Middle East Politics.Net » Iraq http://middleeastpolitics.net Facts, News, Trends, Analysis Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:56:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 President Bush Dodges Questions, Shoes At Iraqi Press Conference http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/15/president-bush-dodges-questions-shoes-at-iraqi-press-conference/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/15/president-bush-dodges-questions-shoes-at-iraqi-press-conference/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:54:22 +0000 freundli http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=3931 “So what if the guy threw his shoes at me?” questioned President Bush in the wake of an attempted assault in Baghdad. In the midst of a surprise final visit to Iraq, an intrepid Iraqi reporter, later identified as “Shoeless” Muntadar al-Zeidi, abandoned his objective journalistic stance and let his unconventional footwork do the talking as he alternately flung both shoes at the American President.  Although considered a grave affront to dignity in the Muslim world, the subtle severity of the foot-based insult failed to translate across a deep cultural divide;  “I don’t know what his beef is,” the President remarked, citing the “unusual” move as “a sign of a free society.” The President displayed remarkable reactions and feline-like agility when he dodged the full pair of flying footwear.  The barefoot assailant was quickly swept off his feet by startled bystanders and searched from head-to-toe for any remaining projectiles.  In what will surely be regarded as one of the most bizarrely comedic missteps of the Iraq War, the President downplayed the significance of the bipedal terrorism and sidestepped most questions relating to the incident, choosing instead to focus on the continued need for American boots on the ground.  Given the recent decision of the Iraqi Assembly, this drastic increase in shoe-related violence comes at an inopportune moment for the Americans, who find themselves in the awkward position of having one foot out the door, while the other remains firmly planted in Iraq.

Zack Freundlich

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/15/president-bush-dodges-questions-shoes-at-iraqi-press-conference/feed/ 0 Iraq Finally Approves US Security Pact http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/05/iraq-finally-approves-us-security-pact-today/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/05/iraq-finally-approves-us-security-pact-today/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:20:29 +0000 hackenda http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=3597 The Iraqi government took the last step toward accepting the security agreement with the United States today. The three-person Presidency Council finally approved the pact, which was ratified by Iraqi Parliament last week. The main condition of the pact mandates the withdrawal of US troops from the country, with the last of them completely out by the end of 2011.

Ironically, the approval came on a relatively violent day in Iraq, compared to recent activity in the state. Currently, some of the most vicious attacks are occurring in the city of Fallujah, notorious for violence earlier in the war between the US and Iraq, and considered the heart of Sunni insurgency efforts. Control of Anbar Province, where Fallujah is located, was handed over to Iraqi security forces three months ago, because the US troops considered the security situation to be adequately improved. In the months to come before the end of 2011, it will be important to take note of how the security situation evolves.

Haley Hackendale

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/05/iraq-finally-approves-us-security-pact-today/feed/ 0 “Chemical Ali” Faces Execution After Guilty Verdict http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/04/chemical-ali-faces-execution-after-guilty-verdict/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/04/chemical-ali-faces-execution-after-guilty-verdict/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:25:45 +0000 freundli http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=3529 In a follow up ruling after an initial conviction last year, the mastermind of the Kurdish massacres of the late 1980′s has been sentenced to death by an Iraqi court. In a decision sure to ignite controversy, Saddam’s relative, Ali Hassan al-Majid, has finally met the justice so many have longed for.  Formally charged for his role in war crimes committed against a Shi’a uprising in 1991, al-Majid was previously convicted of genocide charges, but a new ruling allowed for the application of the death penalty.  The implications of his sentence are unclear, although few expect a backlash of any sort.

Zack Freundlich

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/04/chemical-ali-faces-execution-after-guilty-verdict/feed/ 0 Obama’s Defense Secretary Prepares For Future http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/04/obamas-defense-secretary-prepares-for-future/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/04/obamas-defense-secretary-prepares-for-future/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:16:05 +0000 freundli http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=3488 With the status of forces agreement passed, members of the Obama administration are turning their attention towards the future of American involvement in the region.  Secretary Gates has expressed his support for the incoming President’s plan of action in Iraq, citing the fact that the timeline is firmly established. Given the withdrawal deadline now looming large, military strategists have a limited amount of time to stabilize and prepare Iraq for full military and sovereign independence.  Come January, we may see a more clear strategic picture of regional and global stability centered on developments in Iraq.

Zack Freundlich

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/12/04/obamas-defense-secretary-prepares-for-future/feed/ 0 Iraq: Status of Forces Agreement Passed http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/30/status-of-forces-agreement-passed/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/30/status-of-forces-agreement-passed/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:56:51 +0000 dpgallag http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=3098 After heated debate, the Iraqi Parliament passed the Status of Forces Agreement by a vote of 149-49.  President George Bush praised the agreement that requires all US forces to be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.  Perhaps the operative phrase here, though, is “by,” meaning it could occur before then, specially noted with the change of presidents in America.  Regardless, the passing of the accord is being hailed as a victory for democracy and shows the progress Iraq has made, despite the increase in violence over the past couple weeks.

Dennis Gallagher

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/30/status-of-forces-agreement-passed/feed/ 0 Iraqi Oil Illegitimately Auctioned Off? http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/29/iraqi-oil-illegitimately-auctioned-off/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/29/iraqi-oil-illegitimately-auctioned-off/#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:44:27 +0000 hackenda http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=2992 Yet another conflict has arisen between the Kurds and the Iraqi government, this time stemming from rights to the country’s most important natural resource, oil. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq recently signed oil contracts with foreign oil companies, promising them rights to crude oil from the Kurdish region.

Iraqi oil minister, Hussain Shihristani, has declared that these contracts will not be recognized as legitimate by the central government in Baghdad, even though earlier in the week there was word of an agreement between the oil ministry and the KRG that oil would be allowed to be exported from the territory of Kurdistan to neighboring Turkey.

The Iraqi oil ministry maintains that oil revenues from crude oil extracted from anywhere within the nation’s borders should go directly to the central government in Baghdad for redistribution around the entire country. As Kurdistan has gained an exceptional amount of autonomy compared to ethnic enclaves in other nations, it will be interesting to see how exactly the Iraqi government plans to enforce its will and negate these contracts.

Haley Hackendale

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/29/iraqi-oil-illegitimately-auctioned-off/feed/ 0 Iraqi Jails in Terrible State http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/25/iraqi-jails-in-terrible-state/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/25/iraqi-jails-in-terrible-state/#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:23:47 +0000 dpgallag http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=2873 Recently, foreign media were allowed to enter Iraqi jails for the first time since the invasion in 2003.  The results were less than impressive.  The jails are severely overcrowded, with upwards of 5 times the capacity of a cell.  Many of the prisoners have been there for months or years without being formally charged of crimes.  The government blames it on security issues and the need to arrest so many people as a result.  Fact of the matter is, though, especially with the United States there, that human rights concerns and judicial prudence should be at the top of the list of things to protect.  But instead, it is clearly at the bottom.

Dennis Gallagher

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/25/iraqi-jails-in-terrible-state/feed/ 0 Al-Maliki: Walking a Fine Line in Iraq http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/maliki-walking-a-fine-line-in-iraq/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/maliki-walking-a-fine-line-in-iraq/#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:28:06 +0000 hackenda http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=2841 Recently, concerns have arisen both inside and outside of Iraq about the intentions of current prime minister Nouri al-Maliki. Over the past months, he has exerted great control over the government and the state in order to promote a strong central government and prevent the dissolution of Iraq. The intensely nationalist leader has made some bold moves as of late, attempting to sideline political rivals, ordering the Iraqi security forces to act in questionable circumstances, and mandating the arrests of some prominent Sunni leaders.

Some Iraqi citizens fear a return to the days of authoritarian rule much like those under Saddam Hussein. A few even worry he will become the next Saddam, although a more benevolent one. As the Shiite leader increasingly asserts himself in the nation, Iraqi Sunnis and Kurds remain uncertain about their futures.

Al-Maliki’s movement towards a central, authoritarian-style government goes against the strategy of democracy and equality that the US has been encouraging in the state, but it may be necessary to hold the country together. In order to keep all of the opposing forces in the different regions united, a very strong central government may indeed be the answer right now. Besides, supporters of al-Maliki claim that he is very aware of the limits to his power, citing the weakness of the state’s army and the influence of the Shiite elites in the nation.

With the security deal expected to be finalized in the near future, al-Maliki would gain even more power and fame, cementing his historic position as the leader who ended the long presence of the US troops.

Haley Hackendale

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/maliki-walking-a-fine-line-in-iraq/feed/ 0 American Criticism of Syrian Policy Unconvincing http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/american-criticism-of-syrian-policy-regarded-as-unconvincing/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/american-criticism-of-syrian-policy-regarded-as-unconvincing/#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:11:16 +0000 freundli http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=2814 At a conference in Damascus, American officials accused Syria of complicity in terrorist networks running cross-border operations into Iraq. Syria has previously denounced the flagrant violation of its state sovereignty by US troops and claimed that it was a victim rather than an aggressor, denying any active involvement with terrorists.  Other conference attendees, including Iran, Russia, China, and Iraq, took more empathic stances regarding the issue, indicating that a stabilized Iraq was universally beneficial for the region, including Syria.  Furthermore, Russian and Chinese delegates pointed out that the United States has used Iraq as a base, and an excuse, to engage in exactly the sort of aggressive behavior for which it is currently condemning. Questions over the future of the region hang in the air as influential players across the board remain in a holding pattern in anticipation of possible dynamic-shifting events.

Zack Freundlich

]]> http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/american-criticism-of-syrian-policy-regarded-as-unconvincing/feed/ 0 Iraqi Security Pact Requires Burden Of Proof, Evidence http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/iraqi-security-pact-requires-burden-of-proof-evidence/ http://middleeastpolitics.net/2008/11/24/iraqi-security-pact-requires-burden-of-proof-evidence/#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:05:25 +0000 freundli http://middleeastpolitics.net/?p=2809 In a stunning reversal of policy, the pending agreement in the Iraqi Parliament includes requirements for evidence, trials, and legitimate judicial proceedings for all Iraqi prisoners held in US custody. Since 2003 American and Coalition Forces have enjoyed absolute authority over the Iraqi judicial system, producing some of the most horrific and public abuses of international human rights in recent memory. Iraqi jurisdiction and oversight, alongside the rudimentary components of due process, may denote true progress in Iraq away from the authoritarian practices of the past.  The move would send a shock through the current detainee prison infrastructure, resulting in many outright releases while cases are compiled against significant individuals.  The logistical constraints of developing and regulating a truly independent judiciary are daunting, but overcoming adversity could be the first step towards federal legitimacy.

Zack Freundlich

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