Fears of Military Coup Surface in Iraq

Source: Asharq Al-Awsat

London, Asharq Al-Awsat – Iraqi political and security sources in Baghdad have spoken of their fears of either a military coup taking place in Iraq or a militant Shiite militia overthrowing the government.

An Iraqi official, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from Baghdad, revealed that "important Iraqi political leaders have strengthened the security of their headquarters, offices, and homes" adding that they have also "restricted their movements both inside and outside of Baghdad." The source claimed that this came "following advice or warnings from Iraqi security and US (military) commanders in Iraq."

The Iraqi official, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity, said that "we are not ruling out a military coup taking place especially as the political history of Iraq is full of military coups, and in light of the decision of the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, to surround Baghdad with military forces…and to exclude other leaders from positions of direct responsibility of the movements of the army, as well as the arrest of senior officers in Baghdad, Mosul, Diyali, Tikrit. This gives rise to fears of a military coup in the event of al-Maliki not being able to remain as prime minister."

The Iraqi official also warned against "the chaotic political and security situation, and the power struggle that is taking place between political leaders" saying that this could "give senior officers in the Iraqi army the justification to carry out a coup under the pretext of protecting the political and security situation, not to mention that many officers feel marginalized following the introduction of military officers that they believe are unworthy of Iraq's military history."


Read more: http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=22605

the smell of freedom in the morning. :eyes:

Seems like we removed one sectarian military strongman, only to see him (potentially) replaced by another at the end of this disaster.

i mean, its only their 3rd or 4th attempt at democracy in their entire history. lmao.

I think this is what the pro-war crowd always wanted -

"As for the coalition forces, after installing a strongman they should phase out their visible role and pull back to a few military bases away from population centers. From these, they can quietly serve as the military partner of the new government, guaranteeing its ultimate security and serving as a constructive influence for the entire region."

http://www.danielpipes.org/1068/a-strongman-for-iraq

The Israelis pushed very much to have the USA invade Iraq. The Israel lobby was instrumental in this effort, and Daniel Pipes is one of their employees. Unfortunately for these neocons, the effort is failing, and Iraq is likely to emerge as a free nation after it drives out the USA imperial forces. The new Iraqi government, which will have to use harsh measures to hold power, will likely be led by shiites, members of the Sadrist group, the Islamic Call Party, and the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution. All these groups are close to Iran, because their spiritual guidance comes from Iranian born Grand Ayatollah Ali Huseini al Sistani. Thus the neocon inspired imperial wars end in disaster.

... except for those who profited from the travesty (who should be jailed)

Thanks for the thread, sabra.

And I mean now.

they launch redundant attacks

and Intel agencies wouldn't know about it and alert the Iraqi government about it.

In general, the US military is not really well informed. This is why they are floundering. The same thing happens in Afghanistan, and in other places where US imperial forces try to rule a country using brute force, while using the masqarade of being for democracy and freedom, or defending the USA. It is a long time since US forces were used to defend the USA. Maybe as long as the US Civil war. ALl other wars fought by US forces were not involving the US directly, or were inspired and a result of failed US policies. It's the bungling giant.

They are mainly providing intel, planning, and logistical support to the Iraqi Army. Those are three main things any military needs to conduct any type of operation. The Iraqis could not plan, prep, and launch a coup without the US military knowing about it because the Iraqis don't have the capabilities to do those three things on their own.

If you really think the US military is "floundering" in Iraq, you need to get a clue.

over a few pallets of money.

or Karzai, since I'm on the subject.