16 August 2006
Al-Qaida in Iraq Incites Sectarian Violence, Says U.S. General
Iraqi security forces continue expansion of Baghdad operations
Washington – Remnants of al Qaida in Iraq are among the “primary instigators” of the rising tide of sectarian violence, says a top spokesman for Multi-National Force – Iraq.
“Al Qaida in Iraq realizes [the] killing of innocent Iraqi civilians has damaged their public support,” U.S. Army Major General William Caldwell told journalists at an August 16 press briefing in Baghdad, Iraq.
Al Qaida in Iraq long has sought to foment sectarian violence but has faced several setbacks, most notably the death of founding leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. (See related article.)
In addition, more than 160 members of its leadership have been killed or captured in the past year as Iraqi security forces and their coalition allies work to dismantle the terrorist network. (See related article.)
Several detained al Qaida in Iraq members now are cooperating with authorities and providing valuable intelligence, Caldwell said. These detainees report that al-Qaida in Iraq is trying to counter its shrinking numbers by tightening links with Iraq’s Sunni militants, recruiting more Iraqi citizens while using fewer foreign fighters and mounting a massive propaganda effort to portray al Qaida in Iraq as a political organization.
“Al Qaida in Iraq is making a concerted effort to gain legitimacy by marketing itself to the Iraqi people as a credible, helpful organization that appeals to Iraqis in desperate social and economic situations,” Caldwell said. “Their primary goal in discrediting the government of Iraq is the expulsion of the U.S.,” which would remove the security support the fledgling democracy needs. (See related article.)
“By no means does it mean they intend to stop creating sectarian violence,” he added, “but rather change the perception.”
Caldwell said Iraqi and coalition forces continue to work closely to establish peace and security throughout the country on behalf of a united Iraq.
CALDWELL REPORTS PROGRESS IN BAGHDAD SECURITY OPERATIONS
“The core conflict in Iraq,” said Caldwell, “has transitioned to a struggle mostly between Sunni and Shi'a extremists seeking to control key areas of Baghdad, create or protect sectarian enclaves, divert economic resources and impose their political and religious agendas.” (See related article.)
Under “Operation Together Forward” Iraqi forces, supported by their coalition allies, continue to expand their influence in the capital, confront the extremists and provide safety and stability for area residents, he said. (See related article.)
“Abating the extremists in the capital will neither be easy nor rapid,” Caldwell said. “Challenges will ensue, but efforts will march forward block by block.”
Iraqi security forces are conducting targeted “search-and-clear” operations in Baghdad’s most violent neighborhoods to get illegal weapons off the streets, identify extremists and deny safe haven, he added. (See related article.)
Since the implementation of the Baghdad security plan, he said, Iraqi and coalition forces have searched more than 7,000 homes and businesses, as well as 19 mosques. They have seized nearly 300 unauthorized weapons and detained 47 individuals with alleged ties to sectarian violence.
The week of August 14, Caldwell reported, Iraqi and coalition forces also began new security sweeps in Baghdad’s Dura district and extended operations into Karmiyah and Mansour, in western Baghdad.
“We are cautiously optimistic as we execute the Baghdad security operations,” Caldwell said, adding that, thanks to efforts by Iraqi army and police units, “All across Baghdad, we are seeing progress.”
FORCES SUPPORTING RESTORATION OF LOCAL SERVICES
Another cause for optimism, Caldwell said, is the progress made by Iraqi and coalition forces in building partnerships with local leaders in Baghdad’s Dura, Shula and Amariyah neighborhoods.
Together, they are forming district advisory councils aimed at employing area residents to clean neighborhoods, repair and rebuild key infrastructure and restore basic services to their communities.
“The district advisory council chairman is pushing members to take responsibility and to help clean up their neighborhoods,” he said.
Caldwell highlighted the positive effect of the district advisory council in Dura, where until recently locals experienced 20 to 30 violent incidents a week. Local officials met with Iraqi and coalition forces to discuss actions to improve security, beginning with the installation of a network of barriers and checkpoints to keep would-be attackers out.
Now more than 700 Dura residents are employed in cleanup and rebuilding projects in the area, and more than 900 tons of trash has been removed, Caldwell said. Iraqi and coalition forces have distributed aid packages and are supporting the formation of medical assistance teams to help the community’s most vulnerable residents. While much work remains for Dura, improved security and efforts by the district advisory council have resulted in shops reopening and people returning to the streets, he said.
Caldwell predicted the initiative would spread gradually to other districts in the capital and would prove a key component in providing stability and relief from the violence for area residents.
“We have a positive trend happening,” Caldwell said, “but it is the will of the Iraqi people that is needed to carry this momentum.” (See related article.)
A transcript, briefing slides (PDF, 8 pages), and video link to Caldwell’s briefing are available from the Multi-National Force – Iraq Web site.
For more information, see Iraq Update.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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