Monday, Oct 05, 2009
Over the last few months, the Iraqi political scene has witnessed a number of important events which have affected the internal situation in the country.
These events, in particular the security deterioration in Iraqi governorates, have come to be viewed with increasing consternation in a number of countries in the region.
The announcement of the new Iraqi National Coalition, an extension of the Unified Iraqi Coalition, which was formed in an attempt to give a national character to its structure by including a few prominent Sunni leaders - but not Sunni blocs - was also a notable development.
Great efforts have been made outside Iraq, it seems, to impress on recalcitrant blocs such as the Fadilah Party, the Sadrist movement and the Iraqi National Conference to return to the coalition fold. This announcement seemingly prepares the ground for the return of sectarian alliances that will benefit a certain neighbouring country and increase its influence in Iraq.
Another major event was the armed robbery at Al Zuwiyah branch of Al Rafidain Bank in Karrada district on June 30. A sum of money amounting to $4 million (Dh14.6 million) was stolen and eight of the bank's security personnel were killed.
The crime, it turned out, was carried out by a special unit in the Iraqi army responsible for the protection of senior officials in the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI). The issue was politicised to hurt the prospects of Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq's Senior Vice-President and the ISCI's strongest candidate, with an article critical of the ISCI being published in the media.
The 'Bloody Wednesday' blasts that took place on August 19 were also aimed at challenging the authority of the Iraqi government. The blasts, which targeted the ministries of foreign affairs and finance, aimed to erode the government's prestige in the Green Zone, questioning Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki's assertions of security and stability.
This led Al Maliki to accuse Syria of sheltering armed men wanted for cross-border attacks and appealing to the United Nations for help in halting what he called a hostile act. Blaming an alliance between Al Qaida in Iraq and Saddam Hussain's outlawed Baath party, Al Maliki called on Syria to hand over several suspects he said are based there.
By Mohammad Akef Jamal, Special to Gulf News
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
