An Update On ISIS Activities

An Interview with the Iraqi Ambassador to Turkey

The strains in relations between Baghdad and Ankara that first appeared when Turkey dispatched troops to Bashiqa in December 2015 have been escalated further with talk of Ankara possibly following up on its Euphrates operation with one in Mosul. In the very midst of this tension, Iraqi Ambassador Hisham Al-Alawi has voiced his opposition to any operation that Turkey might stage. Al-Alawi, who was appointed to Ankara four months ago, has spoken for the first time to Cumhuriyet.

Daesh Daily comment. We thank our friend in Turkey for translating this interview.

The Ambassador replied as follows to Cumhuriyet questions:

 

-Can you share your impressions following the attempted coup?

I was greatly impressed by the way the Turkish people defended their democracy and democratic institutions and poured onto the streets in a display of opposition. In my view, democracy is very important for both Turkish society and also any society. A further positive development was the reaction displayed by the political parties: They put aside their differences, came together and worked in coordination with the government. And I think this unity was important in reconstructing peace and stability. Turkey is regarded as being an important country when it has to play a role in solving certain conflicts in the region – and this includes both Syria and the fight against terrorism.

 

-What is that latest situation in Bashiqa?

The tension has yet to be dispelled. Especially in the past few weeks, there have been various comments and interviews that have raised the level of tension even further. For the four months since my arrival here I have tried to avoid tension of this nature. Turkey has a complex relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and it needs to be analyzed in detail. The Iraqi government is working with the KRG and is determined to resolve the differences between us. They undoubtedly have important potential contributions to make in terms of exporting petrol and gas through Ceyhan and militarily in terms of fighting Daesh. But, we do not believe it is correct for Turkey to engage in direct contact with the regional government or former officials in the Ninawa governorate

 

-Who are you referring to?

As you know, there have been recent visits. Masoud Barzani and Al-Nujaifi were here. For instance, Al-Nujaifi came without consulting the Iraqi government.

 

-So, I sense that there are no direct channels between the two governments?

There have been a number of meetings recently but these did not end in a solution to the problems in the manner we would have wished for. We must undoubtedly reinvigorate these dialogues. Maybe we should take them onto an even higher level. To this end, I am pushing for our Foreign Minister to visit Turkey. We tried to get him to come on the seventh of September but your Foreign Minister was not here. I am now waiting for a date to be proposed. It is important for the two governments to enter into direct contact at the highest level. The two ministers had the opportunity to speak when they were in Venezuela for the Non-Aligned Movement. Unfortunately, there were no discussions between our Prime-Minister and Erdoğan when they were in New York.

 

-Was a proposal forthcoming from anybody?

Our Prime-Minister was not happy with the final announcements that were made and so made no such proposal. Our government is very keen for there to be contacts at the highest level and to work with Turkey at the highest level so as to resolve these issues. I am convinced that the more quickly these matters are resolved the better these relations will be.

 

-But, is there division within the Iraqi armed forces?

This is now all in the past. Looking forward, you have to take the positive developments of the past eighteen months into account. Look at the way our security forces have liberated Anbar or Salahuddin, or Shirqat District a few days ago. We have full confidence in our ability to regain control of Mosul in a fairly short space of time. But, what we need is to reach agreement on how we will manage the situation following a successful operation. For this reason, it is important to include local people in the process.

 

-Does this mean you are telling Turkey to keep away from Mosul and to come during the construction process?

Not only with reference to the operation. We need to work together in post-operation process. We strongly intend to re-establish control over the region and Mosul. But we want to do this with the least possible damage and loss. And, following a successful operation, we want to work together to rebuild the city.

 

-In other words, you are saying that those stationed in Bashiqa should not assume a role in the operation?

We believe that this would most certainly not be in Iraq’s or the region’s interests. We will be delighted to receive any air support that the coalition provides. We will be delighted to receive any training, equipment, intelligence sharing or consultancy that our friends may give, but, when it comes to military units in the theater, we do not believe this will be in the region’s interests.

 

-How do you assess Turkey’s Jarabulus operation? Are you concerned?

Our experiences in Iraq show that foreign military interventions in a country can lead to negative consequences. We saw this clearly in Iraq in various forms in 1991 and 2003. If we come to the conflict in Syria, we most certainly support the Syrian people’s just struggle to attain greater accountability and a democratic system. But, I said from the very outset that foreign intervention will not be in Syria’s or other countries’ interests.

 

-In that case, what will come of the fight against terrorism?

When matters come to the fight against terrorism, the countries in the region can cooperate in a number of ways; they can maximize their efforts in the war against Daesh and Al-Nusra. But, this must be done in a manner that accords with international law. UN resolutions must be abided by and other governments in the region must be consulted.

 

-Are you proposing cooperation with Turkey over the PKK?

In order to create a positive environment and mutual trust, we must fully resolve the Bashiqa issue. This is needed for us to cooperate more as far as the PKK and Daesh are concerned.

 

-Are you proposing a new treaty for fighting terrorism?

A new treaty that will consolidate the two country’s joint efforts in fighting terrorism. It is insufficient to speak of the PKK alone; this treaty must for sure designate Daesh and other threats. Speaking of the military presence in Bashiqa, this is not only a cause of tension between the two countries; it prevents us from working more closely and effectively in the interests of security and fighting terrorism.

 

-But, Turkey has announced that it will not leave the region.

They can make all the announcements they like, but they must come to the full realization that this will result in an increase in tension between the two countries and will make us less inclined to cooperate in the fight against terrorism in this troubled part of the world.

 

-What contribution have those stationed in Bashiqa made in the fight against Daesh?

The Iraqi government has made clear from the outset that Turkey’s military presence in Bashiqa makes no positive contribution whatsoever to the fight against Daesh.

 

-I understand that you have conveyed your concerns over Mr Erdoğan’s pronouncements and Bashiqa to the Foreign Ministry.

We get this message across in a variety of ways each time we meet.