Iraq: A Conversation with His Excellency Barham Salih

Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Barham Salih, discussed the current situation in Iraq, including the government's successes and the challenges. Salih stressed the regional and global importance of resolving the conflict in Iraq, praising the current efforts to build internal and external support for a power-sharing arrangement that will guarantee constitutional rights and freedom for all citizens of Iraq.

Henri Barkey, a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center and the Chair of the Department of International Relations at Lehigh University, moderated the discussion. Barkey asked Salih's views regarding the growing frustration of the U.S. government with the Maliki government over issues of security and stability. Salih responded that he recognizes that the Maliki government could be making greater efforts toward stability, saying, "We can do better, we need to do better." However, he also urged the U.S. government to acknowledge the difficulties of establishing a democracy under the current circumstances in Iraq. He noted that the project of building democracy in Iraq is taking place in the context of sectarian violence "think of Virginia Tech ten times over, happening everyday to a society."

Salih praised the two-year old permanent constitution as a "major achievement." While the majority of Iraqis accept the constitution, Salih admitted that the constitution has not been successful because some elements of Iraqi society have rejected certain parts. In order to "defeat terrorism in a serious way" Iraqis must do some "serious thinking" about constructing a power-sharing arrangement in which Sunnis, Shias and Kurds can form an integrated and inclusive alliance.

Barkey asked Salih how the Iraqi government is responding to the debate within the American government about the deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq. Salih immediately responded that most people are worried and understand that if the situation in Iraq continues the way it is now, American support will be squandered. "I know that many of my colleagues in the political leadership are worried and they are watching this debate very closely," he said. Salih also noted that the opposition is also watching the American debate closely, and are "keen to get the Americans out," and they are capable of hiding until the U.S. withdraws its troops and reemerge.

Barkey asked Salih what the benchmarks of success will be for the surge of troops in Iraq. Salih responded that there are many areas in which the troops have already succeeded, citing "fruitful and positive" operations in Baghdad "which don't get much attention." Salih reiterated the need for a political framework to defeat terror and sustain security efforts, saying that "the surge buys us time... to lock in a political deal." This political framework needs to include the Sunnis specifically, giving them a voice in decision-making in return for their commitment to protect the new order in Iraq. "People have to be brought into the system and be given a state to defend that system," he said. Without hope for a unified front against terror, there will be no hope for the country. All Iraqi's must work together against extremists and Al-Qaeda, "a successful example has been in Kurdistan, where the PUK, KDP, and other Kurdish parties are cooperating," he said.

Salih highlighted the success of the recently drafted oil revenue plan, saying that despite concerns regarding the implementation of the agreement, it is a major success. He argued that the goal of the oil sector should be to maximize revenues for the Iraqi people without emphasis on state interference. Salih shared his faith that in four to five years Iraq will be able to produce six million barrels a day, whereas it currently produces 1.5 million barrels a day. He added that this project will require the vision, sustained international support, and restructuring and investment.

Barkey asked Salih to discuss his perspective on Iraq's foreign relations, noting the international meeting at Sharm al-Sheikh and regional aspects including tensions between Iraq and neighbors. Salih highlighted the launch of the International Compact with Iraq, which won the endorsement of 74 countries and international organizations. The compact outlined the political, security and economic policy goals "to reach to a stable, democratic Iraq." Referring to the goals set forth in the Compact, Salih stated, "This is what Iraqis, Sunnis, Shias and Kurds have said that we want to do with our country," Salih said, "Lets all rise to that challenge and do it."

The International Compact with Iraq, Salih explained, serves as a contract between Iraq and the international community. In return for the Iraqi commitment to these goals, Iraqis expect that other countries will help relieve debt, cease foreign interference, respect Iraq's sovereignty, and cooperate on security matters. Salih addressed Iraq's relations with its neighbors, urging Iran and the Arab world to recognize regional implications of the conflict in Iraq, assist in its stabilization, and settle disagreements with the Iraqi government through official diplomatic channels. Salih explained that the US and Iran play a large role in deciding Iraq's future, but that the future of Iraq will be decided by the free will of the Iraqi people. In order for Iraq to succeed, a regional framework that includes the Arab countries, Iran, and Turkey is essential, with support from the Europeans and the U.S., to help stabilize the country.

In response to a question regarding recent bombings of KDP offices last week, Salih said, that Al-Qaeda is fighting in Kirkuk, because they see it as a potential hot spot where they can instigate a civil war. He added, that Al-Qaeda "is a ruthless, lethal enemy that has no bounds in terms of attacking human life." He explained that the future of Iraq is important to the future of the Middle East and Muslim societies in the world, and warned that radicalism should not be allowed to take root in the region. Turkish-Iraqi relations have been tense in the past few months, Salih said, the Turks have concerns regarding the PKK and potential attempts to destabilize Turkey and Kurdish separatist goals. The Iraqi government has tried to reassure the Turkish government that they will not support any group's attempts to destabilize any of its neighbors and that the Kurdish region is an internal issue for the Iraqis will deal with. He noted that the administrative status of Kirkuk will be decided through a referendum, placing the future of this region in the hands of its people.

Salih concluded by addressing the role of women in Iraq. He praised the work of Iraqi women NGO's that are engaged in reconstruction and reconciliation throughout the country. He noted that 30% of seats in Iraq's parliament are held by women, and that efforts are underway to bring together Iraqi women from throughout the country to take a stand against violence. Salih is directly involved with this initiative because, as he noted, women possess the means to bridge sectarian divisions currently impeding reconciliation at the national level.

Drafted by Elizabeth Detwiler,
Middle East Program