Interview: Former Iraqi Prime MinisterDr. Iyad Allawi

We need to recreate Iraq
20 September 2006
Iraq’s former prime minister answers questions from Dr Ali Wajeeh

Question: The militancy is still a major problem in Iraq. Why didn’t you make a success out of your endeavour to end this ongoing violence, that also threatens Iraq's unity?

Allawi: During the period of the interim government, of which I was prime minister, militias were dismantled. Some by enforcing law, others by finding alternative solutions to their members. Irrespective of whether or not these solutions were economical, like in matters of creation of jobs or political integration into the transformation process in Iraq, the government was moving rapidly towards building non-sectarian institutions, loyal to the nation, loyal to Iraq.

I believe in dismantling militias but not getting them integrated in the army, police and law enforcement institutions. We worked very hard during the period of the governing council to create Law 91, which dismantles militias. The individual members were to join civil government departments, private sector and some following a process of rehabilitation were to be absorbed by various security and military forces. This is what we did in the interim government.

Question: Do you think it is better for Iraq to be relying on foreign powers to help it in security matters? Do you agree with the view that Iranians have penetrated Iraq?

Allawi: As far as Iran is concerned, I am not a party to information that Iran supports some of these militias. It would be extremely helpful and constructive if Iran boycotts or pressurises Iraqi leaders who advocate or command militias. This goes for other countries as well.

Question: Are you still wary of the likelihood of converting Iraq from its current structure to be a religious Shia state, as the Iranian model?

Allawi: I think there should be a new Middle East based on the principle of moderation, recognising the right for peace, stability and progress for its entire people, respecting sovereignty and not interfering in internal matters.

The region needs an arc of moderation. This arc of moderation should be economically oriented. The leaders and political forces in the region should encourage the formation of such an arc. Such a concept was in mind when I suggested the Sharm El Shiekh conference. I had initial and total support from King Abdullah of Jordan, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who kindly hosted the conference, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia (then the Crown Prince) and other leaders of the Gulf countries. There was support from Iran and Syria. Without such understanding or similar action, the region will face turbulence, and violence will continue giving way to more extremism and terrorism.

Iran should address and resolve sensitive issues in the region with its neighbours and beyond. This is in the interest of Iran on a long-term basis. There should be no big guys and small guys; there must be equal guys. This will make the region a safer place for every one including Iran. Suspicions must be obliterated. A fair regional security understanding must be established.

I am against sectarianism and don’t believe in theocratic governments. These are ingredients for disaster in our troubled region.

However, I strongly believe in our Islamic and Arab culture, tradition and values. Unfortunately, the non-existence of a solid arc or arcs of moderations is giving way to increased violence, sectarianism, extremism and terrorism.

We want the economy to be the force for moderation. As fully developed nations of the region needs a civilized bill of rights, for now, rather than full fledged democracy. Things are reversible still. However, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the test for the wills. Will we mess up or will we succeed?

Question: What do you think about the new plans which proposed federation as the best manner for Iraq? Do you think Iraq is going to be fragmented into Sunni, Shia and Kurdish states?

Allawi: No, we believe that reconciliation, rule of law and nation-building on non-sectarian basis should precede. And even considering a federation. Federalism based in the south and/or centre on a sectarian divide, God forbid, will breed trouble, violence and terrorism. It will also export itself outside Iraq. We have to recreate in Iraq a strong sense of unity, a sense of identity and a sense of nationalism, a strong feeling of belonging to Iraq regardless of ethnic or religious background. We have to recreate the integration of Iraq with its Arab and Islamic environment. This I believe will be the route towards national unity. The Kurds want a unified Iraq. They want to belong to Iraq, they do not want to be subjected to chemical warfare and genocide.

Question: About the decision of Masoud Barzani, President of Iraqi Kurdistan region, regarding adoption of a new flag instead of the Iraqi flag ... do you think it is a step towards separation? And what about your bloc in the parliament? Are you going to adopt the calls for changing Iraq’s flag?

Allawi: Mr Barazani, whom I respect, believes in what I have said. We spoke twice over telephone at length and he is going to write a letter to parliament, addressed to the five groups, explaining a way that, with honour, he will have an agreed Iraqi flag at full mast over Kurdistan. To change or not to change the flag is a decision for the parliament despite our own reservations on the elections and parliament.

Question: Why didn't you attend the sessions of the Iraqi parliament? Was Speakership an issue?

Allawi: It is not a matter of Speakership, it is a matter of a parlaiment based on a sectarian division. The government has to have a structured view on how to move forward; so is national unity and reconciliation. We need to recreate Iraq out of this mess. We need a structured view on how to move forward with national unity and reconciliation. We need to recreate Iraq.

Question: What about the national reconciliation initiative which was released by the current Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki?

Allawi: Reconciliation is a process of building trust, ensuring equal rights for citizens, and ensuring rule of law and justice for all. Reconciliation is not a slogan or a word. It is deeds. We support Maliki’s initiative but we want to see action. We need to know more importantly who is reconciling with whom (apart from terrorists who should be dealt with fiercely)?

Why debaathfication is still ongoing? Why are militias ruling the streets? What is the policy on insurgency? I encountered some extreme insurgents. Some are not insurgents anymore and are in government. Those who refused to negotiate were dealt with and removed from the streets further securing our cities.

Question: What is the future of Iraq? Do you think Iraq can settle down without the Ba’ath cadres? Do you think Iraq might be vulnerable to a coup?

Allawi: Not yet, the government has to decide. It must establish a police. Here again deeds are of the essence. Amongst the issue of causing grave consequences to Iraq is the application of debaathification. Coups are null and void and are finished in the Middle East as a phenomena that have coloured politics in the region in the forties to the ninetees of the last century. Coups are bad and counter-productive. It cannot happen.

A military unit that rebels will not only face the Iraqi army and police but also the multinational forces and militias too. Some Baathists I spoke to in the presence of senior representatives from the coalition said that they deplore coups and conspiracies and they want to be part of the political process as people.

Now sectarianism is proving to be even deadlier than coups, so here you are. However, I think this vicious accusation is a pretext for more purges and excuses for militias to remain controlling the country.

Question: Corruption in Iraq has reached unbelievable levels. Who do you think is behind such corruption and for how long do you think Iraqis will bear the deterioration in all fields of life in Iraq?

Allawi: Corruption is a phenomenon that has existed in varying magnitudes, and as law and order prevails, as more national non-sectarian institutions are built, the more the economy is liberalised to the benefit of the people, the less will be the corruption.