Act for Peace in Iraq: It is already Too Late
Rizwan Ghani
May 05, 2007
Rice should help Bush play his part to take hard decision to end Iraq crisis and (as Rice said) in turn also secure America. It is already too late. The comity of nations has reciprocated overwhelmingly to Rice's call and done its bid by pledging funds and moral support.
Rice extended her hand to the world to bring peace to Iraq. And there was overwhelming response by sixty countries and organizations. It shows that international community is keen to play its part to reach a common ground to bring peace in Iraq, help US withdraw and secure the region.
The conference once again showed that “cards are on the table” in terms of positions of the countries, US stance and regional demands. What is the need of the hour is hard decisions.
As a good will gesture according to unconfirmed reports international community has pledged some 30 billion dollars to help rebuild Iraq in response to US and Iraq calls. Comparing total of 9 billion US allocation out of billions spent on Iraq war it is a big number.
Now the ball lies in US court to bring an end to Iraq war. Rice “scare the ME to cooperate with US to bring peace in Iraq or else” tactics may soon run out of steam because region is already in a turmoil for last 40 years due to Arab-Israel standoff war, two Lebanon wars and regular attacks against Palestine.
In wake of the Iraq conference in Sharm Al-Sheikh an American diplomat has supported two approaches; “exclusive” and “inclusive” to restore peace in Iraq.
In simple undiplomatic terms this is the outcome of the conference to bring peace in Iraq.
Within the country Malki govt. should be replaced. It is opined that his govt. is “looking for revenge” and lacks a reconciliation vision. Allegations of removal of sixteen high ranking military and security officers for observing balanced approach due to the influence of powerful sectarian leader has further undermined Malki’s neutrality.
It has prompted question about future of country’s political direction. And the role of America in Iraq while revenge strategy and other unlawful activities are being supported right under its nose starting from Malki down to security leadership. There has been strong calls for immediate disbanding of militias to end death and destruction.
Experts with long standing experience of ME politics believe that Malki is a compromise PM therefore he is unable to control undemocratic policies continuing under his watch that are pushing the country towards division and resulting in precious loss of lives and time.
Head of Iraqi reconciliation commission has asked for immediate replacement of Malki govt. with liberal government to help implements country’s constitution and bring disenfranchised on board including minorities and bathists as part of reconciliation process to restore peace and stability in the country.
Under the circumstances, Malki’s request to allow Iraqi security forces to take over country’s security should only be implemented once a liberal government is put in place through admissible political process to avoid unlawful killings in step with past practices.
In addition to debathification, improvement of security, restoration of basic services to pre-war levels, equally important is the finalization of hydro-carbon bill ensuring just distribution of wealth from natural resources to bring on board all Iraqis in a political dialogue to restore security and peace within the country.
At the international level the missed US-Iran meeting opportunity has received mixed reviews. Iran has failed to clarify its position in terms of allegations about its interference in Iraq. Iranian FM on his end has blamed US for current Iraq situation.
Iran by sealing its border can lift atmosphere of uncertainty looming over its alleged role in the Iraq war. In terms of its nuclear programme it should continue its cooperation with EU and keep observing NPT protocols.
There are no two opinion that friendly Iran is part of regional approach to restore peace and stability in Iraq. And Gulf States by supporting peaceful nuclear programme of Iran have maintained their support for Iran.
Experts however opine that there was a contact between high-level staff on both sides and there may be some breakthrough in two to three weeks time. But American failure to release five Iranian diplomats despite release of an American held in Iran has cast doubts over possible expected breakthrough in coming days.
In terms of Syria despite meeting Rice’s denial for a customary photo has not gone well. The reports that Syria has been asked to seal its border, stop support for Hamas and Hezbollah and extend cooperation with UN Harri commission show that there is not much change in US stance since the days of Collin Powel.
It is opined that Syria will be willing to be part of international Iraq stabilization process provided there is progress on outstanding territorial issue with Israel.
International community on the other hand has maintained that without a US troop withdrawal schedule and resolving Palestine issue in line with UN Resolutions and Arab plan things will not improve. Iraqi govt. itself is not reaching out to its neighbors, something that is acting as a drag.
The meeting has not brought something new to the Iraq situation. Rice’s failure to show any flexibility in occupation strategy including troop withdrawal schedule and failure to give clear benchmarks for Malki govt. to restore peace, end violence through across the board political engagement has “disappointed” expectations over Iraq.
Similarly, there still there is no deadline for finalization of hydro-carbon law and with little transparency about its details there are little expectations. Due to lack of clarity on the issue even Russia reportedly is reviewing its support for Iraq situation.
There is no denying the fact that Malki and his govt. has failed to assert. Iraqis have little confidence in their security forces that are allegedly infiltrated by the local militia and have been involved in unauthorized activities including murders.
His govt. has failed to control the militia and serve across board in light of its constitutional obligations. Few believe that Malki’s pledge to end militias will go beyond rhetoric that is only there to get financial aid from international community. On ground Malki has no option but to follow sectarian agenda. Something that has been there for long as highlighted in reports of sacking of 18 generals and other security officials who acted “neutral” in their duties instead of following sectarian agenda
Under the circumstances America as an occupier in addition to be part of problem is now considered as supporter of unlawful excesses committed by Malki govt. that in addition to pushing country towards deeper divisions is deeply affecting already waning US standing in the country, region and Muslim world. It has adversely affected public perception about democracy and its supporters.
To undo this perception time is running out for Bush regime. It is opined that in step with calls by Iraqi reconciliation commission for replacement of current Iraqi leadership following revenge agenda with a balanced genuine liberal leaders peace could be a reality. Otherwise, also Malki lacks political support to take strong decisions in national interest. Something that Ayad Allawi former Iraqi leader has already pointed out.
Gov. Richardson as a democrat has given a three pronged strategy that is based on achieving internal reconciliation, regional approach and international cooperation. It is time to fine tune the same to overcome core divisive issues besetting Iraq for positive results.
Iraq situation needs concrete steps and if experts opine that like Bush policies Malki govt. has also become part of the problem it is time for political and strategic change in Iraq to keep the country united and restore peace. And in this respect troop withdrawal schedule and resolution of Palestine problem are important to win wholesome support of international community including Gulf States and the neighboring Iraqi countries.
Any political set up that fails to protect its citizens in accordance to national constitution has no moral right to stay in power. Malki has failed to protect Iraqis since long. It is therefore time for change in Iraq. Any delay on part of Bush regime will further blur the distinction between the two.
To push for concrete changes in Iraq to restore peace in all probability international community should release funds in accordance to enforcement of pledges by Baghdad in terms of debathification, jobs, restoration of basic services, security situation ,bring disenfranchised minorities into mainstream power sharing process and dissolution of militia.
It has been opined that Sharm Al-Sheikh Iraq conference is not the last conference on the issue. There will be more. However, despite little visible progress the consensus on problem areas show that a common ground is there and in politics nothing is eternal. Things change and history shows at time progress comes at such a pace that it is hard to keep pace with it.
Therefore, by taking right steps world can always restore peace in Iraq. Now, Rice should help Bush play his part to take hard decision to end Iraq crisis and (as Rice said) in turn also secure America. It is already too late. The comity of nations has reciprocated overwhelmingly to Rice's call and done its bid by pledging funds and moral support.
Rice extended her hand to the world to bring peace to Iraq. And there was overwhelming response by sixty countries and organizations. It shows that international community is keen to play its part to reach a common ground to bring peace in Iraq, help US withdraw and secure the region.
The conference once again showed that “cards are on the table” in terms of positions of the countries, US stance and regional demands. What is the need of the hour is hard decisions.
As a good will gesture according to unconfirmed reports international community has pledged some 30 billion dollars to help rebuild Iraq in response to US and Iraq calls. Comparing total of 9 billion US allocation out of billions spent on Iraq war it is a big number.
Now the ball lies in US court to bring an end to Iraq war. Rice “scare the ME to cooperate with US to bring peace in Iraq or else” tactics may soon run out of steam because region is already in a turmoil for last 40 years due to Arab-Israel standoff war, two Lebanon wars and regular attacks against Palestine.
In wake of the Iraq conference in Sharm Al-Sheikh an American diplomat has supported two approaches; “exclusive” and “inclusive” to restore peace in Iraq.
In simple undiplomatic terms this is the outcome of the conference to bring peace in Iraq.
Within the country Malki govt. should be replaced. It is opined that his govt. is “looking for revenge” and lacks a reconciliation vision. Allegations of removal of sixteen high ranking military and security officers for observing balanced approach due to the influence of powerful sectarian leader has further undermined Malki’s neutrality.
It has prompted question about future of country’s political direction. And the role of America in Iraq while revenge strategy and other unlawful activities are being supported right under its nose starting from Malki down to security leadership. There has been strong calls for immediate disbanding of militias to end death and destruction.
Experts with long standing experience of ME politics believe that Malki is a compromise PM therefore he is unable to control undemocratic policies continuing under his watch that are pushing the country towards division and resulting in precious loss of lives and time.
Head of Iraqi reconciliation commission has asked for immediate replacement of Malki govt. with liberal government to help implements country’s constitution and bring disenfranchised on board including minorities and bathists as part of reconciliation process to restore peace and stability in the country.
Under the circumstances, Malki’s request to allow Iraqi security forces to take over country’s security should only be implemented once a liberal government is put in place through admissible political process to avoid unlawful killings in step with past practices.
In addition to debathification, improvement of security, restoration of basic services to pre-war levels, equally important is the finalization of hydro-carbon bill ensuring just distribution of wealth from natural resources to bring on board all Iraqis in a political dialogue to restore security and peace within the country.
At the international level the missed US-Iran meeting opportunity has received mixed reviews. Iran has failed to clarify its position in terms of allegations about its interference in Iraq. Iranian FM on his end has blamed US for current Iraq situation.
Iran by sealing its border can lift atmosphere of uncertainty looming over its alleged role in the Iraq war. In terms of its nuclear programme it should continue its cooperation with EU and keep observing NPT protocols.
There are no two opinion that friendly Iran is part of regional approach to restore peace and stability in Iraq. And Gulf States by supporting peaceful nuclear programme of Iran have maintained their support for Iran.
Experts however opine that there was a contact between high-level staff on both sides and there may be some breakthrough in two to three weeks time. But American failure to release five Iranian diplomats despite release of an American held in Iran has cast doubts over possible expected breakthrough in coming days.
In terms of Syria despite meeting Rice’s denial for a customary photo has not gone well. The reports that Syria has been asked to seal its border, stop support for Hamas and Hezbollah and extend cooperation with UN Harri commission show that there is not much change in US stance since the days of Collin Powel.
It is opined that Syria will be willing to be part of international Iraq stabilization process provided there is progress on outstanding territorial issue with Israel.
International community on the other hand has maintained that without a US troop withdrawal schedule and resolving Palestine issue in line with UN Resolutions and Arab plan things will not improve. Iraqi govt. itself is not reaching out to its neighbors, something that is acting as a drag.
The meeting has not brought something new to the Iraq situation. Rice’s failure to show any flexibility in occupation strategy including troop withdrawal schedule and failure to give clear benchmarks for Malki govt. to restore peace, end violence through across the board political engagement has “disappointed” expectations over Iraq.
Similarly, there still there is no deadline for finalization of hydro-carbon law and with little transparency about its details there are little expectations. Due to lack of clarity on the issue even Russia reportedly is reviewing its support for Iraq situation.
There is no denying the fact that Malki and his govt. has failed to assert. Iraqis have little confidence in their security forces that are allegedly infiltrated by the local militia and have been involved in unauthorized activities including murders.
His govt. has failed to control the militia and serve across board in light of its constitutional obligations. Few believe that Malki’s pledge to end militias will go beyond rhetoric that is only there to get financial aid from international community. On ground Malki has no option but to follow sectarian agenda. Something that has been there for long as highlighted in reports of sacking of 18 generals and other security officials who acted “neutral” in their duties instead of following sectarian agenda
Under the circumstances America as an occupier in addition to be part of problem is now considered as supporter of unlawful excesses committed by Malki govt. that in addition to pushing country towards deeper divisions is deeply affecting already waning US standing in the country, region and Muslim world. It has adversely affected public perception about democracy and its supporters.
To undo this perception time is running out for Bush regime. It is opined that in step with calls by Iraqi reconciliation commission for replacement of current Iraqi leadership following revenge agenda with a balanced genuine liberal leaders peace could be a reality. Otherwise, also Malki lacks political support to take strong decisions in national interest. Something that Ayad Allawi former Iraqi leader has already pointed out.
Gov. Richardson as a democrat has given a three pronged strategy that is based on achieving internal reconciliation, regional approach and international cooperation. It is time to fine tune the same to overcome core divisive issues besetting Iraq for positive results.
Iraq situation needs concrete steps and if experts opine that like Bush policies Malki govt. has also become part of the problem it is time for political and strategic change in Iraq to keep the country united and restore peace. And in this respect troop withdrawal schedule and resolution of Palestine problem are important to win wholesome support of international community including Gulf States and the neighboring Iraqi countries.
Any political set up that fails to protect its citizens in accordance to national constitution has no moral right to stay in power. Malki has failed to protect Iraqis since long. It is therefore time for change in Iraq. Any delay on part of Bush regime will further blur the distinction between the two.
To push for concrete changes in Iraq to restore peace in all probability international community should release funds in accordance to enforcement of pledges by Baghdad in terms of debathification, jobs, restoration of basic services, security situation ,bring disenfranchised minorities into mainstream power sharing process and dissolution of militia.
It has been opined that Sharm Al-Sheikh Iraq conference is not the last conference on the issue. There will be more. However, despite little visible progress the consensus on problem areas show that a common ground is there and in politics nothing is eternal. Things change and history shows at time progress comes at such a pace that it is hard to keep pace with it.
Therefore, by taking right steps world can always restore peace in Iraq. Now, Rice should help Bush play his part to take hard decision to end Iraq crisis and (as Rice said) in turn also secure America. It is already too late. The comity of nations has reciprocated overwhelmingly to Rice's call and done its bid by pledging funds and moral support.
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