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C I V I L - M I L I T A R Y F U S I O N C E N T R E

T h e M e d i t e r r a n e a n T e a m P r e s e n t s

Iraq:A Month In ReviewJanuary 2012Comprehensive Information on Complex Crises

Iraq Map of AttacksEconomic DevelopmentGovernance & Rule of LawHumanitarian AffairsSecuritySocio-cultural Development

The Civil-Military Fusion Centre(CFC) is an information andk n o w l e d g e m a n a g e m e n torganisation focused on improvingcivil-military interaction, facilitatinginformation sharing and enhancingsituational awareness through theCimicWeb portal and our weeklyand monthly publications.

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For further information, contact:

Linda Lavender, Team LeadMediterranean [email protected]

The Mediterranean [email protected]

This document provides an overview of developments in Iraq for the month of January 2012, with hy-

perlinks to source material highlighted and underlined in the text. For more information on the topics

below or other issues pertaining to the region, please contact the members of the Mediterranean Basin

Team, or visit our website at www.cimicweb.org.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ABOUT THE CFC

CONTACT THE CFC

Attacks in IRAQ - January 2012

Weekly Security Update 04 January Weekly Security Update 13 January

Weekly Security Update 18 January Weekly Security Update 26 January

Source:Iraq Business News

Below is a weekly reporting byAKEof attacks occurring within Iraq. The map is organized by province. An

attack constitutes a bombing, shooting, rocket/mortar attack, kidnap or stabbing.
https://www.cimicweb.org/https://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/category/security/weekly-security-update/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/category/security/weekly-security-update/http://www.akegroup.com/about-ake/http://www.akegroup.com/about-ake/http://www.akegroup.com/about-ake/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/category/security/weekly-security-update/http://www.cimicweb.org/https://www.cimicweb.org/


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SUBMIT AN RFI OR RECOMMEND REPORT TOPICS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN TEAM:

In order to meet the growing demand for information regarding the dynamic, complex events in Iraq, the CFC has begunpublishing special reports on the region in addition to our bi-weekly newsletters. Please send your recommendations for futurereport topics or requests for information (RFIs) to: [email protected].

AKNews reported Iraqs intention to participate in the fifth

roundof the Arab-Chinese Business Conference being held in

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ministry of Trade offi-

cial Khairullah Hasan told AKNews, Iraq is in the process of

reconstructing the country. Therefore normalising these eco-

nomic relations is crucial .

InfrastructureAlso, on 06 January AKNews reported a Kirkukhousingpro-ject undertaken by a local Iraqi company will build a 600-unit

housing complex worth USD 13 million. The project is fund-

ed by local petrodollar money and will be completed in eight

months.

Iraqs National Investment Commission (NIC) announced on

02 January the details of the new Kerbala monorail. The line

will be 18 km in length and will offer 20 stations. The NIC is

currently looking for funding from private investors.

Job Creation

Iraqs parliamentary Finance Committee told AKNews on 15

January that it is considering adding an additional 42,000 jobsto the 2012 budget. Finance committee member Najiba Najib

told AKNews they are reviewing the budget in order to locate

funding that would support the additional proposed positions

without affecting current operations. The Iraqi government

reports the countrys unemployment rate does not exceed 15%.

However, international organisations report the rate at more

than 30% according toAKNews.

Oil

The Wall Street Journalreported on 31 January that both

Kuwait and Iraq are exploring ways to mitigate Iranian

threats to block the Strait of Hormuz as tensions be-

tween the West and Iran increase. According to the article,

Iraqs parliament is considering the construction of a pipeline

that would reroute oil resources while Kuwait is developing

contingency plans.

Meanwhile, the managing director of the Iranian Central Oil

Fields Company (ICOFC) has announced a Tehran/Baghdad

joint venture that will begin development of three oilfields,

reportedIraqBusiness News.

Bloombergreported that the first of four single-point mooring

facilitiesused to export oil from Iraq will be operational on 25

January. Each new mooring facility will add 900,000 barrels

per day (bpd) to Iraqs ability to export crude oil.

Insurgents disguisedas soldiers attacked a small oilfield near

Mosul, reports the Associated Press. The 858 million-barrel

field is being developed by Angolas national oil company,

Sonangola. Iraqi police believe the attack was intended to

deter foreign investment in the country.

International InvestmentReuters reports that a Japan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA) is planning to build and operate a USD 2 billion ferti-

liser plant in Basra located in Southern Iraq. The project sig-

nals Japans first public-private partnership in Iraq.

Economic Development

Vice Presidents Arrest WarrantLast month as US troops withdrew from the country, Prime

Minister Maliki ignited a political crisis by accusing the Vice

President of running death squadsreported Emirates 247. Ac-

cording to the article, Vice President al-Hashemi travelled to

the Kurdish region after the central government issued a war-

rant for his arrest. Emirates 247reported that the Kurdish re-

gion enjoys a special status that does not permit Iraqi security

forcesto arrest individuals in the Kurdish region.

Iraqs Shiite led government requested that Kurdish authori-

ties hand overVice President al-Hashemi and 12 of his entou-

rage in order to face charges reported, Emirates 247. Reuters

reported on 12 January that the semi -autonomous region of

Kurdistan was unwillingto hand over al-Hashemi to Iraqi offi-

cials in Baghdad. Although not outright refusing to handover

the Vice President, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)

urged Baghdad to try al-Hashemi outside of the Iraqi capital as

al-Hashemi claims he cannot receive a fair trial in Baghdad.

On 15 January an Associated Press article reported that an

Iraqi courtin Baghdad had ruled on al-Hashemis request that

a trial be held in Kirkuk where he believes the ethnically

mixed city would be capable of holding a fair trial. The court

has determined that the trial will be held in Baghdad.

Commenting from the safety of the autonomous region of

Kurdistan, Vice President al-Hashimi remained defiant, pre-

dicting to CNNthat Iraq could return to widespread sectarian

violencenoting that Prime Minister al Maliki was pursuing a

dangerous agenda of sectarian politics which could require the

return of US forces. In further developments on 31 January,

Middle East Online reported that Iraqi security forces detained

16 of Tareq al Hashemis bodyguards even as Iraqiya MPs

returned to parliament from their recent boycott.

Parliamentary BoycottGulf Today reported on 19 January that the Shiite dominated

cabinetof Prime Minister al-Maliki voted to suspend the boy-

cott of Sunni cabinet members thereby exacerbating the cur-

rent political crisis that has sparked sectarian violence

Governance & Rule of Law
mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topicmailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topichttp://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/2/284605/http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/2/284605/http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/2/284605/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/06/600-unit-housing-project-in-kirkuk/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/06/600-unit-housing-project-in-kirkuk/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/03/investment-opportunity-karbala-monorail/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/03/investment-opportunity-karbala-monorail/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/16/finance-ministry-considers-adding-42000-jobs-to-budget/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/16/finance-ministry-considers-adding-42000-jobs-to-budget/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20120131-715907.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20120131-715907.htmlhttp://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/16/iraq-and-iran-to-jointly-develop-oilfields/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/16/iraq-and-iran-to-jointly-develop-oilfields/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/15/iraqi-marine-oil-terminal-to-be-ready-25th-jan/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/15/iraqi-marine-oil-terminal-to-be-ready-25th-jan/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/15/iraqi-marine-oil-terminal-to-be-ready-25th-jan/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jan-12/159667-iraq-insurgents-attack-oil-drilling-site-in-north.ashx#axzz1jH9xGrbIhttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jan-12/159667-iraq-insurgents-attack-oil-drilling-site-in-north.ashx#axzz1jH9xGrbIhttp://www.sonangol.co.ao/wps/portal/ephttp://www.sonangol.co.ao/wps/portal/ephttp://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/13/2bn-japanese-fertiliser-plant-for-basra/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/13/2bn-japanese-fertiliser-plant-for-basra/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/13/2bn-japanese-fertiliser-plant-for-basra/http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/12562581/iraq-s-kurds-unwilling-to-hand-hashemi-to-baghdad/http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/12562581/iraq-s-kurds-unwilling-to-hand-hashemi-to-baghdad/http://www.krg.org/http://www.krg.org/http://www.lignet.com/Wire/Iraq-Court--Sunni-VP-Must-Stand-Trial-in-Baghdadhttp://www.lignet.com/Wire/Iraq-Court--Sunni-VP-Must-Stand-Trial-in-Baghdadhttp://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/30/world/meast/iraq-al-hashimi/index.html?hpt=wo_t3http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/30/world/meast/iraq-al-hashimi/index.html?hpt=wo_t3http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/30/world/meast/iraq-al-hashimi/index.html?hpt=wo_t3http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50371http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50371http://gulftoday.ae/portal/098b8da8-66a9-4bb8-b158-be8b0a6f044b.aspxhttp://gulftoday.ae/portal/098b8da8-66a9-4bb8-b158-be8b0a6f044b.aspxhttp://gulftoday.ae/portal/098b8da8-66a9-4bb8-b158-be8b0a6f044b.aspxhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50371http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/30/world/meast/iraq-al-hashimi/index.html?hpt=wo_t3http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/30/world/meast/iraq-al-hashimi/index.html?hpt=wo_t3http://www.lignet.com/Wire/Iraq-Court--Sunni-VP-Must-Stand-Trial-in-Baghdadhttp://www.krg.org/http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/12562581/iraq-s-kurds-unwilling-to-hand-hashemi-to-baghdad/http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/iraq-asks-kurds-to-hand-over-vice-president-2012-01-08-1.436460http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/13/2bn-japanese-fertiliser-plant-for-basra/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/13/2bn-japanese-fertiliser-plant-for-basra/http://www.sonangol.co.ao/wps/portal/ephttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jan-12/159667-iraq-insurgents-attack-oil-drilling-site-in-north.ashx#axzz1jH9xGrbIhttp://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/15/iraqi-marine-oil-terminal-to-be-ready-25th-jan/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/15/iraqi-marine-oil-terminal-to-be-ready-25th-jan/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/16/iraq-and-iran-to-jointly-develop-oilfields/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20120131-715907.htmlhttp://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/16/finance-ministry-considers-adding-42000-jobs-to-budget/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/03/investment-opportunity-karbala-monorail/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/06/600-unit-housing-project-in-kirkuk/http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/2/284605/http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/2/284605/mailto:[email protected]?subject=recommended%20report%20topic


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throughout the country. Additionally, Prime Minister al Mala-

ki named temporary replacements for those Sunni lawmakers

boycotting parliament reportsMiddleEast Online. Iraqs prem-

ier backed off initial threats to fire ministers boycotting cabi-

net.

In a possible thawing of recent political tensions, Iraqs Sunni

leaders attempted to calm the sectarian political crisis by end-

ing their boycott of parliament reported the Star Tribune. Ac-

cording to the 29 January report, the Iraqiya coalition, a Sunni -

backed group of lawmakers, will return to the legislature. The

coalitions return could help to pave the way for a national

summit with Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. The Star Tribune ex-

plained that the summits focus would be reconciliation among

Iraqs main ethnic groups.

Democracy

Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Iyad Allawi, ex-premier

of Iraq as saying that Iraq is in its most dangerous phase of

its modern history citing sectarianism, political manoeuvring

and terrorism as reasons for his concern. Allawi had warned

in the very early days-in fact, years ago-that sectarianism and

having a vacuum and having a political process which is not

inclusive, can only destroy the future of this country. Reflect-ing on President Obamas claim last month that US forces

were leaving a stable and democratic country, Allawi told

AFPIts neither stable nor democratic, frankly speaking. The

terrorists are hitting again very severely and al Qaeda is fully

operational now in Iraq. Middle East Online reported on 19

January that Allawi called for the Shiite Prime Minister to

respect the currentpower-sharingagreement among the politi-

cal blocks, or to step down.

In a recent interview , Saleh al-Mutlaq the Deputy Prime Min-

ister re-affirmed earlier claims that Iraq was becoming a new

dictatorshipunder al-Maliki leadership and predicting sectarian

conflict within the country if Iraqs current political crisis is

not resolved reported theAssociated Press.

According to The National, with increasing control over the

Iraqi army, Prime Minister al-Maliki has the ability to domi-

nate his main political rivals through his military power. The

article asserted that whether intentional or not, the US left the

Iraqi army largely under the control of the Prime Minister.

Today, the Iraqi army has a presence throughout the country

and the Prime Minister is allowed control of the Ministry of

Defence and the army. According to The National, control

over these institutions allows al-Maliki the keys to control the

entire political system.

International RelationsTrendreported on 06 January that the Turkish Foreign Minis-

ter Ahmet Davutoglu urged Iranian officials to work withTur-

key to stop sectarian violence in Iraq. Recognising Irans influ-

ential role in the Middle East, the Foreign Minister said that

Turkey and Iran can contribute to a solution in Iraq and Syr-

ia.

On 19 January the Turkish Embassy was hit by three rocketsin

Baghdad reported Turkeys Daily News. Recent relations be-

tween Turkey and Iraq have been strained due to the recent

arrest warrant for al Hashemi and the rocket attacks could fur-

ther raise tensions reported the article.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) stated that Turkish Prime Minis-

ter Recep Tayyip Erdogan cautioned Iraqi leaders that it would

not remain silent if they incitedsectarian violence within the

country. Addressing parliament and televised nation-wide,

Erdogan called Maliks current attitude as very ugly and un-

fortunate and stated that Turkey expected the Iraqi govern-

ment to leave aside sectarian discrimination and express a re-

sponsible attitude to prevent sectarian conflicts.

The Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (IIC) spokesman Ammar al-Hakim on 26 January appealed for calm in relations with

neighbouring Turkey reported Middle East Online. The leader

stated: We are in need of relations which will strengthen our

bonds of friendship. The SIIC is a Shiite Islamist political

party in Iraq which currently has nine seats in Iraqs 325-

member parliament.

On 14 January, AFP reported Prime Minister al-Maliki met

with US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and US

Central Command chief General James Mattis. The leaders

discussed a range of critical issues of mutual interest, includ-

ing regional developments, their bilateral relationship and the

current political situation.

MediaThe Washington Post reported that Iraq cracked downharsh-

ly on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in 2011.

A report issued by Human Rights Watch (HRW) indicated that

the government used intimidation, beatings and detentions as

methods to deter activists and journalists within the country.

According to the article, HRW stated that Iraq is quickly slip-

ping back into authoritarianism as its security forces abuse

protesters, harass journalists and torture detainees. Despite the

US attempts to leave the country as a democracy, there are

already signs that Iraq is a budding police state.

Executions

On 24 January, the United Nations expressed its con-

cern over the shocking number ofexecutionsbeing

carried out within Iraq, reported Reuters. The article

reported that 34 executions were carried out in a single day

(19 January) and this has the UN High Commissioner for Hu-

man Rights (OHCHR) concerned over the due process and

fairness of trials within the country. UNHCR also expressed

reservations over the transparency of court proceedings espe-

cially given the wide range of offenses that carry the death

penalty in Iraq.

RefugeesIranian refugees residing in Camp Ashrafrequested that Secre-

tary of State Hillary Clinton and the UN Secretary General

Ban Ki-moon engage in efforts that would ensure the safety of

those living in the Iraqi camp from the Iranian regime reports

the US Committee for Camp Ashraf Residents (USCCAR).

Humanitarian Affairs
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=49822http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=49822http://www.startribune.com/world/138297849.htmlhttp://www.startribune.com/world/138297849.htmlhttp://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=481155&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=481155&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50109http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50109http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50109http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50109http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/13/iraq-official-calls-for-pms-removal/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/13/iraq-official-calls-for-pms-removal/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/13/iraq-official-calls-for-pms-removal/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/malikis-strength-grows-with-the-help-of-a-politicised-armyhttp://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/malikis-strength-grows-with-the-help-of-a-politicised-armyhttp://en.trend.az/regions/met/turkey/1976865.htmlhttp://en.trend.az/regions/met/turkey/1976865.htmlhttp://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rocket-hits-turkish-mission-in-baghdad.aspx?pageID=238&nid=11801&NewsCatID=338http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rocket-hits-turkish-mission-in-baghdad.aspx?pageID=238&nid=11801&NewsCatID=338http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Turkey+warns+Iraq+against+fomenting+sectarian+unrest/6043032/story.htmlhttp://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Turkey+warns+Iraq+against+fomenting+sectarian+unrest/6043032/story.htmlhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50271http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50271http://uk.news.yahoo.com/senior-us-diplomat-iraq-amid-political-row-191338663.htmlhttp://uk.news.yahoo.com/senior-us-diplomat-iraq-amid-political-row-191338663.htmlhttp://uk.news.yahoo.com/senior-us-diplomat-iraq-amid-political-row-191338663.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/human-rights-watch-details-iraq-crackdowns-warns-of-budding-police-state/2012/01/22/gIQAlSFkIQ_story.html?wprss=rss_middle-easthttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/human-rights-watch-details-iraq-crackdowns-warns-of-budding-police-state/2012/01/22/gIQAlSFkIQ_story.html?wprss=rss_middle-easthttp://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41019&Cr=Iraqhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41019&Cr=Iraqhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Afghanistan/PublishingImages/newspaper_icon.jpghttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Afghanistan/PublishingImages/newspaper_icon.jpghttp://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspxhttp://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspxhttp://www.usccar.org/2012/01/02/camp-ashraf-warning-on-iranian-regime%e2%80%99s-efforts-to-undermine-a-peaceful-solution/http://www.usccar.org/2012/01/02/camp-ashraf-warning-on-iranian-regime%e2%80%99s-efforts-to-undermine-a-peaceful-solution/http://www.usccar.org/2012/01/02/camp-ashraf-warning-on-iranian-regime%e2%80%99s-efforts-to-undermine-a-peaceful-solution/http://www.usccar.org/2012/01/02/camp-ashraf-warning-on-iranian-regime%e2%80%99s-efforts-to-undermine-a-peaceful-solution/http://www.usccar.org/2012/01/02/camp-ashraf-warning-on-iranian-regime%e2%80%99s-efforts-to-undermine-a-peaceful-solution/http://www.usccar.org/2012/01/02/camp-ashraf-warning-on-iranian-regime%e2%80%99s-efforts-to-undermine-a-peaceful-solution/http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspxhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Afghanistan/PublishingImages/newspaper_icon.jpghttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41019&Cr=Iraqhttp://www.hrw.org/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/human-rights-watch-details-iraq-crackdowns-warns-of-budding-police-state/2012/01/22/gIQAlSFkIQ_story.html?wprss=rss_middle-easthttp://uk.news.yahoo.com/senior-us-diplomat-iraq-amid-political-row-191338663.htmlhttp://uk.news.yahoo.com/senior-us-diplomat-iraq-amid-political-row-191338663.htmlhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50271http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Turkey+warns+Iraq+against+fomenting+sectarian+unrest/6043032/story.htmlhttp://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rocket-hits-turkish-mission-in-baghdad.aspx?pageID=238&nid=11801&NewsCatID=338http://en.trend.az/regions/met/turkey/1976865.htmlhttp://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/malikis-strength-grows-with-the-help-of-a-politicised-armyhttp://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/13/iraq-official-calls-for-pms-removal/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/13/iraq-official-calls-for-pms-removal/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50109http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=481155&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17http://www.startribune.com/world/138297849.htmlhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=49822


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According to USCCAR, Camp Ashraf, 40 miles from Bagh-

dad, has been home to the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation

(MEK) for the past 25 years. According to USCCAR both the

United States and Iran officially consider the group to be a

terrorist organization. The United Nations on 31 January called

on Iraq to facilitate the moving ofIranian exilesto a new loca-

tion at Camp Liberty. The move comes with the implementa-

tion of a 25 December agreement regarding the exiles. The

UNHCR office confirmed that the new camp facilities were up

to international humanitarian standards. Mehr News Agencyin Tehran reported on 19 January that Maliki announced the

issuance ofarrest warrantsfor 120 members of the Mujahdin-e

Khalq Organisation.

Poverty Al Jazeera stated that the United Nations Development Pro-

gramme (UNDP) places Iraqspoverty rateat 23% of the pop-

ulation. UNDP indicates that approximately six million people

in Iraq suffer from poverty and hunger, despite Iraqs recent

increase in oil exports.

DetentionsAmnesty International (AI) reported on 30 January that two of

Vice Presidents aides, Rasha Nameer Jaafer al-Hussein and

Bassima Saleem Kiryakos were detained by al Maliki security

forceson 01 January and have not been seen since. The de-

tainment of these female workers is of concern and AI fearsboth women may be at risk of being tortured.

Iraq Business News reported on 31 January that 12 UK compa-

nies will be constructing water purification plants in the five

Iraqi provinces of Anbar, Diyala, Najf, Dhi Qar, and Basra.

Reconciliation and Militias

T

he New York Times reported that over the past several

years thousands of militants, both Sunni and Shiite

have made deals with the Iraqi government to ceasefighting. Officials doubt a meaningful peace within Iraq can

be achieved without reconciliation among armed groups. Now

it seems, the Shiite led government of al Maliki has allowed

one of the deadliest militant groups in Iraq to join in the

political process. The militant group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, once

led by anti-US cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, has made conciliatory

gestures by recently turning over the body of Alan McMenemy

who was kidnapped in 2007. According to the article, US

officials are concerned that al-Malikis reconciliation with the

group may continue to shift Iraqs centre of gravity towards

Iran.

Shiite Pilgrim AttacksIn the second

-largest assault by militants since the US exit

from Iraq in December 2011, 78 Shiite Muslims were killed

on 05 January reports Australian Associated Press (AAP). The

coordinated attacks bore the hallmarks of Sunni insurgents and

came just before a Shiite holy day. The bombings occurred in

Baghdad and the southern city of Nasiriyah. On 07 January,

Agence France Presse (AFP) reported bomb attacks, against

police and Shiite pilgrims in central Iraq, killed four people;

two officers and two worshippers while also wounding 10

others. The Washington Post reported on 08 January that a

roadside bomb killed two Shiite pilgrims and wounded 10

others south of Baghdad. Police and health officials determined

the blast targeted Shiite pilgrims walking to the holy Shiite

city of Karbala. Also, 53 Shiite pilgrims were killed whileover 130 were wounded by a suicide bomber in the southern

city of Basra according to theNew York Times. The 14 January

attack occurred on the last day of Arbaeen, the 40-day

mourning period for the death of Imam Hussein ibn Ali.

Responding to recent attacks against Shiite pilgrims, the Iraqi

government made attempts to increase security of the pilgrims.

According to the NYT article, the chief of the security

committee for the Basra provincial council carried out raids on

several homes in the Basra area which uncovered a number of

explosives devices and weapons.

Sectarian Violence Associated Press reported that on 15 January Iraqi security

forces, which are largely Shiite, battled gunmen who

detonated a car bomb before entering a government compoundand killing seven police officers. The attack occurred in the

one time Sunni insurgent hotbed in the Anbar province

capital of Ramadi. The standoff between government security

forces and suspected Sunni insurgents marked the first serious

gun- battle for Iraqi forces against insurgents since th

departure of the US forces in December 2011. Another attack

in western Iraq by insurgents on 18 January killed five

policemen at a checkpoint reported theDaily News. The attack

took place in the outskirts of Ramadi.

Car bombs, detonated in two cities, killed 11 people on 16

January reported the AP. The first blast struck a Shiite district

in the outskirts of Mosul. Eight people were killed in theexplosion. The second attack occurred in a largely industrial

area of the Shiite town of Hillah. Three people were killed and

25 wounded. Trendreported that nine deathsoccurred in three

separate regions of Iraq on 22 January. Two policemen and

two insurgents were killed in the town of Baquba, 57

kilometres northeast of Baghdad. Also, four Iraqi soldiers were

killed at a checkpoint in Faluja. Finally, one person was killed

while three others were injured in a car bombing in Mosul.

Fourteen people were killed as a wave of car bombingsripped

through mainly Shiite neighbourhoods of Baghdad on 24

January, reported the Associated Press. The bombings

wounded 70 people.

BBCreported morebomb attacksin Musayyib and Kirkuk that

killed 13 people. On 26 January two brothers and at least eight

relatives were killed in a house bombing in Musayyib while

three people were killed on the same day in a bombing in

Kirkuk.

Insurgency GroupsIraq al Qaedas first online posting since the US troop

departure claimed that the US troop withdraw was a function

of a collapsing US economy reported Pan Armenian. In an

Security
http://www.cfr.org/iran/mujahadeen-e-khalq-mek-aka-peoples-mujahedin-iran-pmoi/p9158http://www.cfr.org/iran/mujahadeen-e-khalq-mek-aka-peoples-mujahedin-iran-pmoi/p9158http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htmhttp://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htmhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gh4H766E1Vf-1Aoa7xrpNAXGZ2Zg?docId=CNG.f01cf504388e8517f1323d2d32388a11.41http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gh4H766E1Vf-1Aoa7xrpNAXGZ2Zg?docId=CNG.f01cf504388e8517f1323d2d32388a11.41http://www.payvand.com/news/12/jan/1207.htmlhttp://www.payvand.com/news/12/jan/1207.htmlhttp://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home.htmlhttp://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/20121411519385348.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/20121411519385348.htmlhttp://www.amnestyusa.org/http://www.amnestyusa.org/http://news.yahoo.com/iraq-detains-16-vice-presidential-guards-112117417.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/iraq-detains-16-vice-presidential-guards-112117417.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/iraq-detains-16-vice-presidential-guards-112117417.htmlhttp://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/31/uk-companies-to-build-water-purification-plants-in-iraq/http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/31/uk-companies-to-build-water-purification-plants-in-iraq/http://www.watoday.com.au/world/iraq-embraces-deadliest-militia-group-20120106-1pola.htmlhttp://www.watoday.com.au/world/iraq-embraces-deadliest-militia-group-20120106-1pola.htmlhttp://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1616817/Iraq-bomb-attacks-target-Shihttp://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1616817/Iraq-bomb-attacks-target-Shihttp://iraq-bombs-kill-two-shiite-pilgrims-two-police-2012-01-08-1/http://iraq-bombs-kill-two-shiite-pilgrims-two-police-2012-01-08-1/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-shiite-led-government-formally-demands-kurds-turn-over-wanted-sunni-vice-president/2012/01/08/gIQA9vpCjP_story.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-shiite-led-government-formally-demands-kurds-turn-over-wanted-sunni-vice-president/2012/01/08/gIQA9vpCjP_story.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/world/roadside-bomb-kills-dozens-in-southern-iraq.html?_r=1&=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/world/roadside-bomb-kills-dozens-in-southern-iraq.html?_r=1&=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Arbaeenhttp://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Arbaeenhttp://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120115/government-compound-attacked-western-iraq-120115/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120115/government-compound-attacked-western-iraq-120115/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/insurgents-kill-five--policemen-in-iraq.aspx?pageID=238&nid=11706&NewsCatID=352http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/insurgents-kill-five--policemen-in-iraq.aspx?pageID=238&nid=11706&NewsCatID=352http://www.adn.com/2012/01/15/2264837/gunmen-storm-iraq-compound-kill.htmlhttp://www.adn.com/2012/01/15/2264837/gunmen-storm-iraq-compound-kill.htmlhttp://en.trend.az/regions/met/iraq/1982788.htmlhttp://en.trend.az/regions/met/iraq/1982788.htmlhttps://webmail.cimicweb.org/owa/?ae=Item&a=Open&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAADRifamWY4%2fSqpEfOYzFoSEBwCpTKhuwEy6R5o512SeA4yHAGIzq0EwAACpTKhuwEy6R5o512SeA4yHAGLar%2fZMAAAJhttps://webmail.cimicweb.org/owa/?ae=Item&a=Open&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAADRifamWY4%2fSqpEfOYzFoSEBwCpTKhuwEy6R5o512SeA4yHAGIzq0EwAACpTKhuwEy6R5o512SeA4yHAGLar%2fZMAAAJhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16737821http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16737821http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/90045/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/90045/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/90045/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16737821https://webmail.cimicweb.org/owa/?ae=Item&a=Open&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAADRifamWY4%2fSqpEfOYzFoSEBwCpTKhuwEy6R5o512SeA4yHAGIzq0EwAACpTKhuwEy6R5o512SeA4yHAGLar%2fZMAAAJhttp://en.trend.az/regions/met/iraq/1982788.htmlhttp://www.adn.com/2012/01/15/2264837/gunmen-storm-iraq-compound-kill.htmlhttp://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/insurgents-kill-five--policemen-in-iraq.aspx?pageID=238&nid=11706&NewsCatID=352http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20120115/government-compound-attacked-western-iraq-120115/http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Arbaeenhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/world/roadside-bomb-kills-dozens-in-southern-iraq.html?_r=1&=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-shiite-led-government-formally-demands-kurds-turn-over-wanted-sunni-vice-president/2012/01/08/gIQA9vpCjP_story.htmlhttp://iraq-bombs-kill-two-shiite-pilgrims-two-police-2012-01-08-1/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1616817/Iraq-bomb-attacks-target-Shihttp://www.watoday.com.au/world/iraq-embraces-deadliest-militia-group-20120106-1pola.htmlhttp://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/31/uk-companies-to-build-water-purification-plants-in-iraq/http://news.yahoo.com/iraq-detains-16-vice-presidential-guards-112117417.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/iraq-detains-16-vice-presidential-guards-112117417.htmlhttp://www.amnestyusa.org/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/20121411519385348.htmlhttp://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home.htmlhttp://www.payvand.com/news/12/jan/1207.htmlhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gh4H766E1Vf-1Aoa7xrpNAXGZ2Zg?docId=CNG.f01cf504388e8517f1323d2d32388a11.41http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htmhttp://www.cfr.org/iran/mujahadeen-e-khalq-mek-aka-peoples-mujahedin-iran-pmoi/p9158


5/5

Page 5anuary 2012

audio message, the spokesman for al Qaedas Islamic State of

Iraq Abu Mohammend al Adnani said that America has been

defeated in Iraq. Also, al Adnani urged former al Qaeda

fighters who switched loyalities and fought with Americans

not to abandon jihad now that the US withdrawal has been

completed.

The Nationalreported that Riyadh Al Adhadh, the deputy chief

of Baghdad provincial council was arrested 18 January on

suspected connections with funding Iraqi insurgent groups. AlAdhadh belongs to the Iraqi Islamic Partywhich is part of the

larger Sunni Iraqiya bloc.

Drone SurveillanceIn efforts to protect the US Embassy and consulate the US

State Department is using a small number of surveillance

dronesto gain intelligence according to the New York Times.

Senior Iraqi officials expressed their anger at the surveillance

program and considered it an affront to the country

sovereignty.

Pakistans The Nation reported that Egypt and Iraq held

military talksin order to understand how the countrys mightwork together training Iraqi security forces.

Socio-cultural DevelopmentYouth

Astudy conducted by the Iraqi Society of Psychiatrists

and the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that

many children within Iraq are suffering from trauma

related symptoms as a result of the almost decade old war re-

ports theHuffington Post. In one neighbourhood of Northern

Baghdad it was found that 70% of the 10,000 childrenscreened showed symptoms of trauma.

Trend reported that Iran has received permission to build

schools in several cities within Iraq. According to the report,

Mohammed Alikhani, Consulate General of Iran in Karbala

Iraq told Iranian Mehr News Agency that the Iraqi Education

Ministry has granted permission to build Iranian schools in

Karbala and Najaf.

ProgrammesThe US Embassy in Baghdad announced that applications are

being accepted for the 2012 MEPI Student LeadersProgram.

The six-week academic summer program will take place from

26 June07 August, 2012.

Post War IraqAl Jazeera maintains that Iraq is a country in shambles. Ac-

cording to the article, despite promises made for improve-

ments, the Iraqi economy, infrastructure and quality of life are

significantly lacking. Baghdad continues to experience an on-

going shortage of potable water. Electricity is unreliable andstreet side generators are a common sight in Baghdad to ad-

dress the frequent power outages. In Sadr City, an enclave

within Baghdad, raw sewage stills openly flows in the streets.

According to the article the current economic situation is bad

and getting worse. The irony, the article explains, is that Iraq

is the third oil rich country in the world.

The Wall Street Journalreported that the ancient language of

Aramaic, which is the root language of Hebrew and Arabic,

continues to thrive in regions of northern Iraq. Shaqlawa, Iraq

is one of only a few places where Aramaic is still spoken on

the streets of the village.

ENGAGE WITH US Civil-Military Fusion Centre (CFC) [email protected] www.cimicweb.org

If you are a CFC account-holder and would like your notice to appear here, please send all relevant details to [email protected]. The CFC is not obligedto print any notice that it receives, and the CFC retains the right to revise notices for clarity and appropriateness. Any notices submitted for publication in the IraqMonthly Review newsletter should be relevant to North Africa and to the CFCs mission as a knowledge management and information sharing institution.

Who? Ministries of Iraq along with oil industry professionals.

What? An expo to explore energy in IraqFor whom? Private and public entities, industry professionals, researchers & practitioners interested in energy investmentWhen & Where? 23-26 April, 2012 , University of Baghdad, within few minutes from the Green ZoneContact Details:

Iraq Energy Expo 2012

Iraq Energy Expo and Conference 2012 IEEC 2012
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-sunni-politician-arrested-as-row-over-death-squads-festershttp://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-sunni-politician-arrested-as-row-over-death-squads-festershttp://www.iraqiparty.com/main/http://www.iraqiparty.com/main/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/world/middleeast/iraq-is-angered-by-us-drones-patrolling-its-skies.html?_r=1&=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/world/middleeast/iraq-is-angered-by-us-drones-patrolling-its-skies.html?_r=1&=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/world/middleeast/iraq-is-angered-by-us-drones-patrolling-its-skies.html?_r=1&=http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/19-Jan-2012/egypt-iraq-in-military-talkshttp://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/19-Jan-2012/egypt-iraq-in-military-talkshttp://www.who.int/en/http://www.who.int/en/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adnan-aldaini/the-plight-of-iraqi-child_b_1184324.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/adnan-aldaini/the-plight-of-iraqi-child_b_1184324.htmlhttp://pda.trend.az/en/1980189.htmlhttp://pda.trend.az/en/1980189.htmlhttp://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy22041/http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy22041/http://www.mehrnews.com/en/http://www.mehrnews.com/en/http://iraq.usembassy.gov/student-leaders-program2.htmlhttp://iraq.usembassy.gov/student-leaders-program2.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/20121411519385348.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/20121411519385348.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204879004577110120624942412.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204879004577110120624942412.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.cimicweb.org/https://www.cimicweb.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://c5.zedo.com/ads2/f/1029724/3840/172/0/305000832/305000832/0/305/263/zz-V1-1X1.html?a=s%3D263%3Bg%3D172%3Bm%3D117%3Bw%3D49%3Bu%3Dx1WvTuZEFtYL6t4lDW5hdOBi~110111%3Bi%3D0%3B;l=;p=;t=1324224138http://c5.zedo.com/ads2/f/1029724/3840/172/0/305000832/305000832/0/305/263/zz-V1-1X1.html?a=s%3D263%3Bg%3D172%3Bm%3D117%3Bw%3D49%3Bu%3Dx1WvTuZEFtYL6t4lDW5hdOBi~110111%3Bi%3D0%3B;l=;p=;t=1324224138http://c5.zedo.com/ads2/f/1029724/3840/172/0/305000832/305000832/0/305/263/zz-V1-1X1.html?a=s%3D263%3Bg%3D172%3Bm%3D117%3Bw%3D49%3Bu%3Dx1WvTuZEFtYL6t4lDW5hdOBi~110111%3Bi%3D0%3B;l=;p=;t=1324224138mailto:[email protected]://www.cimicweb.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204879004577110120624942412.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/01/20121411519385348.htmlhttp://iraq.usembassy.gov/student-leaders-program2.htmlhttp://www.mehrnews.com/en/http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy22041/http://pda.trend.az/en/1980189.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/adnan-aldaini/the-plight-of-iraqi-child_b_1184324.htmlhttp://www.who.int/en/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/19-Jan-2012/egypt-iraq-in-military-talkshttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/world/middleeast/iraq-is-angered-by-us-drones-patrolling-its-skies.html?_r=1&=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/world/middleeast/iraq-is-angered-by-us-drones-patrolling-its-skies.html?_r=1&=http://www.iraqiparty.com/main/http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-sunni-politician-arrested-as-row-over-death-squads-festers

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