Iraq Intel Chief Decries Partisanship
From the USG Open Source Center, a translation of an interview with Iraq's intelligence head:
' Iraqi Intelligence Chief Al-Shahwani Warns of Danger of Partisan Politics
Interview with Iraqi Intelligence Service chief Major General Muhammad al-Shahwani by Sa'd Abbas; place and date not given: "There Will Be Security in the Country When the Political Parties Stop Undermining the Authority of the Prime Minister"
Al-Zaman
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 T16:37:56Z
Document Type: OSC Translated Text
(Abbas) How far has the intelligence service gone in terms of qualitative preparedness?
(Al-Shahwani) One can say that Iraq at present possesses a professional intelligence service. The intelligence service is much better and more advanced than its predecessor under the former regime, technically and in terms of national loyalty. However, in view of the abnormal security situation in the country, the intelligence service does not practice its duties in many fields outside Iraq, as it is supposed to do. The country's circumstances require the intelligence service to focus its activity inside the country, yet it has had a presence in some fields in some of the neighboring countries. So far, we have not been able to work in more distant areas, such as Europe and other countries.
The rest is here.
posted by Juan Cole @ 6/21/2006 12:01:00 AM
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1 Comments:
Al Shahwani makes exemplary statements. Evidently, Iraqi intelligence is a well oiled machine, free of any chicanery or bias. But, oh, how nice to sit in at the Cabinet meetings. Being kept out was such a shame.
One must admire his statement in favor of unity and elimination of factions or favors based on party, creed, or ethnic group. The interviewer is also much more hardball than most US journalists in asking tough questions. Of course, official protocol prevents most officials from answering many things. Only US ambassadors to the UN, televangelists, DoD secretaries, and WH chiefs of staff have license to make threats and throw spitballs.
He is probably right that one cannot integrate a sectarian militia into an organization. Recruitment and training would have to be on an individual basis and subject to a unitary command. But the recruits may still report or leak to insurgents or militia.
Al Shahwani also states: "One of the conditions to apply for the intelligence service is that the date of birth of the applicant should be 1970 and later." Interesting. US security agencies and multilateral organizations also discourage applications for entry level opportunities from candidates aged 36 or over. There is surprising consensus worldwide that experience makes one "overqualified" or somehow unfit to attempt a new career. Iraqi old dogs need not apply, since they are presumed to carry Baath fleas. Better to let the oldsters sit, stew, and beg. So guess which side will get the most competent commanders?
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