Posts to BBC on Iraq
Added: Tuesday, 28 February, 2006, 14:38 GMT 14:38 UK
Iraq looked unified under Saddam through the repression of one section of the Iraqi society and the favouring of another but beneath there was tension. At present, the Sunni can't resign to the fact that they have become minor in Iraq. The Shiaa can't forget their ordeal under Saddam. All this coupled with breeding religious armed factions, it seems Iraq has a long way to go for a stable unity. It can remain in its current geographical boundaries. But the boundaries between these sections will be difficult to dismantle unless they agree to a democratic power sharing without the need for foreign intervention.
Added: Thursday, 16 March, 2006, 19:02 GMT 19:02 UK
The new American raid with such intensity shows that the situation in Iraq is far from stable. The Americans in previous raids were good at striking but the insurgents were also good at hiding and running. The problem will continue as the insurgents find ways to regroup and recruit new members. Such raids show that the American withdrawal from Iraq won't be soon as continuous insurgence give the American an excuse to stay in Iraq as long as possible.
Added: Friday, 17 March, 2006, 11:22 GMT 11:22 UK
The previous raids on insurgents failed to curb violence in Iraq, from suicide bombing to ambush and the like. The Americans can make raids on locations they suspect of harbouring terrorists but so far, they have failed to make a raid on the mind of those who are set to continue their insurgence at whatever cost, including targeting the innocent civilians. Intransigence on both sides will just prolong the instability and the suffering of Iraq, in the name of which an all out war was open.
Added: Thursday, 16 March, 2006, 22:16 GMT 22:16 UK
The Americans have so far failed to crush the insurgents .This provides the insurgents with further support from within and outside Iraq. As America was able to rally support among it allies, especially, Britain, the insurgents managed to expand their network and tactics, making it difficult for America to wipe them out once for all. The current raids can be just a military exercise with little results as the insurgents learn from previous raids how to be ready for the next ones.
The violence in Iraq has gone for a long time. The situation there is a reminder of the former situation in Lebanon during its long years of civil war. The worst scenario is when the Iraqi armed forces will turn into militias disobeying orders and carrying operations on their own in retaliation of future attacks. But as Allawi said it is not yet a non return point. The Iraqi can work out a solution for the current situation if they actively work for a united Iraq using peaceful dialogue instead of the language of explosives, bearing in mind the reality of the region to which they belong. Otherwise the situation will worsen further to the point of catastrophic consequences for the whole region.
Added: Monday, 20 March, 2006, 11:02 GMT 11:02 UK
Iraq still has a long way to go for complete stability. It has become one of the most dangerous places around the world, mainly for foreigners. During the years after the removal of Saddam from power, there were violent attacks some of them leading to instant killing of hundreds. There were kidnapping and sometimes killing of diplomats. Iraq still needs draconian security measures. As the Americans and their allies try to celebrate their presence and achievements, the insurgents make their point by further daily attacks which have become the norm in this troubled country. The only victims of such a situation are the ordinary Iraqis who are caught in the midst of these deadly confrontations.
Added: Friday, 24 March, 2006, 09:59 GMT 09:59 UK
The war in Iraq has portrayed the USA in many countries as an aggressor whose aim is for the oil for the region. But politically speaking, the USA still has the same influence in the region especially on Gulf States. Its relations with international key players like Russia and China is improving considering the economic deals. So far, very few countries have withdrawn from the coalition in Iraq. In a sense, the US foreign policy is a portrayal of common interests. It has been damaged at the public level, but at the level of relation with other governments, it’s business as usual.
From past events in Iraq, it seems difficult to predict a fast end to violence and a return to stability. The imprisonment of Saddam and some of his associates did little to stop insurgency. So did the election of a new parliament. As long as power sharing is based on majority in parliament,; that is, on sectarian affiliation –Shiaa, Sunni and Kurds- the new prime minister will have difficulty to curb sectarian violence if he can’t bring hardliners on all sides to a compromise for power sharing.
Added: Sunday, 23 April, 2006, 10:24 GMT 11:24 UK
As long as power sharing is based on majority in parliament; that is, on sectarian affiliation –Shiaa, Sunni and Kurds- the new prime minister will have difficulty to curb sectarian violence if he can’t bring hardliners on all sides to a compromise for power sharing, including religious leaders who have a big influence in Iraq. Also his government should be able to improve the living standard of the Iraqis as a way to stop the deprived Iraqis from joining armed groups or supporting them.
Added: Sunday, 7 May, 2006, 10:32 GMT 11:32 UK
The end of violence in Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqis. Using the presence of foreign forces for continuing violence is a pretext since infighting will continue with or without these forces. these can leave but the Iraqi sections –religious and political -must leave their feud aside and work democratically for a peaceful Iraq, each taking due responsibility. Otherwise, an Iraq free of foreign forces will plunge it in worse bloodshed.
Added: Sunday, 7 May, 2006, 10:32 GMT 11:32 UK
The end of violence in Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqis. Using the presence of foreign forces for continuing violence is a pretext since infighting will continue with or without these forces. these can leave but the Iraqi sections –religious and political -must leave their feud aside and work democratically for a peaceful Iraq, each taking due responsibility. Otherwise, an Iraq free of foreign forces will plunge it in worse bloodshed.
Added: Wednesday, 31 May, 2006, 13:12 GMT 14:12 UK
The British and American military presence in Iraq has been plagued by scandals from prisoners’ abuse to accidental killing of civilians in attacks on insurgents. The alleged killing of 24 civilians in Hadittha by American soldiers can stir insurgents for more deadly attacks . Instead of thinking of reducing its troops, the US may think about backup troops to deal with ongoing insurgency. The danger can be a huge popular uprising among shiaa and Sunni against American presence in Iraq.
Added: Monday, 5 June, 2006, 13:27 GMT 14:27 UK
Israeli attack on Iraq nuclear reactor 25 years ago should be seen as a proxy attack. The US couldn’t do it because of the Cold War and the turbulent situation in the Middle East. But it took Saddam 10 years to take his revenge when he sent scud missiles to Isreal in 1991, although the damage wasn’t devastating. Isreal seemed to have benefited from this attack by destroying a threatening reactor and by showing its military capability outside its borders to enemy states in the region like Syria.
Added: Monday, 5 June, 2006, 13:58 GMT 14:58 UK
Isreal is good at hitting targets, people and buildings alike, inside and outside its borders. It mounted an attack against Iraq’s nuclear reactor. It raided Abu Jihad’s home in Tunisia and killed him. So this is an opportunity for the US to ask her to destroy Iran’s nuclear installations on its behalf as it ran away with 1981 similar attack. Negotiations are long and tiring. Attacks are swift and decisive. Isreal will be glad to show the world how good it is at hit and run operations.
Added: Thursday, 8 June, 2006, 11:18 GMT 12:18 UK
Al-Zarqawi's death should be seen as winning a battle but there is still the war on terrorism that should continue. The capture of Saddam just fuelled more attacks so it is probably that Al-Zarqawi's terrorist network will try to carry out more attacks if the American and the Iraqi forces can’t get similar reliable information that led to his death, to arrest or kill those likely to carry resistance with the same force as Al-Zarqawi's did.
Added: Sunday, 11 June, 2006, 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK
Many detainees in Guantanamo Bay seek suicide to achieve fame and become symbol of martyrdom. But the US had better start their trial on its soil or in an international court. The world must know the specific charge of each detainee . Keeping them in detention without trial will just tarnish the image of the US, which set itself as the champion of human rights. More suicide will cause more embarrassment and damage to the US, fuelling more suicide attacks in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Added: Sunday, 11 June, 2006, 15:48 GMT 16:48 UK
The suicide of Guantanamo detainees should be seen a moment to reflect upon the raison d’être of this detention centre. It’s a reminder of former Japanese detention centres in the US during the WWII where the Japanese were detained because their country was at war with the US. If the principle is “a suspect is innocent until proven guilty”, the US should publish the other charges against the detainees apart from being caught in Afghanistan fighting for Bin Laden. Then their trial must start.
Added: Sunday, 11 June, 2006, 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK
Many detainees in Guantanamo Bay seek suicide to achieve fame and become symbol of martyrdom. But the US had better start their trial on its soil or in an international court. The world must know the specific charge of each detainee . Keeping them in detention without trial will just tarnish the image of the US, which set itself as the champion of human rights. More suicide will cause more embarrassment and damage to the US, fuelling more suicide attacks in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Added: Tuesday, 13 June, 2006, 13:18 GMT 14:18 UK
The situation in Iraq is everybody’s responsibility. People in responsibility from top to bottom should have clean hands. All must do away with corruption and violence. The wealth of Iraq, especially, oil must equitably be shared by the Iraqis regardless of geographical situations. As Iraq is made of Shia, Sunni and Kurds, these sections should have practical autonomy within national unity. But continuing to wrangle about the style of government indefinitely will make Iraq permanently unstable.
Added: Tuesday, 13 June, 2006, 12:59 GMT 13:59 UK
Iraqis had the hard luck of being in constant crises from the start of the Iran-Iraq War, the economic embargo following Kuwait invasion by Saddam. Their economic hardship has become coupled by continuous violence, which replaced Saddam’s repressive measures. Iraqi need security. Without it, any economic project like electricity or water pipes can be vandalised by insurgents or criminals. National security can be achieved through national trust between the different sections of Iraqi society.
Many seemingly turning point events did little to change the situation in Iraq after US invasion of Iraq. Parliament setup, constitution daft and government formation didn’t yield any result yet. In the US, many people are weary of war; some had enough of news like Saddam’s capture or his trial or al- zarqawi death violence continues. So some are also tired of promises of a good future for Iraq. So Bush’s visit is a PR for morale lifting for the Iraqis government and the US troops in Iraq.
Iraqis had the hard luck of being in constant crises from the start of the Iran-Iraq War, the economic embargo following Kuwait invasion by Saddam. Their economic hardship has become coupled by continuous violence, which replaced Saddam’s repressive measures. Iraqi need security. Without it, any economic project like electricity or water pipes can be vandalised by insurgents or criminals.The situation in Iraq is everybody’s responsibility. People in responsibility from top to bottom should have clean hands. All must do away with corruption and violence. The wealth of Iraq, especially, oil must equitably be shared by the Iraqis regardless of geographical situations. National security can be achieved through national trust between the different sections of Iraqi society. As Iraq is made of Shiva, Sunni and Kurds, these sections should have practical autonomy within national unity. But continuing to wrangle about the style of government indefinitely will make Iraq permanently unstable.As we say, God helps he who helps himself. Iraqis can't continue depending utterly on outside help - foreign forces for their security or the good intentions of their neighbours. They should have good intentions towards one another and defend their security as one nation.
Iraq looked unified under Saddam through the repression of one section of the Iraqi society and the favouring of another but beneath there was tension. At present, the Sunni can't resign to the fact that they have become minor in Iraq. The Shiaa can't forget their ordeal under Saddam. All this coupled with breeding religious armed factions, it seems Iraq has a long way to go for a stable unity. It can remain in its current geographical boundaries. But the boundaries between these sections will be difficult to dismantle unless they agree to a democratic power sharing without the need for foreign intervention.
Added: Thursday, 16 March, 2006, 19:02 GMT 19:02 UK
The new American raid with such intensity shows that the situation in Iraq is far from stable. The Americans in previous raids were good at striking but the insurgents were also good at hiding and running. The problem will continue as the insurgents find ways to regroup and recruit new members. Such raids show that the American withdrawal from Iraq won't be soon as continuous insurgence give the American an excuse to stay in Iraq as long as possible.
Added: Friday, 17 March, 2006, 11:22 GMT 11:22 UK
The previous raids on insurgents failed to curb violence in Iraq, from suicide bombing to ambush and the like. The Americans can make raids on locations they suspect of harbouring terrorists but so far, they have failed to make a raid on the mind of those who are set to continue their insurgence at whatever cost, including targeting the innocent civilians. Intransigence on both sides will just prolong the instability and the suffering of Iraq, in the name of which an all out war was open.
Added: Thursday, 16 March, 2006, 22:16 GMT 22:16 UK
The Americans have so far failed to crush the insurgents .This provides the insurgents with further support from within and outside Iraq. As America was able to rally support among it allies, especially, Britain, the insurgents managed to expand their network and tactics, making it difficult for America to wipe them out once for all. The current raids can be just a military exercise with little results as the insurgents learn from previous raids how to be ready for the next ones.
The violence in Iraq has gone for a long time. The situation there is a reminder of the former situation in Lebanon during its long years of civil war. The worst scenario is when the Iraqi armed forces will turn into militias disobeying orders and carrying operations on their own in retaliation of future attacks. But as Allawi said it is not yet a non return point. The Iraqi can work out a solution for the current situation if they actively work for a united Iraq using peaceful dialogue instead of the language of explosives, bearing in mind the reality of the region to which they belong. Otherwise the situation will worsen further to the point of catastrophic consequences for the whole region.
Added: Monday, 20 March, 2006, 11:02 GMT 11:02 UK
Iraq still has a long way to go for complete stability. It has become one of the most dangerous places around the world, mainly for foreigners. During the years after the removal of Saddam from power, there were violent attacks some of them leading to instant killing of hundreds. There were kidnapping and sometimes killing of diplomats. Iraq still needs draconian security measures. As the Americans and their allies try to celebrate their presence and achievements, the insurgents make their point by further daily attacks which have become the norm in this troubled country. The only victims of such a situation are the ordinary Iraqis who are caught in the midst of these deadly confrontations.
Added: Friday, 24 March, 2006, 09:59 GMT 09:59 UK
The war in Iraq has portrayed the USA in many countries as an aggressor whose aim is for the oil for the region. But politically speaking, the USA still has the same influence in the region especially on Gulf States. Its relations with international key players like Russia and China is improving considering the economic deals. So far, very few countries have withdrawn from the coalition in Iraq. In a sense, the US foreign policy is a portrayal of common interests. It has been damaged at the public level, but at the level of relation with other governments, it’s business as usual.
From past events in Iraq, it seems difficult to predict a fast end to violence and a return to stability. The imprisonment of Saddam and some of his associates did little to stop insurgency. So did the election of a new parliament. As long as power sharing is based on majority in parliament,; that is, on sectarian affiliation –Shiaa, Sunni and Kurds- the new prime minister will have difficulty to curb sectarian violence if he can’t bring hardliners on all sides to a compromise for power sharing.
Added: Sunday, 23 April, 2006, 10:24 GMT 11:24 UK
As long as power sharing is based on majority in parliament; that is, on sectarian affiliation –Shiaa, Sunni and Kurds- the new prime minister will have difficulty to curb sectarian violence if he can’t bring hardliners on all sides to a compromise for power sharing, including religious leaders who have a big influence in Iraq. Also his government should be able to improve the living standard of the Iraqis as a way to stop the deprived Iraqis from joining armed groups or supporting them.
Added: Sunday, 7 May, 2006, 10:32 GMT 11:32 UK
The end of violence in Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqis. Using the presence of foreign forces for continuing violence is a pretext since infighting will continue with or without these forces. these can leave but the Iraqi sections –religious and political -must leave their feud aside and work democratically for a peaceful Iraq, each taking due responsibility. Otherwise, an Iraq free of foreign forces will plunge it in worse bloodshed.
Added: Sunday, 7 May, 2006, 10:32 GMT 11:32 UK
The end of violence in Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqis. Using the presence of foreign forces for continuing violence is a pretext since infighting will continue with or without these forces. these can leave but the Iraqi sections –religious and political -must leave their feud aside and work democratically for a peaceful Iraq, each taking due responsibility. Otherwise, an Iraq free of foreign forces will plunge it in worse bloodshed.
Added: Wednesday, 31 May, 2006, 13:12 GMT 14:12 UK
The British and American military presence in Iraq has been plagued by scandals from prisoners’ abuse to accidental killing of civilians in attacks on insurgents. The alleged killing of 24 civilians in Hadittha by American soldiers can stir insurgents for more deadly attacks . Instead of thinking of reducing its troops, the US may think about backup troops to deal with ongoing insurgency. The danger can be a huge popular uprising among shiaa and Sunni against American presence in Iraq.
Added: Monday, 5 June, 2006, 13:27 GMT 14:27 UK
Israeli attack on Iraq nuclear reactor 25 years ago should be seen as a proxy attack. The US couldn’t do it because of the Cold War and the turbulent situation in the Middle East. But it took Saddam 10 years to take his revenge when he sent scud missiles to Isreal in 1991, although the damage wasn’t devastating. Isreal seemed to have benefited from this attack by destroying a threatening reactor and by showing its military capability outside its borders to enemy states in the region like Syria.
Added: Monday, 5 June, 2006, 13:58 GMT 14:58 UK
Isreal is good at hitting targets, people and buildings alike, inside and outside its borders. It mounted an attack against Iraq’s nuclear reactor. It raided Abu Jihad’s home in Tunisia and killed him. So this is an opportunity for the US to ask her to destroy Iran’s nuclear installations on its behalf as it ran away with 1981 similar attack. Negotiations are long and tiring. Attacks are swift and decisive. Isreal will be glad to show the world how good it is at hit and run operations.
Added: Thursday, 8 June, 2006, 11:18 GMT 12:18 UK
Al-Zarqawi's death should be seen as winning a battle but there is still the war on terrorism that should continue. The capture of Saddam just fuelled more attacks so it is probably that Al-Zarqawi's terrorist network will try to carry out more attacks if the American and the Iraqi forces can’t get similar reliable information that led to his death, to arrest or kill those likely to carry resistance with the same force as Al-Zarqawi's did.
Added: Sunday, 11 June, 2006, 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK
Many detainees in Guantanamo Bay seek suicide to achieve fame and become symbol of martyrdom. But the US had better start their trial on its soil or in an international court. The world must know the specific charge of each detainee . Keeping them in detention without trial will just tarnish the image of the US, which set itself as the champion of human rights. More suicide will cause more embarrassment and damage to the US, fuelling more suicide attacks in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Added: Sunday, 11 June, 2006, 15:48 GMT 16:48 UK
The suicide of Guantanamo detainees should be seen a moment to reflect upon the raison d’être of this detention centre. It’s a reminder of former Japanese detention centres in the US during the WWII where the Japanese were detained because their country was at war with the US. If the principle is “a suspect is innocent until proven guilty”, the US should publish the other charges against the detainees apart from being caught in Afghanistan fighting for Bin Laden. Then their trial must start.
Added: Sunday, 11 June, 2006, 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK
Many detainees in Guantanamo Bay seek suicide to achieve fame and become symbol of martyrdom. But the US had better start their trial on its soil or in an international court. The world must know the specific charge of each detainee . Keeping them in detention without trial will just tarnish the image of the US, which set itself as the champion of human rights. More suicide will cause more embarrassment and damage to the US, fuelling more suicide attacks in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Added: Tuesday, 13 June, 2006, 13:18 GMT 14:18 UK
The situation in Iraq is everybody’s responsibility. People in responsibility from top to bottom should have clean hands. All must do away with corruption and violence. The wealth of Iraq, especially, oil must equitably be shared by the Iraqis regardless of geographical situations. As Iraq is made of Shia, Sunni and Kurds, these sections should have practical autonomy within national unity. But continuing to wrangle about the style of government indefinitely will make Iraq permanently unstable.
Added: Tuesday, 13 June, 2006, 12:59 GMT 13:59 UK
Iraqis had the hard luck of being in constant crises from the start of the Iran-Iraq War, the economic embargo following Kuwait invasion by Saddam. Their economic hardship has become coupled by continuous violence, which replaced Saddam’s repressive measures. Iraqi need security. Without it, any economic project like electricity or water pipes can be vandalised by insurgents or criminals. National security can be achieved through national trust between the different sections of Iraqi society.
Many seemingly turning point events did little to change the situation in Iraq after US invasion of Iraq. Parliament setup, constitution daft and government formation didn’t yield any result yet. In the US, many people are weary of war; some had enough of news like Saddam’s capture or his trial or al- zarqawi death violence continues. So some are also tired of promises of a good future for Iraq. So Bush’s visit is a PR for morale lifting for the Iraqis government and the US troops in Iraq.
IN CONCLUSION
Iraqis had the hard luck of being in constant crises from the start of the Iran-Iraq War, the economic embargo following Kuwait invasion by Saddam. Their economic hardship has become coupled by continuous violence, which replaced Saddam’s repressive measures. Iraqi need security. Without it, any economic project like electricity or water pipes can be vandalised by insurgents or criminals.The situation in Iraq is everybody’s responsibility. People in responsibility from top to bottom should have clean hands. All must do away with corruption and violence. The wealth of Iraq, especially, oil must equitably be shared by the Iraqis regardless of geographical situations. National security can be achieved through national trust between the different sections of Iraqi society. As Iraq is made of Shiva, Sunni and Kurds, these sections should have practical autonomy within national unity. But continuing to wrangle about the style of government indefinitely will make Iraq permanently unstable.As we say, God helps he who helps himself. Iraqis can't continue depending utterly on outside help - foreign forces for their security or the good intentions of their neighbours. They should have good intentions towards one another and defend their security as one nation.
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