Chaos in Iraqi cities; Khameini: we will not stand neutral; Turkey concerned
Iraq, Politics, 4/12/2003

At the sight of the American forces, the Iraqi urban cities were exposed to disorder which did not exclude even universities, hospitals and museums. The government's buildings only have walls left, eaten by fire, while Iraqi citizens were obliged to carry weapons and arms to protect themselves and properties, amid prevailing insecurity that seemed to be deliberate.

Numerous number of Iraqis shocked over what was taking place in the streets of al-Musel, Karkouk, Baghdad and al-Basra with claims that they are being encouraged and protected by the American soldiers.

It seemed that the Iraqis have come under the mercy of gangs with most of them armed and ready to kill for a chair or a table that might be broken as a result of the American bombardment, while the American force are protecting the oil wells to "preserve them for the interests of the Iraqi people."

With the fall of al-Musel, upon the fall of Karkouk and the deployment of al-Bashmarka fighters in the two cities, and the coupled statements made by the Kurdish leaders on their intention to withdraw the Kurdish forces from the two cities within hours and just to keep "few militants" to help the Americans upon their arrival to keep security, it seemed yesterday that Turkey is preparing for likely fighting after it had announced it seeks to enhance its military presence in northern Iraq, amid fears of Kurdish attempts to change the demographic situation in Karkouk.

However, a remarkable development can be noticed in Iran's position concerning the American occupation of Iraq by announcing by the higher spiritual guidance of the Islamic Republic Ali Khameini will provide all morale and political support for the Iraqis and "will not be neutral concerning the conflict between the occupation forces and the Iraqi people," considering that the collapse of the regime of Saddam Hussein was an occasion of "a historical happiness," but the deeds of the American forces surpassed "Saddam's crimes."

Turkey who was provoked by the deployment of the armed Kurds to Karkouk and al-Musel said it is studying enhancing its military presence in northern Iraq. In the few past weeks, Ankara deployed some 5,000 Turkish soldiers among the borders with Iraq.

Meanwhile, the US Department Of State said that a meeting will be held on Tuesday in al-Nasereyah with representatives of the Iraqi opposition inside and outside Iraq.

US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said a meeting will be held on Tuesday in al-Nasereyah and aims at bringing together all Iraqi liberals coming from liberated areas in addition to representatives of various groups and organizations. The American delegation will be presided over by the representative of the White House special representative to the Iraqi opposition Zalmai Khalil Zada and will be accompanied by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Ryan Crocker.

In this context, the leading member to the Iraqi National Congress, Ahmad al-Jalabi, who is supported by the UN defense department ( the Pentagon), expected a swift move of authority in Iraq to a civil administration.

Previous Stories:
  Powell says US to help Iraqi people reconstruct their society   (4/11/2003)
  Powell says US helping Iraqis organize process for new government   (4/11/2003)
  Powell: Helping Iraqis create democratic government is US 'sole goal'   (4/11/2003)
  Al-Shara holds talks with Kharazi on the Iraqi issue   (4/1/2003)
  Al-Hakim expresses readiness to return back to Iraq   (4/1/2003)
  Khatami: the situation in the region is a human disaster   (3/26/2003)
  Kurds on Turkish troops crossing Iraq   (3/22/2003)
  On Turkey's vote on US forces   (2/27/2003)
  Turkish concerns over recent developments in the region   (2/26/2003)
  Iraq says shot down Iranian jet   (3/15/2000)
  Moscow provide advanced defense system to Iran and Iraq   (4/15/1999)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search