Sunday, September 21, 2008, Ramazan 20, 1429    

Security situation in Iraq

Fazal Hakeem

On the eve of taking charge of US led forces in Iraq by General Raymond Odierno on 15 September from Gen David Petraeus at least 34 people were killed in a series of bomb blasts. US alone has 146,000 strop force located in Iraq in the aftermath of controversial military operation. After toppling of Saddam regime, Iraq remained spiraling into an all out civil war. Though bloodletting has fallen to some exstent. Killing of 34 people on the occasion of transfer of power was a reminder that conditions are not such which US mandarins claim. Earlier on 12 September 18 people were killed in different attacks in Baghdad and Mosul substantiated alarming security situation in capital Baghdad . What would be situation in other far-flung areas is a moot question? The attacks underscored the persistent threat in Iraq . Presence of US-led forces in Iraq has deepened the ethnic feelings. Killing of 8 Kurdish soldiers in northeast of Baghdad and Sunni Arabs in Mosul means that ethnic tension remain dangerously high. The attack that killed media personnel has been termed an action by “dark forces” to destabilize the security in Iraq , silencing the voices of freedom and attacking national independent media.

Foreign forces has converted the entire country into a volatile territory. Ethnic, linguistic, sectarian feelings and susceptibility that their territory is being encroached upon by other group is suicidal to country very territorial integrity. However, it suits the occupational forces balkanization agenda and justify their presence. This writer had written in Pakistan Observer on 4 October 2006 about plan of New ME spelled out by American Col. Ralph Peters in his book “Never quiet the fight”. “Col Peters has termed the borders in Africa and ME as the most injudicious which had caused bloodshed. Despite intermarriages and close relations it is not necessary that all people would happy. In his map for the new ME, Col. Peters had termed independent Kurdistan from Diarbakar to Tabraiz as the most pro-west government between Japan and Belgrade . If this is so can Col Ralph Peters guarantees that enmity between South-North is over? And what about US 50 states?” Both the Republican and Democrat Presidential candidates have different approach to war in Iraq.

US troops in Iraq is a very sensitive issue in forthcoming November Presidential elections. Democrat candidate Barack Obhama wants US forces early return. In Washington , focus is being shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan to reinforce military operation against opposition forces. Shift to Afghanistan is justified in view of security improvement and growing Taliban operations against NATO/Afghan forces. US claims that the requirement now in Iraq is nation building than fighting. The American on 17 September passed a Defense Bill of 612.5 billion dollars against Bush Administration demand of 611.1 billion dollars. 70 billion dollars have been earmarked for Iraq and Afghanistan .

Though Washington and Baghdad are claiming being closed for signing a crucial deed to decide the future of US forces in Iraq after UN mandate expires in December. While Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on 21 August stated about presenting of deal to the Political Council for National Security. The Council comprises the President, Prime Minister and leaders of all political parties. According to Mr. Zebari interests of Iraq and neighboring countries would be protected in the agreement. Iraqi want the US combat troops to leave their country by October 2010. Opposition Cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has pledged to disarm if US started troops withdrawal according to the timetable. US President and Iraqi Prime Minister were agreed in principle in November 2007 to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Iraq by end of July 2008. UN mandate acts as the legal basis for the presence of US-led foreign forces. The sticking points are (i) Operation of US forces after UN mandate ended and (II) grant of immunity . Washington is evasive to be locked into a fixed date for withdrawing US combat troops.. US is using the tactics of handing over control of security of various provinces in parts. On the other hand, as per media reports, the Iraqi politicians have blistered at the idea of a continuing Defense Pact with the USA . Despite all talks of good working relationship with Premier Noori al-Maliki, report about spying and continued surveillance of Iraqi leadership is worrisome. Washington post Investigative Reporter Bob Woodward in his book “The War within a Secret White House History,2006-2008” discussed the spying and surveillance issue.

The White House spokeswoman Dana Perino has declined to comment on the charges. However, spokesman of Iraqi government Ali al-Dabbagh has indicated to ask for explanation. He stated if it is true, it will reflect lack of trust and a message that American Institutions are spying friends and enemies alike. If is true, it costs shadow on future relations with such institutions. The book revealed about “ near revolt” situation in late 2006 over Bush plans to deploy more troops in Iraq . Gen. George Casey even referred to Baghdad as a “troops slump”. According to the Woodward book, the extracts reported in the press states that “only the National Security Council staff strongly supported the surge strategy”.

It has now been crystal clear that attacking Iraq was plan of neocons headed by President Bush to reshape US power in the Middle East . Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ron Suskind in his book “The Way of the World” has accused White House ordering CIA to manipulate Intelligence to support the Iraq war. Mr. Suskind substantiated his version stating that the forged documents included a back-dated hand written letter of July 2001 from head of Iraq Intelligence Chief Tahir Jalil Habbush al-Tikriti stated that Iraq hosted Muhammad Atta one of the 9/11 hijackers. The letter goes to suggest that Iraq was importing Uranium from Niger for nuclear program. Mr. Suskind book’s extract published in media noted that Mr. Habbush was in CIA protective custody after the 2003 invasion, that the White House ordered CIA officials to have Mr. Habbush write a backdated letter and paid him US$ 5 million. The letter according to the author was released and published in 2003 by the British and US media outlets-including The ( London ) Sunday Telegraph and Fox News, politico reports- as evidence of a Saddam/Al-Qaeda link.

The 21 March 2003 attack was justified through exaggerated propaganda campaign about Iraqi weapons and collaboration with terrorist groups. Through aggressive propaganda, Americans were led to believe that threat from Iraq was actually existed to American interests. The exit would enable the capable Iraqi leadership as to how organize and run the affairs to establish virtual security and put the development plans on the right track rather to act in accordance with imported recipes.