BAGHDAD, June 20- Iraq’s leader faced mounting criticism Friday for his Shiite-led government’s failure to do more to woo the Sunni Arab minority as US President Barack Obama promised military advisers but no immediate air strikes.
Top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, revered among Iraq’s majority community, warned that time was running out to expel the jihadists, who have spearheaded the offensive that has seen Sunni Arab militants seize a vast swathe of northern and north-central Iraq.
Obama, who based his political career on ending US involvement in Iraq, insisted the United States was not slipping back into the morass, and warned Prime Minister Nuri al Maliki and his Shiite ally Iran that promoting sectarianism would spell disaster.
Tehran hit back, saying that Obama lacked a “serious will” to fight terrorism after he left unheeded a request from Baghdad for US air strikes against the militants.
The assault, led by the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group but also involving loyalists of executed Sunni Arab dictator Saddam Hussein, has further threatened Washington’s already damaged legacy in Iraq.
“Going forward, we will be prepared to take targeted and precise military action if and when we determine that the situation on the ground requires it,” Obama said on Thursday, as he announced the offer of up to 300 military advisers.
The offer was the most concrete action announced by Washington since the crisis erupted on June 9 but fell short of Iraq’s request for air strikes and drew derision from Iran, which had offered its cooperation despite decades of enmity.
“Delaying the fight against terrorism and ISIL and putting conditions on it have fuelled suspicions and doubts about the United States’ objectives in Iraq,” Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said.
“Obama’s comments show the White House lacks serious will in fighting terrorism in Iraq and the region.”
Top cleric Sistani called for Iraqis to band together against the jihadists before it is too late.
If ISIL is not “fought and expelled from Iraq, everyone will regret it tomorrow, when regret has no meaning,” his spokesman announced on his behalf.
- ‘We need American support’ -
The battle for the strategic northern town of Tal Afar entered its sixth day on Friday, with witnesses saying security forces clashed with militants who still hold significant ground.
Shiite majority Tal Afar is located along a strategic corridor to Syria, and is the largest town not to fall to militants in the northern province of Nineveh, most of which has been overrun.
The crew of an Iraqi gunship apparently mistook a police patrol for militants early Friday in the town of Dhuluiyah, north of the capital, opening fire and killing a woman, officials and a witness said.
A senior officer told AFP that Iraq needs US help.
“We need American support to stop terrorism and eliminate it especially through air strikes against specific targets,” the army lieutenant general said on condition of anonymity.
“The large capabilities that the US has will help to raise the fighting abilities and the morale of the fighters,” the officer said.
But Obama insisted on Thursday that there will be no return of US combat troops to Iraq, where Washington waged a bloody and costly war for nearly nine years before withdrawing in late 2011.
“American forces will not be returning to combat in Iraq,” Obama said.
“But we will help Iraqis as they take the fight to terrorists who threaten the Iraqi people, the region and American interests as well.”
Washington has already positioned an aircraft carrier in the Gulf and is also considering using drone strikes against the militants.
Senior US officials said privately that special forces being sent to advise Iraqi forces could also be used to call in air strikes if necessary.
Military officials confirmed that US forces were already flying F-18 warplanes and unmanned surveillance flights over Iraq.
- Criticism of PM -
The crisis in Iraq has raised questions over whether Maliki, who is seeking to retain the premiership after an April 30 general election, will continue in office.
US Vice President Joe Biden, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Martin Dempsey and David Petraeus, the former top US commander in Iraq, have all either called for Maliki to be more inclusive, or outright criticised him.
Obama said Thursday that Maliki’s actions could dictate the fate of the country, amid a growing feeling in Washington that the Iraqi leader would do best by moving on.
“The test is before him and other Iraqi leaders as we speak,” Obama said, calling for an end to mistrust, deep sectarian divides and political opportunism.
Former US ambassador to Baghdad James Jeffrey said there has been a “definite uptick” in Washington’s criticism of Maliki.
“Everybody is a bit at fault in Iraq on the sectarian thing, but Maliki over time did become more” sectarian, said Jeffrey, who left the post in mid 2012.
“He just isn’t the solution to a unified Iraq.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, revered among Iraq’s majority community, warned that time was running out to expel the jihadists, who have spearheaded the offensive that has seen Sunni Arab militants seize a vast swathe of northern and north-central Iraq.
Obama, who based his political career on ending US involvement in Iraq, insisted the United States was not slipping back into the morass, and warned Prime Minister Nuri al Maliki and his Shiite ally Iran that promoting sectarianism would spell disaster.
Tehran hit back, saying that Obama lacked a “serious will” to fight terrorism after he left unheeded a request from Baghdad for US air strikes against the militants.
The assault, led by the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group but also involving loyalists of executed Sunni Arab dictator Saddam Hussein, has further threatened Washington’s already damaged legacy in Iraq.
“Going forward, we will be prepared to take targeted and precise military action if and when we determine that the situation on the ground requires it,” Obama said on Thursday, as he announced the offer of up to 300 military advisers.
The offer was the most concrete action announced by Washington since the crisis erupted on June 9 but fell short of Iraq’s request for air strikes and drew derision from Iran, which had offered its cooperation despite decades of enmity.
“Delaying the fight against terrorism and ISIL and putting conditions on it have fuelled suspicions and doubts about the United States’ objectives in Iraq,” Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said.
“Obama’s comments show the White House lacks serious will in fighting terrorism in Iraq and the region.”
Top cleric Sistani called for Iraqis to band together against the jihadists before it is too late.
If ISIL is not “fought and expelled from Iraq, everyone will regret it tomorrow, when regret has no meaning,” his spokesman announced on his behalf.
- ‘We need American support’ -
The battle for the strategic northern town of Tal Afar entered its sixth day on Friday, with witnesses saying security forces clashed with militants who still hold significant ground.
Shiite majority Tal Afar is located along a strategic corridor to Syria, and is the largest town not to fall to militants in the northern province of Nineveh, most of which has been overrun.
The crew of an Iraqi gunship apparently mistook a police patrol for militants early Friday in the town of Dhuluiyah, north of the capital, opening fire and killing a woman, officials and a witness said.
A senior officer told AFP that Iraq needs US help.
“We need American support to stop terrorism and eliminate it especially through air strikes against specific targets,” the army lieutenant general said on condition of anonymity.
“The large capabilities that the US has will help to raise the fighting abilities and the morale of the fighters,” the officer said.
But Obama insisted on Thursday that there will be no return of US combat troops to Iraq, where Washington waged a bloody and costly war for nearly nine years before withdrawing in late 2011.
“American forces will not be returning to combat in Iraq,” Obama said.
“But we will help Iraqis as they take the fight to terrorists who threaten the Iraqi people, the region and American interests as well.”
Washington has already positioned an aircraft carrier in the Gulf and is also considering using drone strikes against the militants.
Senior US officials said privately that special forces being sent to advise Iraqi forces could also be used to call in air strikes if necessary.
Military officials confirmed that US forces were already flying F-18 warplanes and unmanned surveillance flights over Iraq.
- Criticism of PM -
The crisis in Iraq has raised questions over whether Maliki, who is seeking to retain the premiership after an April 30 general election, will continue in office.
US Vice President Joe Biden, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Martin Dempsey and David Petraeus, the former top US commander in Iraq, have all either called for Maliki to be more inclusive, or outright criticised him.
Obama said Thursday that Maliki’s actions could dictate the fate of the country, amid a growing feeling in Washington that the Iraqi leader would do best by moving on.
“The test is before him and other Iraqi leaders as we speak,” Obama said, calling for an end to mistrust, deep sectarian divides and political opportunism.
Former US ambassador to Baghdad James Jeffrey said there has been a “definite uptick” in Washington’s criticism of Maliki.
“Everybody is a bit at fault in Iraq on the sectarian thing, but Maliki over time did become more” sectarian, said Jeffrey, who left the post in mid 2012.
“He just isn’t the solution to a unified Iraq.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Yesterday at 8:27 am by Rocky
» utube 5/19/24 BRICS to Open a Central Bank Iraqs Relationship to BRICS Exchange Rate Up
Yesterday at 7:30 am by Rocky
» utube 5/18/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar - Iraq Central Bank - IMF - UNAMI - World Bank - Key Votes Tabled -
Yesterday at 7:15 am by Rocky
» Floating the Iraqi dinar A solution to fill the "gap" of its turbulent price against the dollar
Yesterday at 7:08 am by wciappetta
» Kanna: The Constitutional Amendments Committee was completely marginalized for two reasons
Yesterday at 7:06 am by Rocky
» The repercussions of the Ukrainian company continue.. Is Iraq facing a real economic disaster?
Yesterday at 7:01 am by Rocky
» A government body sends an invitation to the Central Bank regarding the Hajj dollar
Yesterday at 7:00 am by Rocky
» Pessimism surrounds the electricity situation during the summer: the suffering will be repeated and
Yesterday at 6:58 am by Rocky
» Presidency of Parliament is Haqq Anbari.. Why does “Progress” stand against this entitlement? - Urge
Yesterday at 6:55 am by Rocky
» Bloomberg: Iraq achieves sufficiency in diesel fuel and stops importing it
Yesterday at 6:53 am by Rocky
» Hajj calls on the Central Bank to direct banks to open their doors to pilgrims to exchange dollars
Yesterday at 6:50 am by Rocky
» In an extraordinary session...the Council of Ministers votes today on the budget schedules
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Khanjar: Parliament members presented a chaotic model that does not befit Iraq
Yesterday at 6:47 am by Rocky
» The President of the Republic told NATO: The Iraqi army has the readiness to face security challenge
Yesterday at 6:46 am by Rocky
» List of countries exporting most goods and services in the world.. What is Iraq’s rank?
Yesterday at 6:44 am by Rocky
» The General Tax Authority initiates a package of reforms to achieve “two goals”
Yesterday at 6:42 am by Rocky
» A Jordanian minister reveals "significant" coordination with Iraq and talks about smuggling operatio
Yesterday at 6:41 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese confirms to his Kuwaiti counterpart the depth of the two countries’ relations and the s
Yesterday at 6:38 am by Rocky
» With documents... Finance publishes controls that concern the segment of employees, including promot
Yesterday at 6:35 am by Rocky
» A female representative explains the government’s ambition to reach the production of 8 million barr
Yesterday at 5:31 am by Rocky
» Next month... a major conference to announce 8 cities as investment opportunities
Yesterday at 5:30 am by Rocky
» The presence movement: Iran urged Barzani to participate in the region’s elections
Yesterday at 5:28 am by Rocky
» In a strange incident, they disowned him because of Al-Halbousi’s anger at him
Yesterday at 5:26 am by Rocky
» Race for the Presidency of Parliament.. The Sunni conflict is worsening
Yesterday at 5:25 am by Rocky
» Responding to the challenge to the constitutionality of the seat distribution system in the provinci
Yesterday at 5:25 am by Rocky
» Demanding an increase in the allocations for two ministries in the current year’s budget
Yesterday at 5:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Finance: Employee salaries amounted to 8 and a half trillion
Yesterday at 5:23 am by Rocky
» In the amount of 10 million... an Iraqi government bank begins granting loans to married couples
Yesterday at 5:20 am by Rocky
» Hajj and Umrah Authority: Iraqi banks refrain from receiving pilgrims
Yesterday at 5:19 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Electricity calls for mobilizing energies in preparation for the upcoming summer sea
Yesterday at 5:17 am by Rocky
» The United Nations Development Program approves the electronic payment services system in Iraq
Yesterday at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Iraqi oil exports to America declined within a week
Yesterday at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary praise for the government’s plans to implement projects to solve the housing crisis
Yesterday at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Has the government succeeded in controlling crowding by changing working hours?
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» “Ali is not compensated with money, but I demand my rights.” An Iraqi sues a British oil company for
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Planning: The pilot census will start on the 26th of this month
Yesterday at 5:09 am by Rocky
» A project to develop a climate investment plan in Iraq
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Parliament awaits “budget schedules”
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Parliament: Infrastructure is the most important challenge of the housing crisis
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Announcing 8 cities as investment opportunities
Yesterday at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Minister of Health: We are proceeding with a project to manage modern hospitals by specialized compa
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi initiative to ban the political exploitation of religions
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» 70% completion of the Kompsan Dam in Erbil
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Paying off external debt is a step to promote stability and recovery
Yesterday at 4:59 am by Rocky
» An economic forum discusses business opportunities with Islamic countries
Yesterday at 4:57 am by Rocky
» More than one billion dollars in sales from the Central Bank of Iraq within a week
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Pakistan and its economic challenges
Yesterday at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Economic researchers emphasize promoting the culture of electronic payment
Yesterday at 4:54 am by Rocky
» The events in Parliament were “intended”... A politician accuses “Taqaddum” of preventing a figure f
Yesterday at 4:51 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court rejects the challenge to the constitutionality of a text in the seat distribution
Yesterday at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Primitive management of waste and medical waste in Baghdad... another danger threatening the populat
Yesterday at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Discrimination in projects and allocations.. The National Union complains of the injustice of Sulaym
Yesterday at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Parliament “claims confusion” despite the clarity of the interpretation of federalism.. What is the
Yesterday at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Khashan demands that Parliament terminate Haibat Al-Halbousi’s membership after he disrupted the pre
Yesterday at 4:44 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani will visit Doha tomorrow to participate in the World Security Forum
Yesterday at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s fears and ambitions waste the entitlement of the Sunni component: Parliament events ar
Yesterday at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Transition to modern agriculture.. Parliament reveals financial allocations to purchase 11,000 “spri
Yesterday at 4:40 am by Rocky
» Iraq “negotiates” Erbil over the passage of the Al-Faw train and awaits a meeting with Turkey and th
Yesterday at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Türkiye builds the “carrot” and Iran diverts the rivers.. An Iraqi expert discusses “the weakness of
Yesterday at 4:37 am by Rocky
» To facilitate the movement of goods transport.. Al-Dakhil directs the opening of Mosul - Dohuk contr
Yesterday at 4:35 am by Rocky
» “Siemens will keep pace with Iraqi electricity.” The Ambassador: Iraqis requested bribes from German
Yesterday at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Services will enter 13 areas.. Al-Zubair will convert heavy sewage into fertilizers.. and infrastruc
Yesterday at 4:33 am by Rocky
» Representative regarding what happened during today’s session: an insult to the legislative institut
Yesterday at 4:31 am by Rocky
» Parliament is “perplexed” and will take a month with the tables: the budget has increased and the op
Yesterday at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Where has the legal battle between the Iraqi "Jaloud" and the British company "BP" reached?
Yesterday at 4:27 am by Rocky
» A government plan to raise the price of refining oil.. Will the refineries lose, or will the price o
Yesterday at 4:25 am by Rocky
» The Hajj Authority calls on the Central Bank to direct banks to open their doors to pilgrims
Yesterday at 4:24 am by Rocky
» Martyrs Foundation: Thousands of mass graves in Iraq will not be opened yet
Yesterday at 4:21 am by Rocky
» Sadiqoun is betting on resolving the parliamentary presidency issue today...a fourth and fifth round
Yesterday at 4:19 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives adjourns its session until further notice
Yesterday at 4:18 am by Rocky
» utube 5/16/24 MM&C Al-Sudani - Political Week - Progress Internationally
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:59 am by Rocky
» Calls to include local oil and electricity sales in the general budget
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:50 am by Rocky
» Al Rasheed Bank issues instructions to facilitate the issuance of replacement cards for bank card ho
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:47 am by Rocky
» Internal debt rises to 79 trillion in 2024.. What is the relationship between spending and loans?
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:44 am by Rocky
» Members of Parliament head to the Great Hall to initiate procedures for electing the president
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:38 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives concludes the report and discussion of the draft law on public holidays
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:37 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives votes to extend its legislative term for 30 days
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:36 am by Rocky
» A Canadian company is “unable” to dismiss its director authorized to protect Baghdad Airport: Iraq i
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:34 am by Rocky
» Economic Institution: The value of China's exports to Iraq increased by 93% in 10 years
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:31 am by Rocky
» The Presidency of Parliament decided to devote today’s session to electing the president only
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:29 am by Rocky
» In the presence of 183 deputies...the House of Representatives holds its session
Sat 18 May 2024, 7:28 am by Rocky
» Al-Kadhimi hints at the possibility of postponing the session to elect the Speaker of Parliament
Sat 18 May 2024, 5:09 am by Rocky
» The regional government announces the payment of employees' salaries via “My Account”
Sat 18 May 2024, 5:07 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Transport reviews the details of the development road and Al-Faw Grand Port projects
Sat 18 May 2024, 5:05 am by Rocky
» Istanbul will host expanded Turkish/Arab economic meetings at the beginning of next month
Sat 18 May 2024, 5:03 am by Rocky
» Customs sets the date for collecting tax amounts electronically and sets a condition
Sat 18 May 2024, 5:02 am by Rocky
» Sudanese agrees to support pilgrims with an amount of 39 billion dinars to reduce the cost of Hajj
Sat 18 May 2024, 5:00 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese advisor clarifies the discussion of budget schedules in the extraordinary session of th
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:59 am by Rocky
» Most of the framework and the Kurdistan Democratic Party will vote for Al-Mashhadani as Speaker of P
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:55 am by Rocky
» A deputy considers the movement of Turkish forces inside Iraqi territory an occupation
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:53 am by Rocky
» Directing the Ministry of Finance to spend drug law implementation budgets
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:52 am by Rocky
» A parliamentary movement to resolve the fate of holding private wards
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:51 am by Rocky
» A member of a legal movement calling for accelerating the amendment of Article 57
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:49 am by Rocky
» A parliamentary effort to gain ownership of the trespassers and slum owners
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:48 am by Rocky
» There is a consensus on deciding the presidency of Parliament today, and the balance is tilted towar
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:47 am by Rocky
» The price of the dollar is witnessing a slight increase in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:46 am by Rocky
» Behind the scenes of electronic blackmail in Iraq... “A good hacker,” “blackmailing spouses,” and se
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:44 am by Rocky
» The coordination framework supports Al-Sadr: We will pass the “Eid Al-Ghadir” holiday today
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:42 am by Rocky
» The session to elect the Speaker of Parliament... intense meetings and fears of its failure due to “
Sat 18 May 2024, 4:41 am by Rocky