Allawi, then interim prime minister, met the press. NATO photo.
by Mark Silva
With the Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki losing confidence among not only Western allies, but also leaders in the Arab world, a potential political rival is headed to Baghdad.
Ayad Allawi, who had served as interim prime minister of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, says he will return to Baghdad in search of a sectarian solution to the nation’s divide.
Allawi, a secular Shi’ite and former Baathist, says he is not questioning the character of al-Maliki, a Shi’ite who has condoned violence against Sunni Muslims in Iraq, but rather his ability to take advantage of the breathing space that the U.S. military’s “surge” was supposed to give his government and foster a political reconciliation in Iraq. Allawi also suggests that a draw-down of U.S. forces in Iraq should start “as soon as possible.’’
“I am not doubting whether he's a good guy or not a good guy,’’ Allawi said on CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer. “ But I am doubting the system of militias, of sectarianism, of trying to avoid the benchmarks which President Bush and the Congress have laid down for the government in Iraq.
“And I cannot see that this government will implement the benchmarks,’’ Allawi said. “I don't see that we are getting closer to reconciliation.
“It's not the person,’’ he said. “It's the system, the system of running the government on a sectarian basis.’’
Asked if he is vying for the post of prime minister, Allawi said: “Definitely, we have a lot of supporters in the region, inside Iraq. The polls do indicate what I'm saying. And I enjoy a very healthy relationship with the Arab world and with Islamic world, probably with the exception of Iran. But we need to progress things as -- to stabilize Iraq as much as we can, as humanly as possible. Otherwise, all of us will be in tremendous danger.’’
Allawi, who spoke with CNN from Amman, Jordan, said he will head to Baghdad soon. “You can talk to me next week in Baghdad… I am going to Iraqi Kurdistan, and from there I am going to Baghdad. We are going to fight for our country. We are going to continue our belief in the political process, and we would look to the support of the United States, to continue support to Iraq and to stability and peace in the region.’’
So this means he’d like to be prime minister, correct?
“It's not a matter of liking,’’ he said. “It's a matter of changing the political landscape. I wouldn't, frankly… want to become a prime minister in a sectarian regime. This is something I reject, I refuse. It wouldn't be honorable to me. I wouldn't advocate being a prime minister in a sectarian regime.
“But I would play my role in Iraq, in whatever capacity, as required, to change Iraq into a non-sectarian country, to a peaceful country, to a democratic -- really democratic country, pushing peace and stability throughout the region,’’ he said. “I would not shy away from any position under such circumstances, but definitely under the rule of sectarianism.’’
He also was asked about a column by David Ignatius in the Washington Post today noting that Allawi is drawing financing from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
“We need a lot of funds,’’ he said. “Our adversaries in Iraq are heavily supported financially by other quarters. We are not. We fought the elections with virtually no support whatsoever, except for Iraqis and Iraqis who support us. And we are trying to look for financial support for the national program to save Iraq and save the region. But what Ignatius said -- although I respect him a lot, I trust him, he's an outstanding person -- it's not correct.’’
Yet Allawi has hired a prominent Washington lobbying firm, Barbour, Griffith and Rogers, to handle public relations for him in the U.S., with a reported fee of $300,000 over a six-month period.
“I want to save Iraq,’’ Allawi explained. “I want to save the mission of the United States. I am building a plan. I am trying to stop the deterioration and violence in Iraq. I am trying to reverse the course in Iraq into less sectarian, non-sectarian course. And for that reason, we have developed a plan, a six-point plan.
“ But because of the crucial role of the United States, we are asking this firm to help us to advocate our views, the views of the nationalistic Iraqis, the non-sectarian Iraqis,’’ he said. “I assure you, Wolf, that this payment is made by an Iraqi person, who was a supporter of us, of the INA, of myself, of all our programs, and he has supported this wholeheartedly, without any strings to attach.’’
Is the $300,000 fee for the services of the Republican-connected public relations firm accurate?
“I think these numbers are accurate,’’ Allawi said. “I am not party to the exact amount, Wolf. But these figures are really much less than the figures that are being paid by others, our adversaries, who are advocating sectarianism and having satellite stations, TV stations, daily newspapers, Web sites, and what have you, broadcast. We don't have this. We don't have such support.
“And the support we got is from an Iraqi person. I cannot unfortunately divulge his name.’’
And just how long would he like to see U.S. troops involved in maintaining stability in Iraq?
“ We need a full partnership between us and the United States, Iraq and the United States, to work around a schedule of draw down, which is matched by building the institutions of Iraq, institutions loyal to the country, not loyal to the sects,’’ he said.
“I think we talk around the region -- the region of two, two and a half years, if we work in a full partnership with the United States, to have a draw- down.
That draw-down should start soon, Allawi said, calling for the U.S. and Iraq to examine a new program – “a schedule to start the draw-down as soon as possible, as soon as the Iraqi forces are able to stand on their feet and provide security for the Iraqis. I think the draw-down should start. I think there should be, currently now as we speak, formation of a higher committee between the two governments, to look into this possibility.’’
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Comments
"That draw-down should start soon, Allawi said, calling for the U.S. and Iraq to examine a new program – “a schedule to start the draw-down as soon as possible, as soon as the Iraqi forces are able to stand on their feet and provide security for the Iraqis. I think the draw-down should start. I think there should be, currently now as we speak, formation of a higher committee between the two governments, to look into this possibility.’’
That's what I want to hear.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 26, 2007 1:11 PM
Allawi got little support in the Iraq elections despite US assistance. He has no support in Iraq. Both the major Shia militia will oppose him. the Sunni will oppose him and perjaps the Kurds will be indifferent. He has no chance to form a government. The only way to unify Iraq is with strong military dictator. We have been that route as the supporters of Sadaam. There is no chance that the Sunni will accept a Shia government. General Petraeus has jumped in with the Sunni militia. This confirms that there will be no central government or that the Sunni will try to reestablish dominance with US backing in a play against Shia Iran.
Posted by: c. perry | August 26, 2007 1:29 PM
c. perry,
You're probably right. Sigh.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 26, 2007 1:41 PM
"Ex-Iraqi Leader: U.S. Draw-Down "Soon As Possible"
The Iraqi's have been asking us to leave for about a year now but BushCo is determined to keep his civil war going until Jan 09 so that he can turn over his self created mess to the new Democratic President....not this "Guy": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp5R5u7XXJo
Posted by: John E | August 26, 2007 2:10 PM
Looks like Allawi is trying to say the magic words that will get the trillion-dollar US war machine behind him. And if Bush takes the Allawi route, this will be an excuse to delay the reduction in American troops. Here is a wonderful new-old guy who is going to fix everything, and he says he wants the US to leave, but he needs our help too, so let's extend the surge, extend the current troop deployments, and help him do it. A few more trillions? More dead American kids? No problem.
All that matters is helping the Iraqis with their next political adventure. And getting Allawi up to speed helps get Bush out the door without drawing down the troops and without having to admit the Iraq war is the most expensive failed and unnecessary war in the history of the world.
Posted by: helena | August 26, 2007 2:15 PM
If one is going to quote Allawi, and use him as a source, one should quote "what Allawi said about the connection between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda:
IRAQ: FORMER PM (ALLAWI) REVEALS SECRET SERVICE DATA ON BIRTH OF AL-QAEDA IN IRAQ it)
AKI | May 23, 2005 | AKI
Baghdad, 23 May (AKI) - The number two of the al-Qaeda network, Ayman al-Zawahiri, visited Iraq under a false name in September 1999 to take part in the ninth Popular Islamic Congress, former Iraqi premier Iyad Allawi has revealed to pan-Arab daily al-Hayat. In an interview, Allawi made public information discovered by the Iraqi secret service in the archives of the Saddam Hussein regime, which sheds light on the relationship between Saddam Hussein and the Islamic terrorist network. He also said that both al-Zawahiri and Jordanian militant al-Zarqawi probably entered Iraq in the same period.
"Al-Zawahiri was summoned by Izza Ibrahim Al-Douri – then deputy head of the council of the leadership of the revolution - to take part in the congress, along with some 150 other Islamic figures from 50 Muslim countries," Allawi said.
According to Allawi, important information has been gathered regarding the presence of another key terrorist figure operating in Iraq - the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. ..."
Doubtless many leftists don't want Swamp readers to know this.
Posted by: Bruce | August 26, 2007 2:27 PM
REPUBLICAN SHAPED BOX
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK7Ai9dWrRQ
GOP eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your Heart-Shaped box for weeks
We've been drawn into your Neocon war tar pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black
Hey!
Wait!
The little people have a new complaint
We're forever in debt to your lying GOP agenda drivin' advice
Hey!
Wait!
The little people have a new complaint
We're forever in debt to your lying GOP agenda drivin' advice
Hey!
Wait!
We've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless Neocon advice
Your lies, again
Meat-eating Republican Chickenhawks forgive no one just yet
Cut myself on angel's hair and baby's breath
Broken hymen of your highness I'm left black
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back
Hey!
Wait!
We've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless GOP deficit spendin'
Big bussiness is bad for you
Unless your Halliburton
Hey!
Wait!
We've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless adventure in Iraq
Hey!
Wait!
We've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless senseless advice
Your spin
GOP eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your Heart-Shaped box for weeks
We've been drawn into your magnet Neocon war tar pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black
And free us all from your grip
Hey!
Wait!
We've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless Iraq adventure
Hey!
Wait!
We've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless Iraq adventure
Your advice
Your advice
Your bad advice
Posted by: John E | August 26, 2007 2:41 PM
yes as soon as the Iraqi forces can stand up we stand down ..the security situation is not dependent on a political solution...would be ideal for the long run but ehhh...as long as I know there are security forces that can hold adequate ground to protect regular civilians I can sleep at night if we leave.... the militia infiltration will be a problem but not all Iraqis in the security forces are militia related... i would hate it if the security forces were completely fragmented and lack cohesion and the only thing keeping them together were militias etc...
Allawi like other puppet and puppetish people picked to run Iraq were not accepted by Iraqi zealots with their minions. Regular secular average Iraqis would be happy whether Shite or Sunni or Kurds, Kurds are more than happy to set an example for Iraq (work on unity), by someone like him now...we need to find more of these people (now most outside Iraq) who will not condone reprisal activities by death squads and who realize acting against any part (mostly against the the Sunni part bc of what Saddam did or didn't do) is a waste of time that fuels the problems.. I like what he said.. I hope the left and their selective hearing and processing abilities won't just focus on the "we can leave" part of his statement...we can but if we can help someone like Allawi to get into Iraq and set some things on paper we should (who care if he isn't ideal - everyone in Iraq approved before or now- obviously he - and there are more like him - WANT - to get somewhere in the room we are giving the government unlike Maliki)..its is really that simple the fighting will continue bc nothing is on paper (doesn't matter if its agreeable or not) ..as long as nothing is on paper some will fight knowing they still have a chance to influence politics with car bombs and hits and killings...after its on paper this portion will give up (not all) this portion will....the biggest mistake by that WH and the Iraqi gov was waiting around to get things perfect , ideal (Maliki is not a STRONG leader - not tyrant- but strong and showing conviction to unity Iraq)...now its time to do what happens in any war.. things are done and written down to the best compromise that can be made at the expense of the ideal and you just keep going from there... you move along not sit around...if Maliki can not represent what need to happen and he can't bc he has biases clearly shown by the condoning of reprisal killings against Sunni (that lead to the fall out of the Sunni block who's one condition was disbanding the militias like the Sunni extremist , ie all death squads) he needs to sit out or join the movement..who cares he was elected...we gave him the ABILITY to represent Iraq in its new dawn...we can still take his ass out..Bush just should not stand for such behavior AT ALL. I mean if we weren't in Iraq...he would be considered a hostile leader..plus bc we are out he'd joining Iran on the whole WMD...we have a right yadayada yada...our presence is the only thing stopping that part...
Posted by: Anonymous | August 26, 2007 2:53 PM
While we're at it why don't we ask Chalibi what he thinks?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | August 26, 2007 3:46 PM
lochnessmonster,
Any heat, is better than no heat.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 26, 2007 4:22 PM
I hear they're going to do a remake of the 1951 classic, "The Day the Earth Stood Still". How apropos. It seems the human race is no closer to a peaceful existence than it was a half century ago.
Klaatu: Your choice is simple. Join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The decision rests with you.
Barnhardt: One thing, Mr. Klaatu, suppose this group should reject your proposals. What is the alternative?
Klaatu: I'm afraid there is no alternative. In such a case, the planet Earth would have to be... eliminated
Barnhardt: Such power exists?
Klaatu: I assure you, such power exists.
Klaatu: I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason.
Klaatu: There must be security for all, or no one is secure. This does not mean giving up any freedom, except the freedom to act irresponsibly.
"bruce analdice barada nikto"
(translated, that means, "stick a sock in it you poor, silly man).
Posted by: Gort | August 26, 2007 6:20 PM
“a schedule to start the draw-down as soon as possible, as soon as the Iraqi forces are able to stand on their feet and provide security for the Iraqis. I think the draw-down should start. I think there should be, currently now as we speak, formation of a higher committee between the two governments, to look into this possibility.’’
This really isn't any different than what the Bush administration has been saying: as soon as the Iraqis can fend for themselves, we'll begin drawing down."
Anyway, Allawi seems like a pretty strong, forceful, decent guy. He seems smart too. Hopefully folks like him will come into the forefront and Iraq will become stable and remain free, and our men and women can come home.
Posted by: John D | August 27, 2007 8:43 AM
I think it's entirely appropriate that "Gort" uses science fiction movies as a source of information and wisdom on foreign policy.
"Gort" should apply for the job of Obama's foreign policy adviser.
Posted by: Bruce | August 27, 2007 10:34 AM
[quote]
This really isn't any different than what the Bush administration has been saying: as soon as the Iraqis can fend for themselves, we'll begin drawing down."
Posted by: John D | August 27, 2007 8:43 AM
[/quote]
So John D admits that he expects U.S. troops to be in Iraq for decades, far more than we have based in South Korea.
John D, tell us: why do you want thousands more US soldiers and private contractors to die in a country that was, at best, a minimal threat to the United States?
Posted by: BC | August 27, 2007 11:24 AM
And who woulda thunk that George Dubya could trump science fiction for fantastic visions?
bruce, have we close the "mineshaft gap" yet?
Posted by: Gort | August 27, 2007 12:09 PM
BC, where exactly do I say U.S. troops should be in Iraq for decades?
But on that point, can you please tell me other than perhaps Kucinich and Ron Paul, which candidate running for president, will not be keeping some sort of U.S. presence in Iraq for perhaps many years to come?
And, BC, are you for or against our continued presence in Bosnia and Kosovo and please expain to me those country's threat to the U.S., or which is more to a threat to the U.S.: Iraq or Bosnia?
You know, it's been 10 years since we bombed the heck out of Bosnia and we're still there.
Please, BC, enligthen us for once, OK?
Posted by: John D | August 27, 2007 3:16 PM
"You know, it's been 10 years since we bombed the heck out of Bosnia and we're still there."
Wrong again Johnny Torture.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11164-2004Nov24.html
There are still 1500 US troops in Kosovo as part of a 16,000 man NATO force.
Even you can't find that even remotely comparable to the situation in Iraq.
Posted by: Tony | August 27, 2007 4:12 PM