Former Iraqi PM slams government failure to deal with Anbar security

The former prime minister of Iraq, Ayad Allawi, has criticised the current government’s failure to deal with rebels in Anbar province. Allawi described the military failure as an indicator of political failure.

“When the government promises decisive actions in Al-Anbar and time passes without achieving any results,” said Allawi, “this raises questions about the government’s ability to deal with the issue and the real objectives behind the suspicious lack of action.”

He added that the government has shown “political and security failure” in dealing with the Anbar issue. “It has overlooked the importance of national reconciliation in mobilising the masses against terrorism and extremist organisations and by engaging the army in conflicts against civilians at a time when it has to move against terrorists, which saddens Iraqi political forces and people.”