As security deteriorates in Iraq, the government is
desperately searching for solutions. Recently Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki
called for revitalizing the Sons of Iraq groups, which he neglected after the
U.S. withdrawal, and about using the Tribal Support Councils that he created
several years ago. The latest idea being floated is the creation of “popular
committees” in Baghdad and its suburbs, which would assist the security forces.
The first group to publicly acquiesce to this plan is an Iranian supported
militia with ties to Maliki. That raises fears that the committees could lead
to official backing of the various militias that still exist within the country
and the creation of new ones. This could be a step backwards for the country,
as stability is not served by supporting neighborhood gunmen.
Khazali of the League of the Righteous has welcomed the idea
of forming local committees in Baghdad to help with security, but that may just
lead to more instability as it raises fears that militias will openly return to
Iraq’s streets (AFP)
In September 2013, the Iraqi government floated the idea of creating
local committees that would help with security. The next month, the head of the
pro-Iranian League of the Righteous Qais Khazali told the press that his group was forming popular committees in Baghdad neighborhoods. He said his
organization would set up roadblocks and patrol areas of the capital, because
the security forces were not up to the task of protecting the public. The
League of the Righteous already claims to have a close relationship with the army and police, because it is aligned with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Previously the Badr Organization, the former militia of the Islamic Supreme
Council of Iraq, and now its own political party, said that it would help with security as well. It too is allied with the premier. Parliament’s security
committee quickly criticized the idea. One member asked what the committees
would do, where they would be formed, and how they would be led. Another
thought that the committees would lead to the militarization of society as
local militias could be formed throughout the capital. He asked why that was
necessary if the government already had an army and police. The idea of local
security units harkens back to the civil war years when the capital broke down
into neighborhoods, and each was protected by its own armed group. Members of
parliament are obviously alarmed that this could occur again. The Sunni protest
movement has increasingly accused the government of backing militias, and using
them against their community. Stories of the League of the Righteous working
with the government forces just reinforces the demonstrators’ belief that the Shiite
parties are aligned against them and using extra-legal means to suppress and
attack them. Last, Maliki and the League are aligned, which could mean that
these committees will be used to further the prime minister’s own political
goals, and reward his friends. Rather than helping with security, the popular
committees just seems like a bad idea that will lead to further deterioration
of a worsening situation.
Iraq is witnessing a revival of its insurgency. The number
of bombings and deaths has seen a dramatic increase from the beginning of the
year to today. Faced with this dilemma the government is becoming desperate for
solutions. The on going security operations are obviously not helping, so now
Prime Minister Maliki is fishing around for alternatives. He has talked about
the Sons of Iraq, the Tribal Support Councils, and now possibly local
committees in Baghdad and its environs. Instead of empowering local citizens to
protect their own areas the government should be pushing the security forces to
return to the counterinsurgency tactics that served them so well when they were
working with the American military. Political deals also need to be forged that
address some of the complaints of the Sunni community such as arbitrary
arrests, long detentions, deBaathification, etc. Instead Maliki might be
heading towards increasing sectarian fears by allowing Shiite militias allied
with him to openly operate. Only with better tactics and political will can
Iraq pull itself out of this current crisis. Having more people with weapons
out on the street is just a recipe for more problems.
SOURCES
Arango, Tim, “Rise in Deadly Attacks on Shiites in Iraq
Stirs Anger at Government,” New York Times, 9/27/13
Buratha News, “League of the Righteous Movement launches
initiative for the formation of popular committees that help the security
forces to close streets,” 10/9/13
Al-Mada, “Diyala National Alliance warns: Displacement
returned to the province and 400 families displaced from Baquba,” 10/14/13
Al-Tamimi, Iyad, “Parliamentary
Security: People’s Committees recognition of the failure of one million
soldiers in the ranks of our armed forces,” Al-Mada, 10/14/13
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