The Common Ills: Nouri's efforts to aid Syrian military called out

Nouri's efforts to assist one side in the ongoing Syrian conflict (and to use it to press his own agenda) appear to be backfiring in Iraq. Ayad al-Tamimi (Al Mada) reports that Parliament's Security and Defense Committee is faulting Nouri for his failure to secure Iraq's borders.

Please note, securing Iraq's borders did not require F-16s. Nouri's hysterical feet stomping and proclamations that Monday's incident in which Syrian soldiers in Iraq were killed (along with 7 Iraqi soldiers) was proof that the US needed to immediately supply Iraq with F-16s are not backed up by actual facts. Speaker of Parliament Osama al-Nujaifi stated that Iraq does not need to allow itself to be dragged into the Syrian conflict and Qasim al-Araji, a member of the Security and Defense Committee, says that allowing the Syrian military to flee into Iraq -- to flee from a battle with the "Free Syrian Army" (the 'rebels'). Allowing them in and having the Iraq military escort them, al-Araji notes, set the Iraqi military up for an ambush. Al Rafidayn politely notes that assisting the Syrian soldiers does not jibe with Iraq's official position of not taking sides in Syria's internal conflict. In related news, the Iraq Times reports writer Salim Matar is warning the people of Syria to beware of western help offered by the US and White House. He states that they should look to his country, Iraq, to see what that help actually looks like.

The political crisis and the protests continue. All Iraq News reports that a segment of Moqtada al-Sadr's bloc (the Ahrar) section is stating that they support protests but they are do not support sectarianism on either side and that the protests "do not concern only one community or political side." Meanwhile NINA notes new security forces have moved into Sinjar leading to demonstrations against them -- demonstrations "under the supervision of the Kurdistan Democratic Party." NINA also notes that Nineveh Province Governor Atheel Nujaifi has "warned the security forces in Nineveh, specifically the Federal Police, which oversees the protection of Ahrar Square not to encroach upon the demonstrators." He is calling out the continued targeting of protesters by Nouri's national force and the warrantless arrests of them.

Kitabat notes that the governor's brother, Speaker of Parliament Osama al-Nujaifi, is calling out the continued refusal by Nouri's government to implement the demands of the protesters and he's also warning about potential election fraud and pressure on the military to vote for one group (Nouri's State of Law).

Al Mada notes that the League of Righteous is now known as "Righteous" -- it's adding political campaigns to their other tasks of murder and kidnapping -- is denying that they kidnapped journalist Karrar Tamimi in Karbala. Yesterday, Jaafar al-Nasrawi (Arabs Today) reported that Karar Alaa al-Tamimi was kidnapped in Karbala on Monday and that a post went up on Facebook stating "he would be killed if he does not resign from Anbar TV." Below is the photo that went up on Facebook and that Righteous denies is one of their members holding the gun to Karrar.

The National Iraqi News Agency reports a Ramadi armed attack has left 2 police officers and 2 bystanders dead. Also in Ramadi, Alsumaria reports a car bombing has claimed the life of 1 police officer. and a Kirkuk bombing claimed the life of 1 member of the Tigris Operation Command.

Yesterday, the VFW testified before a joint-hearing held by the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. The VFW also presented Senator Patty Murray with an honor. Senator Murray is the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee and just finished an assignment as Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (January 2011 to January 2013).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Contact: Murray Press Office

202-224-2834

Senator Murray Honored by Veterans of Foreign Wars

Recognized for leadership and distinguished service to our nation’s veterans

Sen. Murray receives VFW’s 2013 Congressional Award from VFW National Commander John E. Hamilton

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) was presented the 2013 Congressional Award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) during a private ceremony in her Capitol Hill offices. VFW National Commander John E. Hamilton presented this year’s award to Senator Murray, which read:

“In grateful recognition and sincere appreciation for Senator Murray’s outstanding service to our nation and for her loyal support and dedication to current and former members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.

“Her unwavering commitment has made certain that an indebted nation fulfills the sacred responsibility to honor and care for our 22 million veterans and their families.”

The VFW Congressional Award has been presented annually since 1964 to one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military service personnel. More about VFW HERE.

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Kathryn Robertson
Deputy Press Secretary

Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray

154 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington D.C. 20510

202-224-2834

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Nouri's efforts to aid Syrian military called out