Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Ichingcarpenter

(36,988 posts)
Tue Mar 17, 2015, 06:26 AM Mar 2015

Petraeus, who still advises the WH warns Iran is greatest danger facing Iraq, not ISIS

Former Head of NATO and the multinational forces in Afghanistan US General David Petraeus warned about the Iranian regime's threat to Iraq, French daily Le Figaro reported.

Petraeus described the activities of Qassem Suleimani, the head of the Iranian regime's Quds Force in Iraq, as "disturbing".

"Islamic State (ISIS) is not the greatest danger facing Iraq," Petraeus said. "It will be defeated sooner or later, and Iraq will preserve its territorial integrity. If the Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and parliament manage to reassure Sunnis, give them reasons to support the new Iraq, then these will help them get rid of ISIS."

Petraeus said: "The fear is that these militias do not just clean the conquered areas, but they also deport Sunnis and seek to alter the demographic balance in some places, such as Diyala province, north of Baghdad and some mixed neighbourhoods of the capital."

About the reappearance of the Shia militias, which beat Al-Qaeda in 2008 and were then beaten by the international and the Iraqi army, he said: "Qassem Suleimani, the head of the Iranian Quds Force, works surprisingly openly in Iraq."


Adding that Suleimani offers consultation, logistics and weapons to the militias. "This is amazing for someone like him more used to operating in the shadows," said Petraeus. "This is disturbing."

Petraeus accused former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki of damaging the Iraqi army as he changed the well qualified and moderate chiefs with extremist and corrupted ones. This led to his dissolution of the army, which was easily beaten by ISIS.



https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/17542-us-petraeus-warns-iran-is-greatest-danger-facing-iraq-not-isis


http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2015/03/12/01003-20150312ARTFIG00345-general-david-petraeus-l-etat-islamique-n-est-pas-le-plus-grand-danger-qui-menace-l-irak.php


5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Petraeus, who still advises the WH warns Iran is greatest danger facing Iraq, not ISIS (Original Post) Ichingcarpenter Mar 2015 OP
I thought that had happened pretty much already during the Bush years hollowdweller Mar 2015 #1
Betrayus should be in a Federal pen malaise Mar 2015 #2
I am glad Obama has enough sense to dismiss the advice of most idiots and neocon-bots. nt kelliekat44 Mar 2015 #3
Convicted leaker Petraeus still advising WH Ichingcarpenter Mar 2015 #4
The United States is the greatest danger facing Iraq. Iggo Mar 2015 #5

Ichingcarpenter

(36,988 posts)
4. Convicted leaker Petraeus still advising WH
Tue Mar 17, 2015, 08:18 AM
Mar 2015

ATLANTA (CNN) —Despite being convicted of leaking classified information to his mistress and biographer, then lying to the FBI, former CIA director and retired Gen. David Petraeus remains a trusted adviser to the White House on its strategy in Iraq.

The National Security Council and Obama administration have been consulting with Petraeus on matters related to Iraq and ISIS, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest confirmed on Monday.

Earnest did not elaborate how long Petraeus has been advising the White House since his fall from grace, but Newsweek reports the retired four-star general has been in the role since last summer.

"Gen. Petraeus is somebody who served for a number of years in Iraq. He commanded a large number of American military personnel in that country," Earnest said. "He is, I think, legitimately regarded as an expert, when it comes to the security situation in Iraq. So I think it makes a lot of sense for senior administration officials to, on occasion, consult for him advice."

Once considered a possible presidential candidate, Petraeus plead guilty to one federal charge of removing and retaining classified information earlier this month as part of a plea deal approved by Attorney General Eric Holder.


http://www.wmur.com/politics/convicted-leaker-petraeus-still-advising-wh/31830108

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Petraeus, who still advis...