secretary Des Browne told the BBC that the government took its "duty of care very seriously". He said about 20,000 Iraqis had helped British forces since 2003. No 10 said the issue would be kept under review, but previous decisions were unlikely to be overturned. Requests for help from serving or ex-employees were based on their "individual merits", the Ministry of Defence said.
Mr Browne said: "The challenge that we face here is quite complex. "People who do interpreting work believe themselves to be particularly [more] vulnerable than other people do. "That's why the prime minister has made it clear that we will review how best to [carry out] our duty of care to these people. "That's in hand, I have a responsibility on that, as does the foreign secretary and we will report to ministers in the autumn."
Mr Browne also said the government would "move at the appropriate pace" to get its policy right in relation to duty of care "to all of those whom we have a responsibility to". He said: "We will do what we can in the meantime, as we continue to do, to keep those people who we think are under immediate threat safe."
Loay Al-Taher worked for the British Army in Basra for three years. He is now in Syria after fleeing Iraq in March this year when he feared being targeted by militia groups. He told the BBC: "I put my whole life in danger. I didn't imagine it was going to be like this. "I didn't imagine the British government is going to abandon me like this." Mr Al-Taher also said he was turned away from the British embassy in Damascus when he went to ask for asylum in the UK.
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says interpreters are marked men who "face a horrific death". He said the interpreters face two levels of danger: that experienced while on patrol, and the consequences of being seen as collaborators. "Anybody associated with the coalition, government ministries, and so on, they're all seen as traitors by the militias. "Not just by al-Qaeda in the Sunni areas, but by the Shia militias in the south."
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says interpreters are marked men who "face a horrific death". He said the interpreters face two levels of danger: that experienced while on patrol, and the consequences of being seen as collaborators. "Anybody associated with the coalition, government ministries, and so on, they're all seen as traitors by the militias. "Not just by al-Qaeda in the Sunni areas, but by the Shia militias in the south."
Labels: asylum, Basra, British army, British government, Defense Secretary Des Browne, Home Office, Iraqi interpreters, militias
Monday, August 06, 2007
Talabani says accusations of Iranian interference 'out of date'
Regional
(MNA) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has said the accusations that Iran supports Iraqi militias is out of date, probably part of the ancient history. In an interview with the U.S. Al Hurra TV last week, Talabani explained that it took Iraqi officials lots of effort to broker a face-to-face dialogue between Iran and the United States leading to the establishment of a trilateral security committee between U.S., Iran and Iraq.
“Our brothers in Tehran have clearly declared that it was at the request of Iraqi officials that they accepted to sit on the same table with the American diplomats,” Talabani told Al Hurra network. The Iraqi president noted that Iran had formerly rejected such a suggestion. “In my opinion the Baghdad meeting had a good result, namely the establishment of a trilateral committee,” Talabani stated.
He said the Iranians have promised to help Iraq in fighting al Qaeda-backed terrorism and help prevent instability and insecurity caused by the militias. On rebuilding the army, the president said Iraq wants an army which defends the borders and provides security for the Iraqi nation and not an army which attacks Iran or goes to war with Turkey or makes threats against Syria. He also called the victory of the Justice and Development Party in Turkey, a victory for all regional countries including Iraq and Iran.
“Our brothers in Tehran have clearly declared that it was at the request of Iraqi officials that they accepted to sit on the same table with the American diplomats,” Talabani told Al Hurra network. The Iraqi president noted that Iran had formerly rejected such a suggestion. “In my opinion the Baghdad meeting had a good result, namely the establishment of a trilateral committee,” Talabani stated.
He said the Iranians have promised to help Iraq in fighting al Qaeda-backed terrorism and help prevent instability and insecurity caused by the militias. On rebuilding the army, the president said Iraq wants an army which defends the borders and provides security for the Iraqi nation and not an army which attacks Iran or goes to war with Turkey or makes threats against Syria. He also called the victory of the Justice and Development Party in Turkey, a victory for all regional countries including Iraq and Iran.
Labels: Al Qaeda, Iran, Iraq, Jalal Talabani, militias
Friday, July 20, 2007
Allawi says there are plots to assassinate him in Baghdad
Politics
(Azzaman) - Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said there were serious plots to have him assassinated in Baghdad. In a television interview, Allawi said: “Organs in the current government with the assistance of a foreign state are trying to liquidate me.” Allawi did not name the foreign country but analysts said he was most probably referring to Iran.
Allawi is a Shiite but his Iraqi National List party is secular and moderate and includes members from across the country’s diverse sects, religions and nationalities. The list has 24 deputies in the parliament and is part of the current ruling Shiite-Kurdish government. Allawi said he learned about attempts to have him assassinated “from the U.S. and a number of Arab countries”. He did not elaborate.
Despite his participation in the ruling coalition, Allawi was critical of the government, indicating that he might withdraw if it fails to introduce reconciliation. “If we find that our presence is no longer useful and our presence in the government ineffective, our withdrawal from the government is a measure to resort to,” he said.
He lashed out at the government of Nouri al-Maliki, saying that instead of curbing the country’s unruly militias it was encouraging them. “The militias now target anyone in disagreement with the government,” he said. Allawi is spearheading efforts to form a new ‘moderate’ front but has so far failed to persuade the disgruntled Sunnis to join him.
“I want to set up the front in order to seek real national reconciliation and rid Iraq of the political impasse it is going through,” he said. Allawi strongly opposes a ruling by the Iraqi tribunal trying members of the former regime for sentencing former defense minister to death. “I have called for the release of the former Defense Minister (General) Sultan Hashem Ahmad … We have documents that confirm that coalition forces had given him a promise that he would not be hurt in case he cooperated, and he did,” said Allawi.
Allawi is a Shiite but his Iraqi National List party is secular and moderate and includes members from across the country’s diverse sects, religions and nationalities. The list has 24 deputies in the parliament and is part of the current ruling Shiite-Kurdish government. Allawi said he learned about attempts to have him assassinated “from the U.S. and a number of Arab countries”. He did not elaborate.
Despite his participation in the ruling coalition, Allawi was critical of the government, indicating that he might withdraw if it fails to introduce reconciliation. “If we find that our presence is no longer useful and our presence in the government ineffective, our withdrawal from the government is a measure to resort to,” he said.
He lashed out at the government of Nouri al-Maliki, saying that instead of curbing the country’s unruly militias it was encouraging them. “The militias now target anyone in disagreement with the government,” he said. Allawi is spearheading efforts to form a new ‘moderate’ front but has so far failed to persuade the disgruntled Sunnis to join him.
“I want to set up the front in order to seek real national reconciliation and rid Iraq of the political impasse it is going through,” he said. Allawi strongly opposes a ruling by the Iraqi tribunal trying members of the former regime for sentencing former defense minister to death. “I have called for the release of the former Defense Minister (General) Sultan Hashem Ahmad … We have documents that confirm that coalition forces had given him a promise that he would not be hurt in case he cooperated, and he did,” said Allawi.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, Gen. Sultan Hashem Ahmad, militias, national reconciliation
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
U.S. military turns to ex-insurgents to battle Al Qaeda in Iraq
Security
(Christian Science Monitor) - In the pursuit of an elusive enemy the US loosely labels AQI (Al Qaeda in Iraq), US Green Berets and soldiers in this remote corner of Iraq have enlisted the help of a new ally that they have christened LRF, the "Legitimate Resistance Force." It includes ex-insurgents, police dropouts with checkered backgrounds, and former Al Qaeda-linked fighters – all united by a desire to rid Diyala Province of the network's influence, say US officers.
"A lot of them are former Al Qaeda operatives ... but when they saw the stealing, murder, and terrorism, they realized it was not the way forward for Iraq," says Maj. John Woodward of San Antonio. But the risks of such a temporary solution are high, say critics, and the plan could foster new, powerful militias outside the control of the Iraqi Army. It's a strategy that also threatens to further fuel sectarian battles as LRFs are largely Sunni, posing a major threat to Shiite militias.
So far, however, it is too early to judge the effectiveness of this new group, but its creation clearly demonstrates a desire by the US to look for grass-roots solutions amid increasing frustration with the combat readiness – and even loyalty – of Iraqi forces. It also seems to indicate that the Americans are willing to take a short-term gamble on the LRFs in order to show some successes in the fight against AQI before September, when a highly anticipated progress report on Iraq is due to Congress.
The idea for LRFs was born out of the links US troops have sought to foster with Iraqi tribal leaders in Diyala Province as part of the US-led offensive "Arrowhead Ripper," which has been under way here for about a month. But the LRF initiative has little in common with the high-profile tribal Anbar Salvation Council, which was formally endorsed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and helped reduce violence there. Mr. Maliki has backed a Diyala version of that group called the Isnad (support) Council, but it has had much less impact due to the more fragmented nature of Diyala's tribal, ethnic, and sectarian makeup.
Maliki warned US forces last month against creating new militias in their fight against Al Qaeda-linked operatives. He insisted that all collaboration with local groups must be done through his government. "What the Americans are doing is very risky and unwise. They are planting the seeds for future wars," warned Sami al-Askari, a parliamentarian close to Maliki, commenting on groups like the LRF.
"A lot of them are former Al Qaeda operatives ... but when they saw the stealing, murder, and terrorism, they realized it was not the way forward for Iraq," says Maj. John Woodward of San Antonio. But the risks of such a temporary solution are high, say critics, and the plan could foster new, powerful militias outside the control of the Iraqi Army. It's a strategy that also threatens to further fuel sectarian battles as LRFs are largely Sunni, posing a major threat to Shiite militias.
So far, however, it is too early to judge the effectiveness of this new group, but its creation clearly demonstrates a desire by the US to look for grass-roots solutions amid increasing frustration with the combat readiness – and even loyalty – of Iraqi forces. It also seems to indicate that the Americans are willing to take a short-term gamble on the LRFs in order to show some successes in the fight against AQI before September, when a highly anticipated progress report on Iraq is due to Congress.
The idea for LRFs was born out of the links US troops have sought to foster with Iraqi tribal leaders in Diyala Province as part of the US-led offensive "Arrowhead Ripper," which has been under way here for about a month. But the LRF initiative has little in common with the high-profile tribal Anbar Salvation Council, which was formally endorsed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and helped reduce violence there. Mr. Maliki has backed a Diyala version of that group called the Isnad (support) Council, but it has had much less impact due to the more fragmented nature of Diyala's tribal, ethnic, and sectarian makeup.
Maliki warned US forces last month against creating new militias in their fight against Al Qaeda-linked operatives. He insisted that all collaboration with local groups must be done through his government. "What the Americans are doing is very risky and unwise. They are planting the seeds for future wars," warned Sami al-Askari, a parliamentarian close to Maliki, commenting on groups like the LRF.
These ever-shifting allegiances and the fine line between friend and foe provide a hint of the dangers associated with this new US strategy despite its short-term viability. "The long-term problem is that you are working with fractured social forces," says Toby Dodge, an Iraq expert at Queen Mary, University of London.
"The danger is that once they run Al Qaeda out, they may turn on you, the Iraqi government, or both."
Lt. Col. Keith Gogas, who commands the Diyala-based 6-9 Army unit, agrees with the concept of the LRF, but says he thinks the term itself may be problematic. He's working to cement local ties in other creative ways. Last Friday, he reunited a local tribal sheikh with his nephew, whom he helped get released from a US-run prison after the man had been detained for nearly 10 months on suspicion of being a member of the Shiite Mahdi Army militia and committing crimes against Sunnis in Diyala.
"You see how loyal and truthful the Americans are," says Sheikh Saad al-Siriwati to his kinsmen as he puts his arm around Colonel Gogas. "My tribe and I are eternally indebted to Gogas." Abu Saida, the predominantly Shiite town of Shiekh Saad, has come a long way from being one of the most violent in Diyala to the most cooperative with US forces in the fight against extremists. But just as the line between friend and foe is murky so, too, is the division between war and peace.
"The danger is that once they run Al Qaeda out, they may turn on you, the Iraqi government, or both."
Lt. Col. Keith Gogas, who commands the Diyala-based 6-9 Army unit, agrees with the concept of the LRF, but says he thinks the term itself may be problematic. He's working to cement local ties in other creative ways. Last Friday, he reunited a local tribal sheikh with his nephew, whom he helped get released from a US-run prison after the man had been detained for nearly 10 months on suspicion of being a member of the Shiite Mahdi Army militia and committing crimes against Sunnis in Diyala.
"You see how loyal and truthful the Americans are," says Sheikh Saad al-Siriwati to his kinsmen as he puts his arm around Colonel Gogas. "My tribe and I are eternally indebted to Gogas." Abu Saida, the predominantly Shiite town of Shiekh Saad, has come a long way from being one of the most violent in Diyala to the most cooperative with US forces in the fight against extremists. But just as the line between friend and foe is murky so, too, is the division between war and peace.
Labels: 6-9 Army unit, Al Qaeda in Iraq, Anbar Salvation Council, Diyala, Isnad Council, Legitimate Resistance Force, Lt. Col. Keith Gogas, militias, US Green Berets
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Iraqi Government Should Be Held Responsible For Criminal Acts Of Militias
Politics, Security
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 3 JUL - Accord Front Parliament Member – Mr. Abd Al Karim Al Samaraie said the security forces should be held entirely responsible for failing to stop the militias’ criminal activities. Al Samaraie added, “Terrorist attacks have been occurring, and occur everyday, in Baghdad. Nowadays we are hearing stories that we had never heard before… even during the times of the “Mongol era”.
Al Samaraie clarified: we have evidence that we have seen and heard about that confirms that the Ministry of the Interior’s security forces are involved in the militias’ attacks. The militias are: raiding houses, and killing family members in these houses even if the family members are women, children, or old men. The militias have burnt Iraqis; and, militias have displaced families after killing the families’ sons.
(Al Samaraie continued,) there is an outside (foreign) agenda which aims to reshape Baghdad’s demography. All of these (types of) militia attacks (have continued to) occur while the new security plan is in progress. Al Samaraie pointed out that all of Iraq’s politicians say: the security forces are corrupt and the government should be held responsible. If the government is unable to stop the militias, then it (the govt.) should leave (step down/be replaced) in order for Iraqis to find someone who is capable of: leading them and confronting these problems.
Al Samaraie demanded that the individuals responsible for the Baghdad Security Plan should treat all of the insurgents, in Iraq’s streets, equally and take them to the courts.
(Al Samaraie continued,) there is an outside (foreign) agenda which aims to reshape Baghdad’s demography. All of these (types of) militia attacks (have continued to) occur while the new security plan is in progress. Al Samaraie pointed out that all of Iraq’s politicians say: the security forces are corrupt and the government should be held responsible. If the government is unable to stop the militias, then it (the govt.) should leave (step down/be replaced) in order for Iraqis to find someone who is capable of: leading them and confronting these problems.
Al Samaraie demanded that the individuals responsible for the Baghdad Security Plan should treat all of the insurgents, in Iraq’s streets, equally and take them to the courts.
Labels: Abd Al Karim Al Samaraie, Iraqi Accord Front, militias, Ministry of Interior
Iraq's education system collapses amongst militia threats and corruption
Education, Corruption
(Christian Science Monitor) - Over the past two weeks, Iraq has seen an unprecedented level of interference by militias and insurgents as students have taken national exams for middle and high school diplomas. Cheating and bribing have also marred the process - as have threats by parents to uncooperative teachers.
Iraq's schools and universities were once the pride of the Arab world. But one expert says that what has happened inside exam halls, along with the plummeting standards of the education system, are further symptoms of the systematic unravelling of Iraqi society and its institutions. "There is real terror going on at some of these exams," says Asma Jamil, a sociologist at Baghdad University, adding that students feel that Iraq's instability gives them the right to cheat, while armed groups want to win the sympathy of the public.
"It's a result of greater social decay," she says, "and it feeds it by graduating a generation of aggressive, sometimes extremist, students who have very little capability for critical thinking." The Ministry of Education recently solicited solutions to the problem from her and other experts, she says, but that there has been little follow-up. "We are witnessing," she says, "the complete collapse of the education system."
Education Minister Khudayer Al Khuzaie says that all the talk of violations at exam centres were rumours and part of a smear campaign. According to Asma, the 1970s and '80s saw great strides that set Iraq apart in the region. The system started declining in the 1990s after the first Gulf War, when economic sanctions and poverty prompted some officials to sell exam questions or award fictitious degrees.
One student, who did not wish to give his name, says that he had accompanied five friends, including the son of a former minister, to the principal's house. "I saw them writing their names on the dollar bills they handed to the principal," he charges.
A teacher in Baiyaa, who gave her name as Umm Sarah, says militiamen stormed into her school and ordered proctors out of one exam. "One had a pistol under his shirt. We were terrified," she says. In a separate incident, she says, parents confronted her and others and were about to beat them for not allowing cheating, before being rescued by a police patrol.
Iraq's schools and universities were once the pride of the Arab world. But one expert says that what has happened inside exam halls, along with the plummeting standards of the education system, are further symptoms of the systematic unravelling of Iraqi society and its institutions. "There is real terror going on at some of these exams," says Asma Jamil, a sociologist at Baghdad University, adding that students feel that Iraq's instability gives them the right to cheat, while armed groups want to win the sympathy of the public.
"It's a result of greater social decay," she says, "and it feeds it by graduating a generation of aggressive, sometimes extremist, students who have very little capability for critical thinking." The Ministry of Education recently solicited solutions to the problem from her and other experts, she says, but that there has been little follow-up. "We are witnessing," she says, "the complete collapse of the education system."
Education Minister Khudayer Al Khuzaie says that all the talk of violations at exam centres were rumours and part of a smear campaign. According to Asma, the 1970s and '80s saw great strides that set Iraq apart in the region. The system started declining in the 1990s after the first Gulf War, when economic sanctions and poverty prompted some officials to sell exam questions or award fictitious degrees.
One student, who did not wish to give his name, says that he had accompanied five friends, including the son of a former minister, to the principal's house. "I saw them writing their names on the dollar bills they handed to the principal," he charges.
A teacher in Baiyaa, who gave her name as Umm Sarah, says militiamen stormed into her school and ordered proctors out of one exam. "One had a pistol under his shirt. We were terrified," she says. In a separate incident, she says, parents confronted her and others and were about to beat them for not allowing cheating, before being rescued by a police patrol.
Labels: corruption, education, exams, militias, students
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Govt loses control of Basra to militias, Iranian influence
Oil, Security
(Azzaman) - As U.S. troops battle to retake Baghdad and surrounding areas, the government is reported to have lost its control of Basra where almost all of the country’s oil exports originate. The city, according to well-placed sources, is under the hegemony of militias who do not run its streets only but have imposed levies and taxes on oil output.
“It may be too late for Prime Minister Nouri al-Naliki to restore control of Basra,” one source working for Iraqi intelligence said. The sources, who all spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, point to the growing Iranian influence in Basra and most of southern Iraq.
The loss of Basra to Shiite militias is a blow to current U.S. military operations mainly directed against Sunni rebels and elements of al-Qaeda group in the country. The four-month long operations in which tens of thousands of U.S. marines are involved have foundered due to tough resistance from various Iraqi groups particularly those linked to al-Qaeda.
British troops in Basra are almost powerless as their previous military tactics to retake control of the city have all but backfired. Attacks on British troops have increased significantly recently. Roadside bombs target British armored convoys and their barracks come under frequent mortar attacks.
The sources said Basra was in the midst of “huge chaos” with the political factions and their militias dividing the city into zones of influence. Senior Iraqi officials, refusing to be named, said Maliki was concerned about latest developments in Basra and other southern cities.
The decline of government control in these areas comes as Iraqi and U.S. troops are engaged in fierce fighting with Sunni resistance and armed groups across the central part of the country. The officials said Maliki intends to deploy two army battalions and a commando police force in the city to strengthen the provincial government there. But according to intelligence reports it will take a much bigger force to take on the heavily armed militias in the city.
Control of border points is no longer under the control of government troops and so are the city ports through which a sizeable portion of the country’s imports comes. The Oil Ministry’s supervision and administration of oil fields, terminals and a major refinery is only symbolic with militias in actual control of Basra’s oil industry.
“It may be too late for Prime Minister Nouri al-Naliki to restore control of Basra,” one source working for Iraqi intelligence said. The sources, who all spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, point to the growing Iranian influence in Basra and most of southern Iraq.
The loss of Basra to Shiite militias is a blow to current U.S. military operations mainly directed against Sunni rebels and elements of al-Qaeda group in the country. The four-month long operations in which tens of thousands of U.S. marines are involved have foundered due to tough resistance from various Iraqi groups particularly those linked to al-Qaeda.
British troops in Basra are almost powerless as their previous military tactics to retake control of the city have all but backfired. Attacks on British troops have increased significantly recently. Roadside bombs target British armored convoys and their barracks come under frequent mortar attacks.
The sources said Basra was in the midst of “huge chaos” with the political factions and their militias dividing the city into zones of influence. Senior Iraqi officials, refusing to be named, said Maliki was concerned about latest developments in Basra and other southern cities.
The decline of government control in these areas comes as Iraqi and U.S. troops are engaged in fierce fighting with Sunni resistance and armed groups across the central part of the country. The officials said Maliki intends to deploy two army battalions and a commando police force in the city to strengthen the provincial government there. But according to intelligence reports it will take a much bigger force to take on the heavily armed militias in the city.
Control of border points is no longer under the control of government troops and so are the city ports through which a sizeable portion of the country’s imports comes. The Oil Ministry’s supervision and administration of oil fields, terminals and a major refinery is only symbolic with militias in actual control of Basra’s oil industry.
Labels: Basra, Iran, militias, Nouri Al-Maliki
Friday, June 22, 2007
Prisons raided by militias and prisoners executed
Security
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 21 JUN - Iraqi security sources have confirmed that many prisons have been raided almost every night, by militias. The militias conduct these raids with the assistance of the prisons’ guards. Later, the militias execute the prisoners, and then, dump the bodies in city streets and squares.
The sources added that the majority of these “executed prisoners” are from prisons in Rasafa, which are controlled by militias and the government. The sources pointed out that Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is the worst and it experiences many “randomized” execution operations. The prisoners in this prison (Rasafa #6) have announced a hunger strike, they would rather die of hunger in their jail cells than be killed by militias.
The sources added that Rasafa “Prison Number Six” consists of 14 “halls” (large cells), which contain hundreds of prisoners in each of the “halls”. The prisoners have not been taken to court; and, some prisoners have been kidnapped and killed by MOI Commandos and militias. Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is one of 10 prisons in the Rasafa area, this includes such places as the: Jadriya, Qanat, and Tasfirat prisons which all belong to the MOI.
These prisons include “thousands and thousands of Iraqi prisoners” who are not allowed to see their families. The sources also confirmed that “arresting and releasing operations” are not being conducted in accordance with judicial orders; rather, they are being conducted in accordance with deals (between the) militias and police. Militias help some of the worst criminals to escape from the prisons without the government’s knowledge. And (somehow), the people who dump the bodies in the streets are usually able to move about during curfew hours.
The sources added that the majority of these “executed prisoners” are from prisons in Rasafa, which are controlled by militias and the government. The sources pointed out that Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is the worst and it experiences many “randomized” execution operations. The prisoners in this prison (Rasafa #6) have announced a hunger strike, they would rather die of hunger in their jail cells than be killed by militias.
The sources added that Rasafa “Prison Number Six” consists of 14 “halls” (large cells), which contain hundreds of prisoners in each of the “halls”. The prisoners have not been taken to court; and, some prisoners have been kidnapped and killed by MOI Commandos and militias. Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is one of 10 prisons in the Rasafa area, this includes such places as the: Jadriya, Qanat, and Tasfirat prisons which all belong to the MOI.
These prisons include “thousands and thousands of Iraqi prisoners” who are not allowed to see their families. The sources also confirmed that “arresting and releasing operations” are not being conducted in accordance with judicial orders; rather, they are being conducted in accordance with deals (between the) militias and police. Militias help some of the worst criminals to escape from the prisons without the government’s knowledge. And (somehow), the people who dump the bodies in the streets are usually able to move about during curfew hours.
COMMENT: Dar Al Salam is a weekly political and religious newspaper, owned by the Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP). It has been published for two years in Baghdad, with a Sunni religious affiliation. This is a moderate newspaper advocating a political approach to deal with Iraq's situation, and has a positive attitude towards the political process in Iraq. Rasafa is the eastern part of Baghdad and is now predominantly Shia. The militias referred to in the article are Shia militias. The MOI commandos have been heavily infiltrated by Shia militias. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Jadriya, militias, Ministry of Interior, prisons, Qanat, Rasafa #6, Tasfirat prison
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Iraq agrees to majority of militias' demands
Politics
(Khaleej Times) - Tribal affairs advisors to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki met with militant leaders within the last few weeks, agreeing to 80 per cent of their requests, reports said on Thursday. State-run Al Sabah newspaper reported that “the communications between the two sides indicated that many militias are ready to play a positive role in Iraqi political life.”
The report said that the militias had “expressed their opposition towards Al Qaeda terrorist network’s actions and its ideology, which doesn’t conform with the Iraqis’ culture.” The demands of the militias presented during the talks, the report says, were “positive and attainable” and that “80 per cent of these requests will be met.”
Some militias, according to Al Sabah, needed to feel “a sense of security with regard to their political participation and how their members will be dealt with after they will have been disarmed.”
The report said that the militias had “expressed their opposition towards Al Qaeda terrorist network’s actions and its ideology, which doesn’t conform with the Iraqis’ culture.” The demands of the militias presented during the talks, the report says, were “positive and attainable” and that “80 per cent of these requests will be met.”
Some militias, according to Al Sabah, needed to feel “a sense of security with regard to their political participation and how their members will be dealt with after they will have been disarmed.”
Labels: Al Qaeda, militias, politics
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
U.S. urges Iran to stop supporting militias in Iraq, Iran offers to train Iraqi military
Regional, Security, Politics
(Reuters) - The United States urged Iran yesterday to stop supporting militias in Iraq but described the two countries' most high-profile meeting in almost 30 years as positive. Washington accuses Iran of arming, funding and training Shiite militias who are fuelling Iraq's spiral into sectarian civil war, a charge Iran denies. The US military has also shown sophisticated bombs it says are killing US soldiers.
The meeting marked a shift in the US policy of shunning almost all contact with Iranian officials since Washington severed formal diplomatic ties with Tehran in 1980, 14 months after Iran's Islamic Revolution and five months after Americans were seized in a hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. It did not touch on Iran's controversial nuclear programme, the most contentious issue in US-Iranian relations.
Crocker said the Iranians had proposed setting up a mechanism with Iranian, US and Iraqi participation to coordinate on Iraq's security. He said he would refer the proposal to Washington but that the US aim of the meeting had not been to organise further talks but to lay out its concerns. Kazemi-Qomi told reporters that Iran had offered to help train and arm Iraq's military.
Crocker said he had told the Iranians they must end their support for the militias, stop supplying them with explosives and ammunition and rein in the activities of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Qods Force in Iraq. "It is dangerous for Iraq ... and dangerous for the region because it can cause widespread instability," Crocker told a news briefing.
Crocker said the Iranians had rejected the allegations but did not respond in detail. In turn, they had criticised the "occupying" US military's training and equipping of the new Iraqi army, saying it was "inadequate to the challenges faced". "In terms of what happens next we are going to want to wait and see not what is said next but what happens on the ground, whether we start to see some indications of change of Iranian behaviour."
He said there was broad agreement between both sides in their policy on Iraq. Both countries supported Nouri Al Maliki's government and wanted to see a stable, federal Iraq that controlled its own security. In a brief address to the delegations before the start of the talks, Al Maliki said Iraq would not be a launchpad for any attacks on neighbouring states, an apparent reference to Iranian fears of a US attack. It would also not brook any regional interference in its affairs, he added.
The meeting marked a shift in the US policy of shunning almost all contact with Iranian officials since Washington severed formal diplomatic ties with Tehran in 1980, 14 months after Iran's Islamic Revolution and five months after Americans were seized in a hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. It did not touch on Iran's controversial nuclear programme, the most contentious issue in US-Iranian relations.
Crocker said the Iranians had proposed setting up a mechanism with Iranian, US and Iraqi participation to coordinate on Iraq's security. He said he would refer the proposal to Washington but that the US aim of the meeting had not been to organise further talks but to lay out its concerns. Kazemi-Qomi told reporters that Iran had offered to help train and arm Iraq's military.
Crocker said he had told the Iranians they must end their support for the militias, stop supplying them with explosives and ammunition and rein in the activities of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Qods Force in Iraq. "It is dangerous for Iraq ... and dangerous for the region because it can cause widespread instability," Crocker told a news briefing.
Crocker said the Iranians had rejected the allegations but did not respond in detail. In turn, they had criticised the "occupying" US military's training and equipping of the new Iraqi army, saying it was "inadequate to the challenges faced". "In terms of what happens next we are going to want to wait and see not what is said next but what happens on the ground, whether we start to see some indications of change of Iranian behaviour."
He said there was broad agreement between both sides in their policy on Iraq. Both countries supported Nouri Al Maliki's government and wanted to see a stable, federal Iraq that controlled its own security. In a brief address to the delegations before the start of the talks, Al Maliki said Iraq would not be a launchpad for any attacks on neighbouring states, an apparent reference to Iranian fears of a US attack. It would also not brook any regional interference in its affairs, he added.
Labels: Iran, Kazemi-Qomi, militias, Ryan Crocker, U.S.
British General Negotiated With Armed Iraqi Groups
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 28 MAY - Yesterday, the Sunday Telegraph Newspaper revealed that a British General is leading negotiations with armed groups in order to reach an agreement that the armed groups will put down their weapons in exchange for senior positions in the Iraqi security forces. The newspaper also said, “General “Graham Lamb” met with armed group leaders in the Green Zone in Baghdad to encourage these groups fight the extremist foreign fighters of Al Qaida, who use bloody tactics against Iraqis.
General Lamb is a former British Special Forces officer and represents the Iraqi government and MNF during these negotiations. He is also conducting negotiations with moderate militia which created death squads in response to the sectarian attacks of Al Qaida. A successful agreement will be very important in order for the US security plan to succeed in Baghdad. US General Davis Petraeus, the MNF Commander in Iraq, selected General Lamb himself to negotiate with the armed groups and moderate militia because General Lamb is more neutral than other US officers and also because the British forces do not have a large presence in Baghdad.”
An American forces senior advisor involved in the new security plan said, “These negotiations are unofficial and they are being held in the Green Zone in Baghdad. General Lamb, armed Sunni groups, and Iraqi tribal sheikhs who support the current resistance are attending these negotiations. The British General as a mediator between Iraqi officials and the leaders of Sunni armed groups, who are starting to believe in the reality of Shiites controlling the government.”
The newspaper added, “During the negotiations the armed groups, the armed groups have offered that in exchange for senior security forces positions they will declare a cease fire. They are also demanding amnesty for their members already in prison except for those involved in beheadings or killing large groups of civilians, canceling the DeBaathification Law, and pensions for those have been forced out of governmental, military, and security positions.”
An American forces senior advisor involved in the new security plan said, “These negotiations are unofficial and they are being held in the Green Zone in Baghdad. General Lamb, armed Sunni groups, and Iraqi tribal sheikhs who support the current resistance are attending these negotiations. The British General as a mediator between Iraqi officials and the leaders of Sunni armed groups, who are starting to believe in the reality of Shiites controlling the government.”
The newspaper added, “During the negotiations the armed groups, the armed groups have offered that in exchange for senior security forces positions they will declare a cease fire. They are also demanding amnesty for their members already in prison except for those involved in beheadings or killing large groups of civilians, canceling the DeBaathification Law, and pensions for those have been forced out of governmental, military, and security positions.”
Labels: amnesty, armed groups, cease-fire, debaathification, General Graham Lamb, militias, negotiations, tribal sheiks
