INSTITUT KUDE RPARD IS E

Bulletin de liaison et d’information N°284 NOVEMBRE 2008 La publication de ce Bulletin bénéficie de subventions du Ministère français des Affaires étrangères (DGCID) et du Fonds d’action et de soutien pour l’intégration et la lutte contre les discriminations (FASILD) ————— Ce bulletin paraît en français et anglais

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Périodique mensuel Directeur de la publication : Mohamad HASSAN

Numéro de la Commission Paritaire : 659 13 A.S. ISBN 0761 1285

INSTITUT KURDE, 106, rue La Fayette - 75010 PARIS Tél. : 01- 48 24 64 64 - Fax : 01- 48 24 64 66

www.fikp.org E-mail: [email protected] • NINIVE : DES MINORITES RELIGIEUSES RECLAMENT LEUR RATTACHEMENT AU KURDISTAN D ’IRAK

• TURQUIE : DURCISSEMENT DE L ’AKP SUR LA QUESTION KURDE • BAGDAD : LE SOFA FINALEMENT ADOPTE PAR LE PARLE - MENT IRAKIEN

• KIRKOUK : POLEMIQUE CONSTITUTIONNELLE AUTOUR DES MILICES GOUVERNEMENTALES

• ERBIL : CAMPAGNE GOUVERNEMENTALE ET NOUVELLES LOIS EN FAVEUR DES FEMMES

• IRAN : REPRESSION ET COUVRE-FEU A SANANDAJ

• TURQUIE : LES ALEVIS MECONTENTS DEFILENT A ANKA - RA

• CINEMA : UN FILM KURDE PRIME AUX USA, UN AUTRE CENSURE EN SUISSE

NINIVE : DES MINORITES RELIGIEUSES RECLAMENT LEUR de la loi, le 5 novembre, Shlemon RATTACHEMENT AU KURDISTAN D ’IRAK Warduni, le vicaire du patriarche chaldéen de Bagdad, jugeait que e 4 novembre, les dépu - à Basra, sur un total de 440 cette disposition ne prenait pas tés irakiens ont finale - sièges pour tous les conseils pro - réellement en compte « les droits L ment décidé de réserver vinciaux du pays. Un siège des chrétiens d ’Irak » et n ’allait six sièges aux groupes revient aux Yézidis pour Ninive, pas contre la « marginalisation minoritaires dans les un autre aux Sabéens à Bagdad. de la communauté chrétienne »: Conseils provinciaux, revenant « Le gouvernement avait promis sur l ’abrogation de l ’article 50 Les modifications de la loi élec - qu ’il réintroduirait l ’article 50 qui garantissait cette représenta - torale n ’ont cependant pas apai - dans la loi électorale, lequel don - tion. Sur les 150 députés pré - sé le mécontentement des chré - nait quinze sièges aux minorités, sents, 106 ont donc approuvé les tiens, qui rappellent que dont treize pour les chrétiens. » nouvelles dispositions donnant l’envoyé spécial de l ’ONU en Pour monseigneur Warduni, trois sièges aux chrétiens et trois Irak recommandait d ’accorder cette loi n ’aura pour effet que de autres à répartir entre différents douze sièges pour les minorités renouveler, sans changement, la groupes religieux. Les chrétiens du pays. composition actuelle des obtiennent ainsi un siège à Conseils provinciaux, sans que Bagdad, un à Ninive et un autre Dès le lendemain de l ’adoption les minorités ne se voient davan - • 2 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information n° 284 • novembre 2008

tage protégées ni même repré - manqué de dénoncer la fermetu - politique irakienne depuis la sentées. Il dénonce aussi l ’inertie re de la station comme une fondation de l ’Etat. ou l ’indifférence des Nations « mesure pour imposer silence Unies et de la communauté aux voix patriotiques et pour La crainte du gouvernement internationale. contenter les officiels kurdes qui central d ’une alliance entre les veulent se débarrasser de tout Kurdes et les minorités peut se Cela n ’a pas empêché la loi rival dans les élections provin - trouver confirmée par les voix d’être ratifiée par le Conseil de ciales à venir. » Selon Al- de plus en plus nombreuses, au présidence, composé du prési - Nudjaïfi, la radio devait en effet sein de ces mêmes minorités, qui dent de l ’Irak, le Kurde Jalal relayer la campagne électorale réclament leur rattachement à la Talabani et de ses deux adjoints d’un groupe politique sunnite Région du Kurdistan. Les arabes, Tariq al Hachemi, un arabe, qui avait pour but de Shabaks sont une secte religieu - sunnite, et Adel Abdul Madhi, s’opposer aux Kurdes dans les se dont les croyances ne sont pas un chiite. Ce même conseil avait circonscriptions de Mossoul. très éloignées des Alévis, et dont une première fois refusé de la langue, proche du kurde, signer le projet voté par Actuellement, les conseils pro - comporte de nombreux l’assemblée nationale irakienne vinciaux de Ninive, dont celui emprunts au turc, au persan et à en juillet dernier, jugeant cer - de Mossoul, comportent une l’arabe. Si, au cours de l ’histoire, taines de ses dispositions « anti - majorité de Kurdes, en raison du leurs rapports ne furent pas sans constitutionnelles ». boycott des arabes sunnites lors tensions avec les musulmans, des élections de 2005. Ils sont qu ’ils soient kurdes ou arabes, Les tensions interethniques et politiquement alliés aux chré - les récentes persécutions dont ils religieuses, si elles sont subies et tiens et aux autres minorités de font l ’objet, ainsi que les Yézidis non souhaitées par la plupart la région, ce qui rend donc très et les chrétiens de Mossoul, les des habitants de Mossoul, sont improbable, comme l ’avait souli - incitent à opter pour la « kurdi - attisées par des groupes poli - gné le Premier ministre kurde cité ». Ils ont ainsi manifesté le 2 tiques ou religieux qui agissent à Nêçirvan Barzani, les allégations novembre dans les rues de peu près librement, devant un d’une certaine presse arabe au Ninive, pour leur réintégration gouvernement central indiffé - sujet des menées anti-chré - au sein du Gouvernement régio - rent comme accusent plusieurs tiennes des Kurdes de Mossoul. nal du Kuridstan : groupes persécutés. Mais la Par contre, une épuration reli - « Aujourd ’hui, des centaines de tenue des futures élections pré - gieuse à Ninive peut affaiblir la Shabaks ont organisé une mani - vues pour début 2009 peut être coalition des partis kurdes et festation pacifique appelant à aussi à l ’origine des regains de chrétiens au profit des groupes leur intégration dans la Région violences et d ’intimidations politiques arabes sunnites les du Kurdistan, pour le motif contre les minorités. Le 2 plus radicaux œuvrant dans la qu ’ils sont Kurdes et non novembre, une radio nouvelle - région. Ainsi, les sunnites Arabes » a déclaré, sur la radio ment lancée à Mossoul a été fer - s’opposent vigoureusement à la nationale irakienne, le chef du mée par les autorités locales demande des Kurdes qui récla - district de Bashiqa à Ninive, pour avoir incité à la « sédition » ment un quota de représentation Thanoun Younis. et avoir « attisé les tensions » dans les conseils pour les mino - entre les Kurdes et les Arabes de rités de Ninive. Car l ’alliance Il en va de même des Kurdes la ville, comme le rapporte politique probable des chrétiens yézidis, résolus à ne plus Ismaïl Goran, un Kurde siégeant (et des autres groupes religieux) dépendre de Bagdad, même si au Conseil provincial. Il est inté - avec les Kurdes ne peut au cours des siècles précédents, ressant de relever que cette radio qu ’inquiéter tous les partis poli - les rapports avec leurs compa - est liée au député arabe sunnite tiques hostiles au fédéralisme. Il triotes musulmans étaient plutôt Osama al-Nudjaïfi, qui avait, dès en va de même de l ’actuel distants. « Nous espérons que la septembre dernier, lancé de viru - Premier ministre, Nouri Al- terre sur laquelle nous vivons lentes et peu vérifiables accusa - Maliki, qui tente depuis six mois actuellement rejoindra la Région tions contre les Kurdes, en les de renforcer son pouvoir per - kurde », a déclaré leur leader et accusant d ’être à l ’origine des sonnel au sein du pays et appel - représentant, le prince Tahsin meurtres de chrétiens, ce que ces le ouvertement à un Etat fédéral Beg à l ’Associated Press. « Cela derniers ont toujours nié, ainsi fort, ce que les Kurdes tradui - dépendra du référendum, mais que le Gouvernement kurde. Le sent par une volonté de recen - nos terres doivent retourner député irakien n ’a donc pas tralisation, vieux démon de la dans leur patrie originelle. » n° 284 • novembre 2008 Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 3•

TURQUIE : vernement turc a attaqué égale - DURCISSEMENT DE L ’AKP SUR LA QUESTION KURDE ment, et de façon paradoxale, cette même presse, en affirmant lors que le gouverne - ait un drapeau et un Etat. Mais qu ’elle donnait trop ment de l ’AKP, et je suis kurde – et qu ’a-t-il voulu d’importance à ce mouvement A l’armée turque sem - dire par « une nation » ? dans sa couverture médiatique, blent s ’être entendus alors que les journalistes pour entamer un pro - Un chauffeur de taxi confie ainsi n’auraient pas relayé suffisam - cessus de reconnaissance du au journal Bianet : « D’un côté, il ment sa tournée dans les régions Gouvernement kurde d ’Erbil, les y a l ’organisation [le PKK], de kurdes, ses discours et ses inau - positions d ’Ankara concernant l’autre, le Premier ministre qui gurations d ’écoles et d ’hôpitaux. la question kurde en Turquie nous rejette. Qu ’allons-nous Ces derniers propos du Premier semblent se durcir, tant dans devenir ? Nous avons l ’habitude ministre à l ’encontre des média l’attitude du Premier ministre d’être rejetés, mais c ’est notre illustrent aussi les rapports de que dans une série de faits et de patrie ici et nous resterons. » plus en plus aigris entre Recep décisions judiciaires qui ne vont Tayyip Erdogan et la presse pas dans le sens de l ’apaisement. Malgré l ’impact causé par ces turque dans son ensemble. propos, et qui ont surpris même Ainsi, il aurait très mal pris un La récente visite de Rcep Tayyip des membres de son propre éditorial de Fermi Koru, dans les Erdigan à Diyarbakir, contraste parti, Erdoğan, les a répétés pages du journal Yeni Şafak qui, ainsi singulièrement avec la dans la ville d ’Erzurum : « Nous faisant un parallèle avec les élec - tournée qu ’il avait effectuée au avons toujours été contre tout tions américaines, a écrit que le Kurdistan de Turquie en 2005 où nationalisme régional ou eth - leader de l ’AKP se changeait en dans cette même ville de nique. Nous n ’avons jamais usé un George Bush, alors qu ’il avait Diyarbakir, il avait brisé un de discrimination sur la base été élu en tant que Barack tabou en reconnaissant d’une dénomination ou d ’une Obama. » Cette critique visait l’existence d ’une « question religion. Nous nous tenons à directement le durcissement kurde » en Turquie. Cette fois-ci, distance égale de toutes les reli - apparent du gouvernement sur la teneur de ses propos était gions. » la question kurde. d’une stricte orthodoxie kéma - liste, résumée ainsi par le chef Le parti kurde du DTP, sur qui Mais d ’autres journaux turcs ont de gouvernement : « Qu ’avons- pèse la menace d ’une interdic - fait remarquer que le revirement nous à dire ? Ce que nous avons tion, a qualifié ces propos de du gouvernement s ’inscrit plus à dire c ’est : une nation, un dra - « racistes » et exige des excuses. dans une fatalité propre à la vie peau, une patrie et un Etat. » Et Le Premier ministre a répliqué politique en Turquie, dès qu ’il d’ajouter que ceux qui ne sous - dans une conférence de presse s’agit de la question kurde. crivait pas à ce principe en accusant le DTP d ’être direc - Hasan Cemal, de Milliyet, trace n’avaient qu ’à quitter le pays, ce tement instigateur et respon - un parallèle avec la trajectoire de qui est la reprise, quasiment à sable des émeutes kurdes qui l’ancien président Süleyman l’identique, du slogan des Loups ont secoué la Turquie au cours Demirel et de l ’ancien Premier gris ultranationalistes : « Ya sev, du mois d ’octobre et au début ministre Tansu Çiller. Ainsi, en ya terket ». de novembre, et du mauvais 1991, Demiral avait, lui aussi, accueil qui lui a été fait durant admis l ’existence d ’une « réalité La réaction des habitants de sa visite dans les villes du kurde » en Turquie, dès son Diyarbakir, même parmi les plus Kurdistan de Turquie. Il a ainsi accession à la présidence et avait modérés, témoigne d ’une accusé le DTP de Van d ’avoir promis une constitution démo - désillusion croissante envers les menacé les commerçants afin cratique ; promesses qu ’il s ’était véritables intentions de l ’AKP, et qu ’ils ferment boutique le jour empressé d ’oublier après avoir du sentiment de n ’avoir aucune où Erdogan s ’y rendait, ainsi reçu les « avertissements » du issue possible à la guerre. que la municipalité de Hakkari pouvoir militaire. De même Mehmet Kaya, le président de la de n ’avoir rien fait » pour amé - Tansu Çiller avait commencé par Chambre de commerce et liorer les services de la ville promouvoir la démocratie et d’industrie de la ville, commen - depuis son dernier passage. même envisagé, en 1993, une te ainsi les propos de Recep Affirmant que les supporters du autonomie pour les régions Tayyip Erdogan : « Bien sûr, je PKK s ’en étaient pris à la presse kurdes similaire au modèle n’ai aucune objection à ce qu ’il y lors des émeutes, le chef du gou - basque, avant de changer à son • 4 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information n° 284 • novembre 2008

tour de politique, là encore sous Cette nouvelle prise de fonctions sécurité et cela empêcherait la pression de l ’armée. et le départ de Fırat sont donc toute agression du Kurdistan à perçus comme le signe d ’un l’avenir », confirme Rebwar Le malaise semble avoir gagné le changement radical de la poli - Mohammad, un étudiant de propre parti de Recep tayyip tique kurde de l ’AKP. Ce qui est l’université de Salahaddin Erdogan. Ainsi, le vice-président corroboré par des sources d’Erbil au journal Gulf News. de l ’AKP, le Kurde Dengir Mir proches de Dengir Mir Mehmet Bashdar Amin, du ministère de Mehemt Fırat, a démissionné Fırat, faisant état de la « décep - l’Education du Kurdistan est brutalement de ses fonctions, tion » que lui auraient causé les encore plus explicite : « La pré - officiellement pour raisons de discours du Premier ministre au sence de bases américaines per - santé. Mais la personnalité de Kurdistan. Il exerçait jusqu ’ici manentes dans la Région pré - celui qui le remplace en tant une grande influence sur les viendra toute attaque future de qu ’adjoint à la présidence du députés kurdes de l ’AKP et nul la part d ’un gouvernement cen - parti s ’inscrit dans cette nouvelle ne sait si Abdülkadir Aksu pour - tral « imprudent ». ligne « dure ». Abdülkadir Aksu, ra exercer la même influence, ancien ministre de l ’Intérieur même si, étant originaire de Tentant sans doute d ’apaiser dans le gouvernement précédent Diyarbakir, la direction de l ’AKP l’agitation de la classe politique de l ’AKP, est bien connu pour peut envisager de le faire se pré - irakienne après les déclarations son attitude intransigeante sur la senter aux prochaines élections des Kurdes, Jalal Talabani a, de question kurde, bien qu ’étant municipales, afin d ’en déloger le façon plus conciliante, répondu lui-même d ’origine kurde et qua - populaire Osman Paydemir, le que les troupes des USA lifié de ce fait de « janissaire ». maire actuel. s’installerait dans la Région du Kurdistan seulement après BAGDAD : LE SOFA FINALEMENT approbation de Bagdad : « Il est ADOPTE PAR LE PARLEMENT IRAKIEN impossible aux troupes améri - lors que les difficiles dat onusien, soit le 31 décembre caines de rester au Kurdistan pourparlers américano- prochain. Mais faisant état de sans l ’approbation du gouverne - A irakiens se poursui - son scepticisme sur le vote futur ment central » a-t-il déclaré lors vaient autour de du Parlement de Bagdad, il a d’une intervention télévisée, sur l’adoption du SOFA, le tenu malgré tout à réaffirmer la chaîne Al-Iraqiya. « Le président du Kurdistan, avec conviction son soutien au Kurdistan est une partie de Massoud Barzani, qui venait SOFA, qu ’il estime comme étant l’Irak, et toutes les lois constitu - tout juste de rencontrer l ’équipe le meilleur possible en l ’état. tionnelles du pays s ’y appli - gouvernementale de la Maison quent. » Blanche à Washington, a déclaré Le président du Gouvernement le 1 er novembre qu ’en cas régional du Kurdistan, en faisant L’administration Bush a, dans le d’échec de l ’accord, la Région du allusion à une décision unilaté - même temps, reconnu avoir Kurdistan était disposée à rale du Parlement d ’Erbil accepté quelques amendements accueillir, de sa propre initiative, d’accueillir des troupes améri - réclamés en dernière minute par une base militaire américaine sur caines, sans passer par les Irakiens, mais ajouté qu ’en ce son sol. l’assemblée nationale irakienne, qui la concernait, elle considérait « Si les Etats-Unis le demandent, s’il ne pouvait être qu ’averti des la période de négociations je suis certain que le Parlement réactions hostiles prévisibles de comme « terminée » et que le régional du Kurdistan et le la part du monde arabe, a pris en texte qu ’elle considérait comme peuple de la Région du revanche peu de risque concer - final avait été remis au Premier Kurdistan... les accueilleraient nant sa propre opinion publique. ministre Nouri Al-Maliki. Ce volontiers » a déclaré le prési - Car les habitants de la Région dernier a appelé alors les dépu - dent kurde, lors de sa réception kurde voient dans cette éventua - tés irakiens à approuver le texte, au Centre des Etudes internatio - lité une garantie politique à long en le présentant à son tour nales et stratégiques de terme de la paix et de comme la meilleure option pos - Washington. Massoud Barzani a l’autonomie dont ils jouissent, sible pour « garantir la souverai - cependant espéré que l ’Irak et ainsi que d ’un moyen de dissua - neté de l ’Irak et le départ de tous les USA parviendraient à sion contre les velléités belli - les soldats étrangers : « Cet s’entendre sur l ’accord du main - cistes des Etats voisins. « Avec accord nous donnera la possibili - tien temporaire des forces améri - des bases américaines dans la té de construire notre pays, de caines après expiration du man - Région, je me sentirais plus en mener à bien des réformes n° 284 • novembre 2008 Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 5•

internes, de constituer des forces du groupe de l ’Alliance chiite, sion finale devait revenir au gou - de sécurité et une politique loin Ali Al-Adib, s ’est dit satisfait de ce vernement en place. de tout défi sectaire. » a-t-il que les négociateurs irakiens aient déclaré lors d ’une conférence de tenu compte des « craintes » des Le 16 novembre, le Parlement presse dans sa capitale. Nouri députés. Par contre, le président irakien a donc approuvé Al-Maliki a aussi averti les élus du Parlement, s ’exprimant au nom l’accord, par 148 voix pour sur irakiens qu ’un rejet du SOFA de son groupe, le Front de la 198 députés présents, avec 35 pouvait entraîner une prolonga - concorde sunnite, a fait part de ses voix contre et 86 absents. Les tion du mandat de l ’ONU auto - réserves concernant le texte et a forces américaines (près de 150 risant l ’armée américaine à rester indiqué avoir fait parvenir au gou - 000 soldats) commenceront un en Irak, mais dans les conditions vernement des demandes de retrait des villes irakiennes en d’occupation actuellement en modifications, notamment sur la juin 2009 mais resteront sur vigueur, qu ’il qualifie de « situa - libération des prisonniers. place pour d'éventuelles opéra - tion douloureuse ». tions militaires. Leur départ défi - Mais les députés irakiens ne nitif aura lieu à la fin de 2011. Le Les milices sadristes ont appelé, votant pas systématiquement en texte stipule notamment que « le au contraire, à des manifesta - fonction des directives de leur territoire irakien, ainsi que son tions de masse contre le pacte parti, le résultat ne pouvait espace aérien et ses eaux, ne militaire, et ont défilé en nombre découler forcément des prises de pourront être utilisés comme à Bagdad. Mais l ’opposition position des chefs de groupe point de départ ou de passage farouche du leader chiite parlementaires. Par ailleurs, le pour des attaques contre Moqtata As-Sadr ne pouvait Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini d'autres pays ». infléchir le vote parlementaire de Al-Sistani, l ’autorité religieuse Un référendum sera tenu dans façon significative, puisqu ’il ne chiite la plus éminente en Irak, a tout l'Irak, en juin 2009, pour dispose à l ’assemblée que de 30 condamné sévèrement ses dépu - approuver l'accord, à la deman - sièges. tés coreligionnaires qui s ’étaient de des députés sunnites, qui ont absentés des débats et du vote obtenu cette concession en Les débats précédant l ’adoption pour se rendre au Pèlerinage à échange de leurs voix, ainsi au Parlement irakien ont été vifs La Mecque. Un responsable de qu ’une amnistie pour les prison - et les séances ont connu plu - son bureau a ainsi fait part à niers dont on n ’a pu prouver la sieurs interruptions. Un des l’AFP de la colère du grand participation réelle dans les vio - adversaires les plus virulents de Ayatollah envers les « parlemen - lences liées à l ’insurrection. Les l’accord était naturellement taires qui sont partis pour le sunnites avaient également Moqtata as-Sadr, radicalement Pèlerinage et ont ignoré l ’appel demandé l ’arrêt du processus de opposé, par principe, à tout du Guide à assumer leurs res - « débaathification » mais seule « accord avec l ’occupant ». Mais ponsabilité historique et nationa - une révision et un adoucisse - l’Alliance chiite pour un Irak le, en donnant franchement leur ment des dispositions légales uni, la plus grande coalition opinion sur l ’accord. » Al- empêchant les anciens membres politique au Parlement, forte de Sistani, qui ne s ’exprime quasi - du parti Baath d ’occuper des 85 sièges sur 275 a voté pour, ment que par l ’intermédiaire de postes publiques sont envisagés. ainsi que l ’Alliance kurde qui ses conseillers, avait fait part de Ils ont aussi réclamé un rééquili - détient 58 sièges. La majorité son opposition à tout accord qui brage des pouvoirs en leur simple requise pour l ’adoption nuirait à la souveraineté irakien - faveur au sein du gouverne - était de 138 voix. Le président ne, mais avait jugé que la déci - ment.

KIRKUK : POLEMIQUE CONSTITUTIONNELLE plétifs recrutés parmi les tribus AUTOUR DES MILICES GOUVERNEMENTALES arabes à seule fin de contrôler Kirkouk et d ’empêcher son près la crise de Khanaqin la Région du Kurdistan. retour éventuel dans la Région qui avait failli voir Il ne s ’agit plus, cette fois, de la kurde. s’affronter les Peshmergas question des élections provin - Connues sous le nom de A « Sahwa » (Réveil), l ’implantation kurdes et l ’armée irakien - ciales ni du référendum, mais de ne venue reprendre pos - la mise en place de milices de ces groupes armés pro-gou - session de la région, de nouvelles locales, dépendantes du gouver - vernementaux a été encouragée tensions se font jour entre le gouver - nement central, que les Kurdes depuis deux ans par les Etats- nement central de Bagdad et celui de voient surtout comme des sup - Unis, qui les ont utilisées pour • 6 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information n° 284 • novembre 2008

neutraliser, dans la province Kurdistan et dans les régions kurdes a été très vive, certains sunnite d ’Anbar, les combattants disputées. C'est jouer avec le allant même jusqu ’à considérer insurgés. Mais ces milices, appe - feu. » que le Premier ministre chiite, en lées aussi « conseils de soutien » De son côté, Rizgar Ali, un s’opposant ainsi à la constitution sont accueillies avec méfiance Kurde qui dirige le Conseil pro - irakienne, avait « perdu toute par les Kurdes et les chiites, qui vincial de Kirkouk, a déclaré légitimité » dans sa fonction. y voient surtout le mauvais sou - avoir informé personnellement venir d ’une force armée unique - Nouri Al-Maliki que sa « provin - « Si nous voulons renforcer ment au service du pouvoir cen - ce n ’avait pas besoin de ces l’Irak, cela ne pourra se faire tral. Aussi les deux principaux milices », et que les forces de qu ’en renforçant les régions et partis kurdes, le PDK, dirigé par sécurité qui œuvrent actuelle - les provinces, estime Falah le président du Kuridstan ment à Kirkouk sont efficaces Mustafa Bakir, le ministre des Massoud Barzani et l ’UPK, diri - pour y assurer la sécurité. Rizgar relations internationales pour la gé par le président de l ’Irak Jalal Ali a également invité le gouver - Région du Kurdistan, « ce qui va Talabani, ont déclaré, dans un nement irakien à utiliser l ’argent tout à fait à l ’encontre des projets communiqué commun, que la prévu pour entretenir les milices d’Al-Maliki. Les Kurdes sont formation de tels groupes était dans la reconstruction et la réno - d’accord pour amender la consti - anticonstitutionnelle car contre - vation de Kirkouk et de ses tution irakienne, mais selon des venant à la loi sur le désarme - infrastructures, lesquelles sont mécanismes spécifiés dans la ment des milices armées en Irak : dramatiquement vétustes dans constitution elle-même, et à « Nous nous opposons ferme - plusieurs secteurs. condition que de tels amende - ment à la constitution de ments contribuent à faire pro - quelque groupe armé que ce soit, Le ton a vite monté, passant de gresser les libertés concernant les pour quelque raison que ce soit la « tristesse » aux accusations droits des ethnies et des reli - en Irak et au Kurdistan, et en plus directes. Répondant, le 8 gions, tout en garantissant la particulier dans les régions dis - novembre, dans une conférence supériorité de la loi. L’expérience putées. » de presse, à la déclaration com - politique du Kurdistan d ’Irak est mune des partis kurdes, Nouri un exemple de succès pour le Face à ce refus, le Premier Al Maliki a accusé à son tour le système fédéral en Irak. » ministre de l ’Irak a d ’abord gouvernement kurde Le député Nassih Abdulghafur, exprimé sa « tristesse » en défen - d’agissements anticonstitution - du groupe de l ’Alliance kurde dant l ’instauration de ces nels, notamment sur la signature au parlement de Bagdad, ne voit « conseils » : « Il était nécessaire des contrats pétroliers entre le pas non plus d ’opportunité à la de créer ces groupes pour assu - GRK et des compagnies étran - révision constitutionnelle, et rer la loi et l'ordre dans les pro - gères. Il a surtout réclamé la réfute les accusations de rédac - vinces qui ont connu l'insécurité révision de la constitution ira - tion « hâtive » lancées par Nouri avant le retour des forces armées kienne, approuvée par référen - Al-Maliki : « La constitution ira - venues rétablir la stabilité .» dum en octobre 2005, dans le kienne a été rédigée durant une Mais pour Massoud Barzani, ces sens d ’un pouvoir plus grand période de trois ans, ce qui est groupes censés maintenir la accordé au gouvernement cen - un délai convenable pour une sécurité, notamment en vue des tral, au détriment du rédaction, et bénéficie du futures élections provinciales, ne fédéralisme : « Cette constitution consensus de toutes les parties. » sont d ’aucune utilité dans les a été écrite de façon hâtive, et Le député rappelle aussi que régions du Kurdistan ou dans dans des conditions qui sortaient « 80% des Irakiens ont voté pour celles contrôlées par les de l ’ordinaire. Elle limite les cette constitution. Ce qu ’Al- Peshmergas. Leur présence dans pouvoirs du gouvernement cen - Maliki demande à présent va à les territoires devant être soumis tral et fait craindre que le fédéra - l’encontre de la loi et de la à référendum en vue de leur rat - lisme n ’handicape le pays. » constitution elle-même. » Un tachement au Kurdistan ne peut Cette demande de révision a autre député de l ’Alliance kurde, même qu ’attiser les conflits : naturellement été rejetée par les Khalid Sawani, renchérit : « La « Les Kurdes refusent la forma - Kurdes, qui ont, dès avant constitution détermine la forme tion de ces « conseils » là où ils l’intervention américaine en du système de gouvernement en sont majoritaires. S'ils sont justi - Irak, posé le fédéralisme comme Irak, et a été votée par 12 mil - fiés dans certaines régions, ils ne condition de la réintégration du lions d ’Irakiens. Ce n ’est pas la sont pas nécessaires ailleurs. Ils Kurdistan dans ce pays. Aussi la première fois qu ’Al-Malili fait de n'ont aucune raison d'être au réaction des milieux politiques telles déclarations, en cherchant n° 284 • novembre 2008 Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 7•

à établir un gouvernement cen - Al-Awd, député et conseiller de ait décidé, depuis l ’année der - tral fort sur l ’Irak. Sur une pério - la province explique que « les nière, de célébrer le 25 novembre de d ’environ 80 ans, jusqu ’en tribus irakiennes soutiennent les comme Journée internationale 2003, l ’Irak a été dominé par un positions nationales de Maliki pour l ’élimination de la violence gouvernement central, et de pour préserver l ’unité de l ’Irak, contre les femmes. Autre mesure nombreux crimes et violations en instaurant la loi et en réécri - reconnue comme ayant donné des droits de l ’homme ont été vant la constitution. Il n ’y a pas des résultats satisfaisants, la commis dans toutes les pro - de régions disputées, il n ’y a mise en place de services devant vinces irakiennes durant tout ce qu ’un pays. » Ahmad Al- former et sensibiliser la police temps. Après avoir voté pour la Dulaymi, membre de ces aux cas de violence contre les constitution actuelle, nous conseils controversés de soutien femmes. Ce tutorat de formation n’accepterons pas d ’être à nou - pour la province sunnite de a contribué à améliorer la prise veau dominés par de tels gou - Salahaddine, accuse les Kurdes : en charge des victimes dans les vernements. L ’Etat est à présent « Ceux qui s ’opposent au projet trois gouvernorats, Suleïmanieh, un Etat de droit, un Etat consti - de Malili veut un Irak affaibli et Duhok, Erbil et l ’on a pu enre - tutionnel, et Al-Maliki se trompe poursuivent le projet de le divi - gistrer une augmentation des s’il croit que l ’Etat peut imposer ser. » Dans la province de plaintes déposées dans les com - son pouvoir par la force. » Kirkouk, des milliers d ’Arabes missariats par des femmes vic - se sont également rassemblés times de violence. Des mesures La confrontation a pris un tour dans le stade de football de ont été également mises en place plus ethnique avec les manifes - Hawijah pour soutenir le pour la protection des plai - tations de soutien au Premier Premier ministre et son projet de gnantes qui se sentaient mena - ministre chiite, organisées dans milices. cées. De façon générale, les cam - plusieurs villes d ’Irak pour pro - Mais en dehors des provinces pagnes de sensibilisation font tester contre les déclarations du arabes sunnites, le soutien a été leur chemin dans l ’opinion gouvernement kurde. moindre. Ainsi la ville chiite de publique et il a été noté que les Ainsi à Takrit, ancien fief de Karbalah n ’a pu réunir que peines prononcées dans les tri - Saddam Hussein, les manifes - quelques centaines de manifes - bunaux se font plus lourdes tants hostiles au fédéralisme, tants. En mars dernier, de vio - contre les agresseurs, allant chiites et sunnites ont défilé lents combats avaient opposé ces même jusqu ’à des peines capi - pour réclamer un « Irak unifié », mêmes villes chiites à l ’armée tales dans le cas des crimes dit en clamant « Kirkouk, Mossoul irakienne venue pour imposer le «d’honneur ». et Diyala sont irakiens !»Farhan désarmement des milices locales. Au sujet des recommandations ERBIL : CAMPAGNE GOUVERNEMENTALE émises par Amnesty ET LOIS EN FAVEUR DES FEMMES International, Nêçirvan Barzani s’est félicité de ce que l ’ONG ait près le vote d ’une loi ter et évaluer les dernières noté les efforts faits par son limitant fortement le mesures prises par la Région du propre gouvernement dans ce recours à la polygamie, Kurdistan, étudier les recom - domaine. Plusieurs dispositions A ont été ainsi prises pour renfor - le Parlement kurde a mandations d ’Amnesty également fait voter International à ce sujet et cer la législation réprimant les une loi interdisant la pratique de débattre des moyens judiciaires crimes d ’honneur et une forma - l’excision, en usage dans cer - et législatifs pour prévenir les tion a été dispensée aux juges taines régions du Kurdistan violences et les crimes contre les comme aux enquêteurs. Un d’Irak, tandis que le chef du femmes. ancien procureur américain, gouvernement d ’Erbil a lancé expérimenté dans ce domaine, a lui-même une campagne en « Notre Région doit devenir le même été embauché comme faveur de l ’égalité et de la pro - meilleur modèle pour l ’Irak »a consultant et a travaillé directe - tection des femmes. déclaré le Premier ministre, en ment avec la police et les procu - prônant une coopération entre reurs kurdes. Le GRK a égale - Début novembre, une commis - tous les ministères pour un ment demandé une étude à sion nommée par le gouverne - meilleur résultat. l’université de Bristol, au dépar - ment kurde et présidée par le tement de criminologie pour Premier ministre Nêçirvan La commission a notamment analyser la violence et les crimes Barzani, s ’est réunie pour discu - approuvé que le gouvernement d’honneur à la fois au Kurdistan • 8 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information n° 284 • novembre 2008

d’Irak mais aussi dans les com - homme de loi : « La constitution touchant aussi bien, dans ce munautés kurdes de Grande- irakienne donne le droit au par - continent, les populations Bretagne. lement kurde de voter ses lois, musulmane, chrétienne ou ani - mais elles n ’ont force que dans miste, l ’excision est très peu pra - En ce qui concerne les réformes la Région. » tiquée au Moyen-Orient et les législatives, elles reçoivent un Kurdes d ’Irak eux-mêmes sont accueil mitigé selon les disposi - La députée Pakhshkan Zanka, dans l ’incapacité de dire à tions votées. Ainsi, le fait que la s’exprimant sur la radio nationa - quand remonte son introduction polygamie n ’ait pas été interdite le irakienne, présente aussi cette dans leur société. Interrogé par par le Parlement laisse insatis - limitation comme une avancée l’AFP, le sheikh Sayyed Ahmad faits des groupes militants fémi - positive pour les femmes Abdel Wahab al-Panjawini, nistes au Kurdistan qui ont kurdes, qui accélérera le déclin imam de la moquée Hajj Jamal manifesté par centaines à de cette pratique. d’Erbil, confirme que «c’est une Suleïmanieh, mais d ’autres vieille coutume, mais cela n ’a femmes expriment le sentiment La seconde loi votée sous le feu rien à voir avec l ’islam. Aucun qu ’il s ’agit d ’un début permet - des media kurdes est celle visant à texte religieux ne mentionne tant une future abolition. Pour interdire totalement la pratique de cette pratique. C ’est une coutu - l’une d ’elles, Suzan Muhammad l’excision dans certaines régions me que certains ont introduit Aref, la nouvelle loi est « un pas du Kurdistan et, cette fois-ci, dans le mode de pensée des positif pour les femmes. Nous n’ayant pas rencontré de fortes musulmans. » Dans le journal ne pouvons changer soudaine - oppositions religieuse ou sociale, Hawlati, la Secrétaire générale ment toute une société. La diffé - l’abolition a pu être votée. de l ’Union islamique des rence entre le nombre des votes femmes s ’élève elle aussi contre en faveur de l ’interdiction de la Selon les chiffres donnés par le l’excision et nie son caractère polygamie et ceux ne réclamant ministre de la Santé du GRK, religieux : « Les mutilations que sa limitation était si minime, 60% des fillettes âgées de 4 à 14 génitales féminines ne sont pas qu ’elle peut être déjà considéré ans ont subi une excision, et ce des pratiques musulmanes. comme un grand succès pour les en dépit des campagnes gouver - Beaucoup des problèmes aux - femmes. » Refusant de présenter nementales avertissant des dan - quels ont à faire face les femmes le problème comme un clivage gers de cette pratique. Zaryan résultent de traditions erronées, masculin féminin dans la société Abdel Rahman s ’exprimait lors et ce n ’est pas l ’islam qui est à kurde, Suzan Aref précise que la d’une conférence de trois jours, blâmer. La Charia n ’a rien à voir réforme doit aussi passer dans donnée à Erbil, portant sur les avec de telles pratiques, et l’esprit des femmes : « Nous violences commises à l ’égard l’excision existe parce que cer - devons réaliser qu ’il y a des des femmes en général. Il taines personnes ont interprété femmes qui croient important de s’appuyait sur le travail d ’une le Coran de façon fausse. » se conformer à la Charia isla - ONG allemande, Wadj, qui a mique et pour cela de ne pas prospecté 201 villages dans les L’excision n ’est pas pratiquée interdire la polygamie. » trois régions ainsi qu ’à Kirkouk. dans le reste de l ’Irak, pas plus D’autres, comme Kazibouh Ali, Son rapport indique que sur qu ’au Kurdistan de Turquie, de une employée interrogée par la 5 628 femmes et filles examinées, Syrie, mais elle existe dans des Voix de l ’Irak, expliquent qu ’une 3502 avaient été excisées. zones du Kurdistan d ’Iran atte - interdiction totale de la polyga - nante aux régions kurdes d ’Irak. mie pousserait des hommes à Le ministre des Affaires reli - Les motifs invoqués sont à la divorcer de leur première épou - gieuses va demander aux imams fois d ’ordre religieux et hygié - se en cas de stérilité, ce qui pose de se prononcer ouvertement nique, certains juristes chaféites un sérieux problème de res - contre cette mutilation lors des (courant juridique auxquels sources dans un pays où la plu - sermons du Vendredi. Le minis - appartient en majorité le sunnis - part des femmes ne travaillent tère de l ’Education, a, pour sa me kurde) ayant considéré que pas. Par ailleurs, rien n ’empêche part, prévu qu ’un programme le terme sinat (circoncision) un habitant de la Région du de prévention et d ’information s’appliquait tout autant à Kurdistan de se marier dans les soit instauré dans les écoles, l’excision féminine. autres régions d ’Irak où la poly - « pour encourager les filles à ne gamie est toujours légale, pas se soumettre aux choix de Un groupe de députées au par - comme le confirme Abdul leurs parents. » lement d ’Erbil a donc présenté à Rahman Hadji Zebarî, un Coutume venue d ’Afrique et l’assemblée un projet de loi n° 284 • novembre 2008 Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 9•

visant à criminaliser l ’excision, comment elle est apparue. Mais accuse d ’être plus marxiste et pro- en plus de celle condamnant les les anciens la justifient en disant kurde qu ’alévie. D ’autres associa - violences contre les femmes, que cela préserve la chasteté des tions et mouvements alévis récla - comme l ’a exposé la députée filles », explique le docteur ment, à défaut de la suppression Hala Suheil : « Le parlement Suheil, députée au parlement de la Diyanet, la création d ’un kurde se penche actuellement d’Erbil, qui indique, au contraire bureau spécialement tenu par et sur le phénomène de la violence du ministre de la Santé, pour les alévis à l ’intérieur de exercée contre les femmes, aussi qu ’aucun chiffre précis ne peut l’institution. Cela permettrait une nous préparons deux projets de être donné pour fiable concer - reconnaissance, même partielle, de loi en ce sens : l ’un pour interdi - nant son ampleur, mais dénonce la spécificité du culte alévi, et sur - re et criminaliser l ’excision, tan - les conditions dans lesquelles tout permettrait de faire rémuné - dis que l ’autre sera contre la vio - elle est pratiquée : « Les vieilles rer par l ’Etat les dede (religieux alé - lence perpétrée en générale femmes excisent les fillettes avec vis) tout comme le sont les imams contre les femmes. » Pour la des lames de rasoir et parfois des musulmans ; de même la recon - députée, « cette pratique est si tessons de verre, causant sou - naissance officielle de leurs lieux ancienne dans la région que vent de terribles hémorragies et de culte les ferait bénéficier de nous n ’avons aucune idée de parfois la mort. » subventions pour leur entretien.

TURQUIE : LES ALEVIS Cette position de compromis est MECONTENTS DEFILENT A ANKARA cependant dénoncée par les mou - e 9 novembre, une vaste parti de gauche CHP, Deniz vements alévis qui refusent d ’être manifestation a rassem - Baykal, et aussi parce que la mon - assimilés à des musulmans. Les L blé plus de 50 000 alévis tée du nationalisme d ’extrême- alévis qui se revendiquent ouver - à Ankara, venus de toute droite en Turquie s ’accompagne tement pro-kurdes ou bien de sen - la Turquie. Si leurs invariablement d ’agressions sibilité d ’extrême-gauche sont revendications ne sont pas neuves, envers toutes les minorités reli - souvent en dissonance avec les l’ampleur de cette protestation gieuses, surtout les chrétiens et les sympathisants kémalistes, tel le (opportunément appuyés par les alévis. Mais en ce domaine comme président de la fondation Cem, partis d ’opposition comme le en bien d ’autres, l ’AKP a déçu un Izzetin Dogan, qui souhaite que CHP) est une première dans le électorat qui espérait du gouver - les Alévis ne quittent pas la pays. nement des réformes significatives Diyanet, ce qui amène des oppo - Les Alévis réclament depuis des et une modernisation de la gestion sants à l ’accuser d ’ambitionner décennies être reconnus comme des minorités, qu ’elles soient eth - tout simplement la poste de direc - une minorité religieuse, ce qui per - niques ou religieuses. La présence tion du Bureau alévi dans les mettrait à leurs enfants de ne plus du Premier ministre Recep Tayyip Affaires religieuses. être soumis aux cours obligatoires Erdogan au dîner de rupture du de religion islamique à l ’école, que jeûne alévi en janvier 2008 n ’a visi - La suppression de la Direction des leurs lieux de culte, les cemevi , blement pas apaisé la colère des Affaires religieuses et des cours soient réellement reconnus comme alévis, qui seraient entre 10 et 12 d’islam à l ’école a été de toute tels et surtout, ne plus être régis millions en Turquie, et au sujet façon écartée par le ministre par la Diyanet , la Direction des duquel l ’Union européenne ne d’Etat, Mustafa Said Yazıcıoğlu, Affaires religieuses. Les manifes - cesse de rappeler à l ’Etat turc qu ’il comme une prise de position tants réclamaient aussi que l ’hôtel faudrait enfin leur accorder les « extrémiste », à laquelle il Madimak, à Sivas, dans lequel 37 droits culturels et religieux qu ’ils n’accorde aucun crédit. Précisant intellectuels alévis avaient péris en réclament, en admettant enfin que sa pensée, il rappelle que la 1993 après un incendie criminel l’alévisme n ’est pas une « branche Direction des Affaires religieuses soit changé en mémorial-musée. de l ’islam », même chiite, comme est une des plus importantes créa - le veut le credo officiel. tions d ’Atatürk, un héritage origi - Bien que les Alévis, turcs ou nal de l ’Etat kémaliste que le kurdes, votent traditionnellement Mais les Alévis eux-mêmes, ministre affirme être un modèle pour des partis laïcs ou de gauche, d’origines et de convictions poli - pour le reste du monde islamique : un certain nombre d ’entre eux tiques très diverses, ne sont pas « Des délégations de tout le avaient voté AKP aux dernières unanimes dans leurs revendica - monde islamique [...] viennent en élections, surtout en raison des tions. La manifestation d ’Ankara a Turquie pour étudier le système prises de position intolérantes et été organisée par la Fédération de cette direction », afin de créer sectaires adoptées par le leader du Alevi Bektashi, qu ’Izzzetin Dogan des institutions similaires. » • 10 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information n° 284 • novembre 2008

IRAN : REPRESSION ET COUVRE-FEU A SANANDAJ a répression, loin de fai - étudiants emprisonnés en Iran, semaines. blir, se durcit encore à dont un condamné à mort et En plus des étudiants, les jour - Sanandaj, capitale de la trois à des peines allant de 6 à 16 nalistes kurdes continuent d ’être L province du Kurdistan ans de prison. Toujours à harcelés, arrêtés et emprisonnés. d’Iran. Yasser Goli, Sanandaj, la Haute Cour révolu - Bahman Tutunchi a été arrêté à Secrétaire général de l ’Union des tionnaire islamique a confirmé la son domicile à Sanandaj sans étudiants kurdes, a été arrêté il y condamnation de Khazur Rasoul que les raisons de cette arresta - a treize mois et détenu par les Morut à 3 ans de prison. Khazur tion soient connues. « Les offi - services secrets de Sanandaj. La Rasoul Morut étudiait la littéra - ciers sont restés silencieux sur Seconde Chambre de la Cour ture à l ’université de la ville et les raisons de son arrestation et islamique révolutionnaire de enseignait aussi la langue kurde. sur le lieu de sa détention. Ils ne Sanandaj vient de le condamner Un autre étudiant, Werya l’ont même pas laissé quitté son à 15 ans de prison, à la grande Moruti, a été arrêté à son domi - pyjama pour s ’habiller ni indignation de son avocat, cile et emmené dans un lieu de prendre ses lunettes » raconte un Nemat Ahmadi : « La sentence détention inconnu. Âgé de 25 proche, qui a assisté à la scène. rendue par la cour fait seule - ans, il étudiait à l ’université de Bahman Tutunchi est un journa - ment dix lignes ! Cette décision Peyame Nour. Deux autres liste indépendant qui a notam - de la cour, censée être fondée sur jeunes Kurdes, Pejman Zafari et ment collaboré à l ’hebdomadaire l’article 168 du code pénal isla - Peyman Hosseini, arrêtés Karaftou, interdit l ’année derniè - mique ne se réfère à aucune quelques mois auparavant ont re. preuve ni fait établis contre mon été libérés contre une caution de Par ailleurs, depuis le 19 client, Yasser Goli. A aucun 30 millions de tomans. Deux étu - novembre un couvre-feu a été moment, dans aucun interroga - diants kurdes, cette fois détenus décrété dans la ville, tandis que toire, ni dans les comparutions dans la prison d ’Evin à Téhéran, dès 20 heures les milices parami - au tribunal, il a reconnu être et qui ont entamé une grève de litaires du Bassidj patrouillent de coupable de quoi que ce soit. » la faim, ont été placés en cellules nuit le centre ville, ses quartiers d’isolement et sont continuelle - et ses rues les plus fréquentées et Actuellement, on dénombre 15 ment interrogés depuis plus de 3 contrôlent les habitants.

CINEMA : UN FILM KURDE PRIME AUX USA, UN AUTRE CENSURE EN SUISSE e cinéaste kurde Jamil mier long-métrage, « Requiem de prison, après avoir été arrêté Rostami a reçu le prix dans la neige », a été réalisé en et emprisonné des années par L du « meilleur réalisa - 2005. Fariborz Latchini, un des erreur. Sa femme Kaleh étant sur teur international » au meilleurs compositeurs de le point d ’accoucher, il a été pris festival de Boston pour musique de film en Iran en a par hasard dans une manifesta - son fil « Jani Gal ». écrit la musique. Le directeur de tion politique alors qu ’il était à la la photographie est Morteza recherche d ’une sage-femme. Jamil Rostami est né en 1971 Poursamadi, un photographe Arrêté et emmené par la police, dans la ville de Sanandaj, la iranien renommé. Film produit à qui l ’a pris pour un des capitale de la province du la fois par l ’Irak et l ’Iran, meneurs, il a été condamné à dix Kurdistan en Iran. Tout en pour - « Requiem dans la neige »a ans de prison. Une fois libre, il se suivant des études de chimie, il représenté l ’Irak aux Oscars lance à la recherche de sa femme évolue dans l ’univers du cinéma pour les films étrangers. et de son fils, dont il n ’a plus de depuis l ’âge de 16 ans, que ce nouvelles. Mais il est aussi soit au sein d ’une équipe de Jani Gal , son dernier film, égale - amené à choisir entre reprendre tournage ou dans la réalisation. ment tourné en kurde, est inspi - sa vie telle qu ’elle était aupara - En 2002, il réalise son premier ré d ’un roman de l ’écrivain et vant ou rejoindre les court-métrage, « Le problème homme politique kurde Ibrahim Peshmergas. d’être un garçon », tourné en Ahmad, beau-père de l ’actuel langue kurde, qui est projeté président d ’Irak Jalal Talabani. Si le cinéma kurde est primé à dans plusieurs festivals, locaux L’histoire se déroule à Boston, il est aussi censuré de et internationaux, et qui obtient Suleïmanieh, dans les années façon plus inattendue en Suisse, plusieurs récompenses. Son pre - 1940. Jwamer est tout juste libéré dans un festival financé pour n° 284 • novembre 2008 Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 11 •

moitié cette année par le ministè - pressions : « Peut-être n ’aurais-je pays. L ’ambassade de Turquie à re turc de la Culture, qui a mena - pas dû transiger, reconnaît-il, Berne a pris position vendredi cé de mettre fin à toutes ses sub - mais je voulais sauver le festival. en indiquant ne pas partager la ventions si « Gitmek » (My Sans les 400. 000 euros de la critique de « certains cercles » à Marlon and My Brando) du Turquie, il n ’aurait pas pu avoir l’égard du programme du festi - cinéaste Hüseyin Karabey était lieu. » val et avoir tenté de servir projeté, comme cela été prévu. Jurriaan Cooiman a averti le d’intermédiaire. Les organisateurs de représentant du ministère turc « CultureScape », qui avait pour que cette exigence ferait plus de « Gitmek » raconte l ’histoire 2008 la Turquie en invité mal que de bien pour l ’image du d’une Turque tombant amoureu - d’honneur et partenaire, ont pays. Il juge aussi que l ’ordre de se d ’un Kurde dans le Nord de donc été contraints de modifier censure ne vient pas du sommet l’Irak. Des exploitants de salles à le programme à la dernière de l ’Etat et souligne la « nervosi - Bâle, Zurich et Berne ont décidé minute. Jurriaan Cooiman, té » politique et sécuritaire d’eux-mêmes de le projeter en- patron du festival, ne nie pas les observable actuellement dans ce dehors du festival. Revue de Presse-Press Revieiu-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

17*7-ouiperi L'influence iranienne perturbe Washington DU 23 AU 29 OCTOBRE 2008

Pour préserver leurs Vers Ceyhan ^ Groupes ethniques intérêts, les Etats-Unis et religieux

doivent signer un accord Arabes chiites avec Bagdad tout en Arabes sunnites ménageant les Kurdes et Kurdes sunnites Zones peu le gouvernement central. peuplées Sans oublier Téhéran.

AL-HAYAT Londres

Pour les Américains, il était fondamental de réconcilier les Kurdes avec le gouver¬ nement de Nouri Al-Maliki à Bagdad. Ils craignaient en effet que l'accumulation de désaccords entre les deux parties dégénère en affrontement armé, ce qui aurait empêché la signa¬ ture de l'accord de coopération mili¬ taire américano-irakien [qui continue

à soulever une vive opposition en Irak] . De même, cela risquait de contraindre les forces américaines à rester plus longtemps encore en Irak, alors que Washington considère de plus en plus cette présence comme un poids. A ce propos, les journaux israéliens ont signalé que les Américains avaient demandé à Tel-Aviv de ne pas lancer d'attaques contre les installations ne veulent pas non plus sacrifier le gou¬ encore au moins six mois. L'Iran nucléaires iraniennes tant que leurs vernement Maliki au moment où celui- estime en effet qu'il est dans son troupes seraient stationnées en Irak. ci vient d'obtenir quelques succès sur intérêt de maintenir les troupes le plan de la sécurité et commence à américaines dans le bourbier ira¬ LES PRO IRANIENS, PRINCIPALE coopérer avec les Arabes sunnites. kien jusqu'à l'arrivée au pouvoir FORCE POLITIQUE AU PARLEMENT Néanmoins, ce n'est pas l'avenir du de Barack Obama. OrTéhéran est L'Amérique souhaite combler le plus Kurdistan ou du gouvernement de convaincu que celui-ci apportera rapidement possible le fossé entre les Maliki qui motive les initiatives diplo¬ des modifications substantielles à Kurdes et le gouvernement Maliki. matiques américaines. Leur principal la politique étrangère américaine. L'ambassadeur des Etats-Unis à Bag¬ objectif reste l'accord de coopération Oubliant qu'il y a des constantes dans dad, Ryan a de nom¬ Crocker, fait militaire, qu'ils sont de plus en plus la politique de Washington, le gouver¬ breuses visites à siège gou¬ Erbil, du impatients à signer. nement iranien pensent que cela lui vernement fédéral kurde, et le vice- Il y a environ deux semaines, permettra de poursuivre son pro¬ ministre des Affaires étrangères, John Washington a accusé l'Iran d'exercer gramme nucléaire et de renforcer son Negroponte, est allé à Erbil et à Sou- sur l'Irak des pressions visant à l'em¬ emprise sur l'Irak, sur l'Afghanistan et leymanieh afin de convaincre le prési¬ pêcher de signer ce document. Les sur le Liban, tout en infligeant une dent du Kurdistan irakien Massoud Américains sont convaincus, sans le défaite à la politique moyen-orientale Barzani de rencontrer le Premier dire, que Maliki a cédé à ces pressions. des Etats-Unis. ministre Nouri Al-Maliki. Par ailleurs, Un des moyens de faire traîner la signa¬ Reste à savoir si les Américains les Américains ont demandé au prési¬ ture de cet accord jusqu'à l'expiration peuvent convaincre Bagdad de ré¬ dent irakien JalalTalabani [qui est lui- du mandat de Bush a été de provoquer soudre ses différends avec les Kurdes même kurde] d'interrompre son séjour des tensions avec les Kurdes, un autre par des moyens politiques conformes pour soins médicaux à l'étranger et de de demander l'ajout d'un article par à la Constitution. Sami Shawrash revenir rapidement à Bagdad pour cou¬ lequel Washington s'engagerait sur le per court aux rumeurs selon lesquelles maintien de l'unité et de la souverai¬ il se serait retranché à Souleimanieh neté du pays. En effet, Maliki pense [au Kurdistan irakien] pour protester que les Kurdes cherchent à faire explo¬ contre les positions extrémistes du gou¬ vernement Maliki sur Kirkouk. ser l'Irak et à créer leur propre Etat Les Etats-Unis voudraient préser¬ avec le soutien des Américains. ver le Kurdistan des tensions qui affec¬ Etant donné que les pro-Iraniens tent le reste de l'Irak et plus généra¬ constituent la principale force lement l'ensemble de la région, parce politique au Parlement et au qu'il constitue à leurs yeux un excel¬ Conseil des ministres, cet accord lent modèle politique, administratif et continuera probablement à faire économique. Dans le même temps, ils l'objet de discussions pendant Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

IRAN : UN MILITANT KURDE CONDAMNE A 11 ANS DE PRISON EN APPEL (AVOCAT) TEHERAN. 1 nov 2008 (AFP) Elle a dit qu'elle comptait faire appel auprès du chef de l'Autorité judiciaire, l'ayatollah Mahmoud Hachémi Shahroudi. M. Kaboudvand avait été condamné à onze ans de prison en juin en première LA JUSTICE iranienne a confirmé en appel une peine de 11 ans de prison contre un militant des droits de l'homme et journaliste kurde, Mohammad instance pour atteinte à la sécurité nationale. Sadigh Kaboudvand, pour atteinte à la sécurité nationale, a déclaré samedi à Il a aussi été condamné dans un autre dossier en 2005 à une peine de 18 mois l'AFP son avocate Nasrin Sotoudeh. de prison pour ses activités militantes et son journal "Payam-e Mardom-e M. Kaboudvand, qui a fondé il y a trois ans l'Organisation des droits de Kordestan" (message du peuple du Kurdistan) a été interdit. Mais sa peine a l'homme du Kurdistan, est détenu à la prison d'Evine depuis juin 2007. été ramenée à six mois de prison et l'interdiction de son journal été levée, selon son avocate. Mme Sotoudeh a été informée de la décision de la cour d'appel le 18 octobre et n'a pas été autorisée depuis cette à rencontrer son client qui a besoin de soins Par ailleurs, selon le quotidien modéré Kargozaran, un enseignant kurde, Ali médicaux. Pasbar, a été condamné à deux ans de prison ferme et quatre ans de prison avec sursis pour "action contre la sécurité nationale et collaboration avec un "Ce verdict est inhabituel pour un militant des droits de l'homme (.. i C'est un parti illégal". signal d'alarme pour les autres militants", a ajouté l'avocate.

2 novembre 2008 LeMatin turquie: manifestation pro-kurde et violences contre la venue d'erdogan DIYARBAKIR (AFP) De nouvelles des pierres sur un convoi d'officiels du Parti de violences ont éclaté dimanche la justice et du développement (AKP), au pou¬ dans l'est de la Turquie au cours voir, et de journalistes, sans faire de blessés. d'une manifestation de plusieurs Le Premier ministre est arrivé en hélicoptère. milliers de Kurdes qui protes¬ La police a aussi réprimé de petites taient contre la venue du Premier manifestations en ville, où les boutiques ont ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdo- gardé porte close, une façon traditionnelle pour les Kurdes de protester contre le gan dans cette région à majorité gouxegtejftftfttdes membres du DTP ont tenté kurde. de faire un sit-in dans le quartier central de Beyoglu mais la police a fait usage de gaz la¬ Les affrontements ont débuté quand quelque crymogène pour les disperser et a procédé à 3.000 manifestants, pour la plupart des sympa¬ 27 interpellations, selon un photographe de thisants du principal parti kurde, le Parti de la l'AFP. société démocratique (DTP), ont tenté d'orga¬ Samedi, des affrontements avaient déjà niser une marche dans la ville de Yuksekova, opposé dans la localité de Van la police à des ignorant les ordres de dispersion de la police, a centaines de Kurdes qui protestaient contre la indiqué à l'AFP une source de sécurité locale. Par ailleurs, le bureau du gouverneur de la visite du Premier ministre, arrivé sur place le Les policiers anti-émeutes ont tiré en l'air et région a annoncé que des troupes paramilitai¬ jour même. fait usage de gaz lacrymogène et de canons à res avaient saisi une grande quantité d'explo¬ Une explosion, probablement d'origine cri¬ eau contre les protestataires, qui lançaient des sifs et d'armes, dont 20 kilos de TNT et 20 minelle, et qui visait les locaux de l'AKP à pierres sur les forces de l'ordre, selon cette grenades, dans un village situé à 60 kilomètre Hakkari, avait fait également deux blessés. source. au sud de Yuksekova. Les Kurdes sont de plus de plus mécontents Ces violences ont éclaté alors que M. Er- Selon le bureau du gouverneur, qui n'a pas de l'intensification des opérations de l'armée dogan plaidait pour l'unité du pays lors de précisé la date de la saisie, cet arsenal aurait contre les rebelles kurdes et des mauvais trai¬ l'inauguration d'un hôpital à Yuksekova. "Pro¬ dû être utilisé par des rebelles kurdes qui tements que subit selon eux dans sa prison le tégeons notre paix et soyons unis. Si nous ac¬ comptaient attaquer les forces de sécurité et chef de la rébellion, Abdullah Ôcalan, condam¬ croissons notre solidarité, nous accroîtrons les civils dimanche. né à la détention perpétuelle. aussi notre développement", a-t-il dit. Après Yuksekova, M. Erdogan s'est rendu M. Erdogan a fermement démenti ces af¬ Il a souligné que son gouvernement allait dans la ville voisine d'Hakkari pour y ren¬ firmations dimanche. "Il n'y a pas de mauvais poursuivre les changements pour obtenir l'in¬ contrer des responsables locaux et participer à traitements. C'est un mensonge... Ils inventent tégration de la Turquie à l'Union européenne, une réunion de son parti. des prétextes à l'approche des élections", a-t-il qui se sont traduits par des libertés culturelles Dans cette ville, des manifestants ont jeté déclaré. accrues pour les Kurdes.

SYRIE: ARRESTATION DE DIZAINES DE KURDES LORS D'UNE MANIFESTATION DAMAS. 2 nov 2008 (AFP) L'ONDHS a fourni les noms de 18 des Kurdes arrêtés. La plupart sont des dirigeants de partis, notamment du parti Yakiti, du Parti de la gauche kurde, du Parti démocrate kurde, du Courant du futur kurde et du parti Azadi kurde. LES AUTORITES syriennes ont dispersé dimanche un sit-in organisé par des partis kurdes à Damas et arrêté des dizaines de personnes, a annoncé L'ONDHS a appelé à "la libération des manifestants qui ont exercé leur droit l'Organisation nationale des droits de l'Homme en Syrie (ONDHS). au sit-in, stipulé par la Constitution". "Des partis kurdes ont organisé un sit-in à Damas pour protester contre un Communauté d'environ 1,5 million de personnes, les Kurdes de Syrie repré¬ la du Ils la décret interdisant la vente sans autorisation préalable de terrains et de proprié¬ sentent environ 9% de population pays. réclament reconnaissance tés dans les régions frontalières", a indiqué l'ONDHS dans un communiqué. de leur langue et de leur culture. "La police a dispersé les manifestants et arrêté des dizaines d'entre eux, qui Installés essentiellement dans le nord, à la frontière avec la Turquie et l'Irak, ils se défendent de toutes visées sécessionistes. ont été amenés vers une destination inconnue", a ajouté le communiqué . Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

figaro Dans la forteresse américaine au csur de 3 novembre 2008

Bagdad et alentour. . .

Paradoxalement, la présence de 150 000 soldats « C'est la pagaille » américains reste la garantie Le grand ayatollah al-Sistani, de la précaire cohésion dont les fatwas constituent des du pays. Mais aucun mots d'ordre pour la majorité des parti irakien ne veut Irakiens, chiites, a rejeté en juillet le reconnaître ouvertement. dernier le projet d'accord, au nom de la souveraineté irakienne, et De notre envoyé spécial à Bagdad réclame que l'assemblée irakienne vote à la majorité des deux tiers le ON RESPIRE un peu à Bagdad. projet. Depuis, aucun responsable Dans la zone verte, leur forteresse politique chiite, à commencer par au cur de la ville, les militaires Maliki, ne peut plus sans risques américains ont enlevé leurs cas¬ veulent que l'accord comporte une ques et leurs gilets pare-balles. Les date précise du retrait des troupes roquettes ont cessé de pleuvoir sur étrangères. Ils refusent aussi la cité interdite, et les attentats ont l'immunité accordée jusqu'à pré¬ cessé dans les rues de la capitale sent aux troupes américaines en irakienne. Mais dans les salles dal¬ Irak, ainsi qu'aux compagnies de lées de marbre de l'ancien palais Ici, le débat sur le futur accord de sécurité entre les États-Unis et l'Irak passionne plus que l'élection américaine présidentiel de Saddam Hussein, sécurité étrangères, véritables ou dans les pièces surprotégées de armées privées ne relevant d'aucu¬ la nouvelle ambassade construite ne juridiction. sur les bords du Tigre, les diploma¬ Paradoxalement, la présence tes américains s'affairent. de 150 000 soldats américains reste Le 31 décembre prochain à la garantie de la fragile accalmie minuit prend fin le semblant de dans les guerres qui déchirent le légalité de la présence internatio¬ pays depuis l'invasion de 2003, et nale (essentiellement américaine) de la précaire cohésion du pays. Ils en Irak, accordé en 2004 par le assurent aussi des dizaines de Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU. Et les tâches vitales, depuis la protection négociations sur le Sofa (Status of des installations pétrolières, veine Des soldats américains patrouillent pour maintenir l'ordre Force Agreement), l'acronyme qui jugulaire d'un pays dépendant à dans le quartier de al-Harthya, à proximité de la zone verte 80 % de ses désigne le futur accord de sécurité exportations d'hydro- de la capitale irakienne. A. Cilbertson/Aurora les et piéti¬ entre Américains l'Irak, accepter un accord qui le ferait des mois. nent depuis passer pour un agent des Améri¬ « Cet accord est important pour cains aux yeux de son électorat. restaurer la complète souveraineté Dans les divers quartiers ce la da, mais sous étroite surveillance « Le véritable enjeu est politi¬ irakienne, tout en autorisant les capitale, le débat sur le SOFA pas¬ de l'armée irakienne, on brûle que », explique un diplomate amé¬ sionne plus les Irakiens que l'élec¬ joyeusement des drapeaux améri¬ forces américaines à continuer tem¬ ricain. L'alliance entre chiites et tion américaine et le nom du pro¬ cains. « Nous voulons la fin de porairement d'assister les forces de Kurdes, sur laquelle reposaient chain successeur de George Bush. l'occupation et le départ de toutes sécurité irakiennes», a déclaré depuis 2004 les nouvelles institu¬ l'ambassadeur américain en Irak, À Sadr-City, l'immense Subur- les troupes étrangères », dit Sheikh tions irakiennes, a volé en éclats cet Ryan Crocker. Mais les Irakiens re chiite, bastion de l'Armée du lassem al-Mouteiry, le représen¬ été. « Depuis, c'est », la pagaille dit- Mahdi de Moqtada al-Sadr, la rue tant de Moqtada al-Sadr. « Si Oba- carbures, jusqu'à la gestion de il. « Les sunnites ne veulent plus reste hostile à l'occupation. Moq¬ ma retire ses soldats, alors son élec¬ l'espace aérien irakien. Le porte- nous voir partir, par crainte des tada est invisible depuis des mois, tion sera une bonne chose», parole de l'armée américaine a chiites et d'al-Qaida. Les Kurdes ont réfugié en Iran selon les Améri¬ admet-il du bout des lèvres. décrit la semaine dernière le rôle à présent peur du gouvernement cains. Mais ses partisans conti¬ À Adhamiyah, quartier sunnite de la présence américaine comme central et comptent sur nous pour nuent de réclamer le départ des enclavé en pleine zone chiite, sur la un «pilier» nécessaire au fonc¬ protéger leur autonomie. Les chiites forces étrangères. rive gauche du Tigre, on pense de l'État irakien. tionnement sont divisés entre eux, et les nom¬ exactement l'inverse. Les sunnites Mais aucun parti irakien ne breux adversaires du premier Un semblant de sécurité craignent pour l'avenir en cas de veut le reconnaître ouvertement, et ministre Nouri al-Maliki veulent Après la grande prière du ven¬ retrait américain. Cet ancien bas¬ apparaître comme acceptant utiliser la question du Sofa pour le dredi, organisée devant le quartier tion d'al-Qaida et des insurgés sun¬ l'occupation. faire tomber. » général du mouvement de Moqta nites est entouré de hauts murs de Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

de et ses dotées de néces¬ béton. Le pont sur le Tigre, qui le «Nous avons plus confiance escadrons la mort chiites tout le confort insurgés sunnites épaulés par les saire. Mais surtout, les Irakiens res¬ relie à Khazamia, quartier chiite de dans les Américains que dans notre assassins d'al-Qaida. Les magasins tent divisés sur la question de leur la rive droite, reste fermé, et ce sont propre gouvernement», dit le chef retrait. les milices d'al-Sahouah, le Mou¬ de la milice, Hadj Barakat, dans sont ouverts le soir, on fait du shopping dans les boutiques éclai¬ «Ils attendent que quelqu'un vement du réveil, levé et payé par son uniforme américain. « On rées, ou l'on boit du thé aux terras¬ prenne la décision pour eux », dit le les Américains au début de l'année, espère que les Américains vont res¬ qui maintiennent l'ordre. ter en Irak, sinon l'Iran va les rem¬ ses. Les soldats irakiens sont par¬ diplomate américain. «Le point tout, même s'ils ont décoré les positifestque le débatsur notre pré¬ Mais depuis le 1er octobre, les placer. Les Iraniens contrôlent blocs de béton de leurs points de sence s'est à présent transféré sur la milices ont été placées sous les i notre gouvernement. Ils veulent se contrôle avec des fleurs en plasti¬ scène politique. Mais le problème ordres du gouvernement irakien. débarrasser de nous. » que. Mais la situation reste fragile. est que personne en Irak n 'est encore La solde des miliciens, qui dépend À Karada, quartier bourgeois du centre-ville, on goûte le sem¬ Le départ des Américains ne se capable de penser en termes d'inté¬ à présent du ministère de la Défen- , blant de sécurité retrouvée, après fera pas du jour au lendemain. Le rêt national. Chacumvoit son inté¬ se irakien, n'a toujours pas été ver¬ les terribles années 2006-2007, corps expéditionnaire a construit rêtpersonnel ou communautaire. » sée, et les promesses d'intégrer une date de la guerre confessionnelle plus d'une centaine de bases en AJ. partie des miliciens à l'armée sont qui a fait rage dans Bagdad, entre Irak, dontvingt immenses forteres restées lettre morte.

Mardi 4 novembre 2008

Les Irakiens veulent juste le départ des « Amrikis »

BAGDAD ENVOYÉ SPÉCIAL te et craint que Barack Abou Ali, le « roi du kebab », se pour casser l'Iran... » McCain enco¬ Obama etles siens « reti¬ « moque » de l'identité du futur re. McCain toujours pour la plupart rent trop vite leurs trou- hôte de la Maison Blanche. Tout ce des Kurdes, qui représentent 20 % pesavantque nospropres qu'il veut, comme la plupart des des 28 millions d'Irakiens et crai¬ soldatssoientprêtsàassu- musulmans chiites d'Irak, c'est gnent beaucoup, à l'avenir, le rer la sécurité dans tout le pays », il « que les "Amrikis"partent au plus tête-à-tête avec « les Arabes », chii¬ préfèreJohn McCain. vite ». S'il pouvait, il voterait pour tes et sunnites, qui se méfient de Curieusement, Ahmed Saleh BarackObama,plus pressé de rapa¬ leurs rêves d'indépendance. En Al-Obeidi, rencontré dans le dis¬ trier une partie des « boys ». général, et hors la « zone verte »où trict sunnite d'Adhamiyeh, est du Keffieh à damier, longue dis- vivent et travaillent les ministres et même avis. Ahmed a 33 ans, une hdasha grise (la djellaba locale), hauts fonctionnaires, les Irakiens grosse moustache, une casquette Abou Ali, ou plutôt ses fils qui ont ne se passionnent pas pour les élec¬ debase-bail sur le crâne etun pisto¬ repris l'affaire, est une légende du tions américaines. Ils savent, par les dizaines de journaux et télévi¬ district d'Hurriyah. Le restaurant, let à crosse nacrée à la ceinture. sions, que « la guerre de Bush », six tables en formica face à une cui¬ C'est un «fils de l'Irak » comme comme on la nomme ici, n'est plus sine ouverte où s'échinent deux disent les Américains, c'est-à-dire la priorité de la campagne. Pour employés en sueur dans les un milicien membre d'un de ces beaucoup, Obama ou McCain, « les vapeurs d'huile, est le plus célèbre « comités du réveil » qui, selon le "Amrikis" veulent rester en le de ce quartier chiite de Bagdad. Pentagone, « ontfortement contri¬ Irak plus bngtempspossible ». Un sonda¬ Abou Ali est le meilleur kebab bué » à la très forte diminution des ge, réalisé cet été à la demande du « depuis cinquante ans à l'ouest du attentats et des attaques quotidien¬ Pentagone, montre que plus des Tigre ». Mais il ne « connaît rien » nes en Irak depuis plus d'un an. quarts de population aux « sales jeux » de la politique Ahmed et son jeune comparse trois la « n'aimentpas » les et rêvent de qui ont vidé, ces deux dernières Gaylan Abou Moham¬ GI les voir partir dès que possible. années, la salle de.tous ses clients med,22 ans,ontcombat¬ Selon un sondage, C'est sur la date de ce «possible » sunnites. Ici comme ailleurs dans tu naguère « les occu¬ plus des trois pants » pour le compte qu'ils se divisent.. N les 9 « districts » divisés en quarts de la d'une unité clandestine Patrice Claude 89 « quartiers » à Bagdad, les population liée à Al-Qaida en Irak. populations, bon gré mal gré, sont « n'aiment pas » Et puis ils ont compris devenues homogènes. La guerre les GI et rêvent que la minorité sunnite civile entre chiites et sunnites est de les voir partir à laquelle ils apparrien- peut-être terminée, mais laconfian¬ nent avait perdu la ce est loin d'être rétablie. guerre. Et qu'il était temps de pen¬ « Il faudra au moins une généra¬ ser à l'avenir. Les « Amrikis » tion et c'est lafaute des"Amrikis" », payent mieux que les djihadistes... nous dit Saad Yassine, qui travaille « Et ils sontcontre l'Iran, qui contrô¬ à l'aéroport etvit à Kara¬ le notre gouvernement. » Alors va da, au centre-ville. Lui, pour les Amrikis... «Je ne connais pourtant, est plus averti pas les candidats, ditAhmed, maisje ' des programmes en pré¬ soutiens celui qui veut rester en Irak sence. Parce qu'il estchii- Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

November 2. 2008 (Î(iicag0 SEribune Iraqis keep an eye on US vote, but security pact has full attention BvSAMEERN.YACOUB is the institutions, not individuals, that decide U.S. ting it to parliament, which must approve it by Dec. BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraqis are following this long-term policies," he said. 31 when the U.N. mandate expires. week's U.S. election, but the big news here is Outside of Kurdistan, that seeming indifference has Iraqi officials say they expect a U.S. response only the effort to forge a new security agreement that been reflected in newspaper and broadcast cover¬ after Tuesday's election. would keep American troops here for most of the age. Depsite modest campaign coverage, the govern¬ new president's first term. "Our coverage of the U.S. election is not heavy ment television station plans live reports from The contest between Barack Obama and John because we believe that the result of the elections Washington on Tuesday. And, naturally, Iraqis have McCain has attracted most attention in Kurdistan, will not have a direct impact on the future of Iraq," their favorites in the race. the three provinces of northern Iraq where the said Ahmed Abdul-Majid, chief editor of Azzaman, Those who favor a quick departure for the Ameri¬ Kurds have enjoyed self-rule since 1991. a major Baghdad newspaper. cans tend to favor Obama; those who want the U.S. Several Kurdish newspapers have dedicated full "There is no difference between McCain and, to stay longer are rooting for McCain. pages to the U.S. campaign. Most papers say they Obama because both of them will follow the strate¬ Farid Asasard, director of the Center of the Strate¬ fear Obama would pay less attention to the Kurds, gic policies drawn up by decision-making circles," gic Studies in Kurdistan, said Kurdish politicians who have used their close ties to the U.S. to bolster he said. believe McCain will maintain the special relation¬ their political clout in Iraq. Abdul-Halim Saleh, senior editor at the govern¬ ship that began in 1991 when the U.S. and Britain Elsewhere, many Iraqis appear less concerned, ment-owned newspaper Al-Sabah, offered a similar protected the Kurdish breakaway region from despite striking differences between Obama and view: "In the end, strategic policies made in the Saddam Hussein. McCain over the war. United States will not be affected by the changing of "I don't think that the Democrats will support the Obama opposed the conflict from the start and the administrations." Kurds in Iraq," said Sardar Mohammed, 42, a promises to end it. McCain was a strong supporter The idea that institutions and not presidents deter¬ teacher in Kurdistan. "They declared that they of the 2003 invasion as well as the troop surge. He mine U.S. policy helps explain why the security would reduce their presence in Iraq to concentrate promises to pursue the war to victory. agreement commands so much attention. The more on Afghanistan in contrast to the Republi¬ But many Iraqis say they believe the new president agreement, under negotiation for months, would cans." will look at Iraq differently once the votes are in. keep American troops in Iraq for three more years Walid Khalid, a 21 -year-old Sunni college student They can't imagine a U.S. president anxious to but give Iraqis a greater role in deciding U.S. mili¬ from Baghdad, said he hopes Obama will win leave a country with such oil wealth and strategic tary operations. because he is more likely to withdraw U.S. troops position in the Middle East. It would also take U.S. troops off the streets of quickly. Haider Abdul-Muhsin, a 35-year-old Shiite bus Baghdad and other major cities by next summer, "I think he will take a more reasonable attitude driver in Baghdad, said he's seen American presi¬ giving Iraqi soldiers and police a greater role. toward my country than the Republicans who were dents come and go but "we saw no difference in But critics believe gives Iraqis too little control of behind the invasion and destruction of Iraq," he said. their dealings with Iraq." their own country. The government has asked the "I don't care who wins the U.S. elections because it U.S. to agree to changes in the draft before submit

Aswat al-lraqaqfl November 2. 2008 - 08:28:53 ' ' ' « Iraq's Shabak community demands Incorporation into Kurdistan NINEWA /Aswat al-lraq: Hundreds of Iraq's Shabak people on Sunday ethnically Kurds, they identified themselves as Shiites and a separate took to the streets in Ninewa calling to include them in Iraq's Kurdistan ethnic group. region, according to a local official. Mosul, the capital city of Ninewa, lies 405 km north of Baghdad.The origi¬ "Today, hundreds of Shabak people staged a peaceful demonstration, nal city of Mosul stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the calling to incorporate them into the Kurdistan region on the basis that they ancient biblical city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area are Kurds, not Arabs," the head of Ninewa's Basheeqa district, Thanoun has now grown to encompass substantial areas on both banks, with five Younis, told Aswat al-lraq. bridges linking the two sides. Despite having an amount of Kurdish popula¬ The Shabak people are an ethnic group that lives primarily in the province tion, it does not form part of the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional of Ninewa in Iraq. Their language, Shabaki, is a Zaza-Gorani dialect, Government (KRG).There are different communities in Mosul like Chris¬ similar to Kurdish, with many borrowings from Turkish, Persian, and Ara¬ tians, Shiites and Kurds along with a Sunni majority.The city is also a bic. According to another source, they speak a dialect of Kurdish with historic center for the Nestorian Christianity of the Assyrians, containing borrowings from Arabic and Turkish. They are scattered throughout 35 the tombs of several Old Testament prophets such as Jonah, Yunus in villages located in the east of Mosul.While Kurds considered the Shabak Arabic, and Nahum.

November 04, 2008 GULF^NEWS Many Kurds support US military bases in Arbil By Basil Adas, Correspondent Arbil: Many Kurds in Arbil have supported the recent invitation from regional But in Baghdad, Barzani's statement angered many Iraqi parliamentarians who President Massoud Barzani to establish permanent US military bases in the described the invitation to US troops as a violation of the Iraqi constitution, which Kurdistan region if the security agreement between the US and Iraq fails to pass does not grant regional governments the jurisdiction to act alone regarding parliament. issues of such stature. "Having US bases in the region makes me feel safer and would prevent aggres¬ Preventing attacks sion towards Kurdistan in the future," Ribwar Mohammad, a student at the "The presence of permanent US military bases in the region will prevent any University of Salahuddin in Arbil told Gulf News. future attacks by a 'reckless' central government," Bashdar Ameen, a Kurdish official in the Ministry of Education said. Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

NOVEMBER 02J 2008 Turkish PM's visit angers Kurds

ALJA2EERA.KE T AI Jazeera discord among us ... Let us protect our peace and and dismissed them as a ploy to drain support A second day of protests have erupted across stand united. If we increase our solidarity, we from the ruling party before local elections next /"Asoutheastern Turkey over a visit by Recep will also increase our development," he said. year. Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, to "We have made significant progress on human "There is no mistreatment, it is all a lie ... They the mainly Kurdish region. rights and the government is pursues EU mem¬ are making up excuses as the elections draw- Demonstrators clashed with police on Sunday in bership with determination. We will undertake near," he said. the city of Yuksekova as protestors loyal to the many more reforms." Eye on victory Democratic Society Party (DTP), Turkey's main Series of protests The AKP, which won a re-election to power last Kurdish party. A series of Kurdish demonstrations have taken year, has now set its sight on winning local Erdogan arrived in the Kurdish region on Satur¬ place across Turkey since October as the military administrations in the southeast, which are held day a day after a suspected bomb blast rocked increased its operations against the outlawed by the DTP. the headquarters of the ruling Justice and De¬ Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Erdogan has publicly accused the DTP of failing velopment Party (AKP). The PKK, blacklisted as a terrorist organisation to provide services in the Kurdish-majority Kurdish politicians had warned Erdogan that he by Turkey, the US and the EU, picked up arms provinces it holds and has also criticised the should stay away from the region because of for self-rule in the country's east and southeast part)' for failing to condemn PKK violence. tensions triggered by a surge in clashes between in 1984. The DTP is currently facing a possible ban by the Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops. Kurds have been outraged over allegations that constitutional court for links with PKK fighters. Erdogan has promised to carry on with a reform Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK leader, was mis¬ The party, which urges a peaceful resolution to drive to earn European Union membership for treated and threatened with death in prison the violent conflict in the southeast, denies the Turkey, which has resulted in broader Kurdish where he is serving a life sentence in solitary allegations. cultural freedoms. confinement. "Let us not stand against those who want to sow However, Erdogan denied the allegations

United Press International Iraqi Kurdistan welcomes UNAMI officials November 4. 2008 Erbil-Hewler. Kurdistan region "Iraq",

THE VICE president of the Kurdistan National statement said. Assembly welcomed U.N. officials to Erbil, Iraqi The people of Iraqi Kurdistan play a vital role in Kurdistan's capital to discuss disputed Kurdish Iraq, the vice president said, and the democ¬ territories in Iraq. ratic ideals in the country should support all of Kurdish Parliament Vice President Kamal its people. Kirkuki welcomed Mark Rutgers, the head of Kirkuk city is historically a Kurdish city and it the U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq station in lies just south border of the Kurdistan autono¬ Erbil, to discuss implementation of Article 140 of mous region, the population is a mix of majority the Iraqi Constitution, the Kurdish Parliament Kurds and minority of Arabs, Christians and said. Turkmen, lies 250 km northeast of Baghdad. In an effort to alter the demographics of the oil- Kurds have a strong cultural and emotional rich city of Kirkuk, former Iraqi dictator Saddam attachment to Kirkuk, which they call "the Hussein launched a campaign in the late 1980s Kurdish Jerusalem." to drive Kurdish, Assyrian and Turkomen fami¬ Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution is related to lies from the region. Article 140 considers the normalization of the situation in Kirkuk city whether enough Kurds have returned to the area and other disputed areas. to consider it Kurdish. The article also calls for conducting a census to be followed by a referendum The areas under consideration include parts, if not all, of the provinces of to let the inhabitants decide whether they would like Kirkuk to be annexed to the Diyala, Kirkuk, Mosul and Salah ad Din. autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region or having it as an independent province. Kirkuki told the UNAMI delegation that not implementing Article 140 violated The former regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had forced over the principles of a democratic Iraq. Failure to commit to Article 140, he added, 250,000 Kurdish residents to give up their homes to Arabs in the 1970s, to only made the relationship with Baghdad "more complex," the Parliament "Arabize" the city and the region's oil industry.

Muslim Scholars blast Kurdish SOFA support

BAGHDAD. : November 04. 2008 fUPI) - the statement read. THE Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq Tuesday chided a decision by Baghdad and Washington are said to be waiting for the results of the U.S. the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to back the Status of Forces Agreement presidential elections Tuesday before moving ahead with any decisions on with Washington. the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement, which is set to replace the expir¬ "The statements of Kurdish officials neither have value nor reflect the ing U.N. mandate for Iraq. realities at the ground; however, it just increases their aggressive inten¬ In the statement, the AMSI accused Kurdish officials of collaborating with tions," the group said in a statement. the "foreign usurper" by backing measures in the SOFA, which the group The AMSI said the expressions by Kurdish politicians were indicative of says will permit the establishment of permanent U.S. military bases in the their "destructive role" in Iraq, which the influential clerical group says north. moves against the interests of unity for the country. © 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.This material may The Kurdish statements do not reflect the will of the Iraqi people or the not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form. teachings of Islam and echo their "illegitimate ambitions" of self-interest, Revue de Presse-Press Revieio-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Al Jazeera NOVEMBER 04, 2008

«UAZEEUA Talabani dismisses US base offer

Iraq's president has dismissed Kurdish leader Massud Barzani's invitation to the US to set up military bases in the Kurdish region if a proposed security pact with Baghdad fails. Jalal Talabani, himself a Kurd, said Washington could set up bases in the country - even in the Kurdish region - only with Baghdad's approval. "It is not possible for US troops to stay in Kurdis¬ tan without the approval of the central govern¬ ment," Talabani said in an interview with state television Al-lraqiya late on Sunday. "Kurdistan is part of Iraq, and all of the country's constitutional laws apply to it." 'Warm welcome' Barzani, who heads the Kurdish administration in the country's north, had offered his region as an alternative for US military bases if the status of forces agreement being negotiated between Washington and Baghdad fell through. Barzani, left, said Kurdistan's people and government would welcome US Iraqi newspaper Khabat quoted Barzani, who military bases [AFP] has strongly backed the controversial proposal, as saying during a recent visit to Washington Proposed changes the pact as nothing more than another form of that his regional government would "welcome" occupation. the setting up of US military bases. The US government - after initially balking at making any changes demanded by the Iraqi AI Jazeera's Hoda Abdel Hamid reporting from "All the attempts are going right now to sign the government in the draft pact - is now expected to the Kurdish city of Irbil, said that Kurds felt safer pact, but if the pact is not signed and if US respond in the next few days. having US troops around given the distrust asked to keep their troops in Kurdistan, I think between the Kurds and the Arabs. the parliament, the people and government of The agreement is supposed to outline the have of Kurdistan will welcome this warmly," he said at framework under which US forces will stay in Kurds also been spared the worst the violence since 2003 and many actually feel that the Centre for Strategic and International Stud¬ Iraq beyond 2008. ies. The signing of the pact was delayed after the their lives have improved over the last five years, Iraqi key including with foreign investments and a flourishing local Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shia leader, cabinet sought changes, economy, our correspondent said. criticised Barzani for his comments. greater legal jurisdiction over US troops and guarantees that US soldiers would not launch The final draft of the proposed pact must be "We reject the statement by Massud Barzani," attacks on other countries from Iraq. endorsed by the Iraqi parliament after the Sheikh Saleh al-Obeidi, a spokesman for the amendments are finalised by both Washington group, told the AFP news agency. The pact is unpopular among Arab Iraqis who have seen the bulk of violence and destruction and Baghdad. "This position reminds us that Kurds want to since the US-led invasion in 2003, and who see separate ... There is a constitution in this country and they have to respect it."

November 5, 2008 TODAYS ZAMAIM DTP leader defends his party amidst tension TODAY'S ZAMAN that his government's motto was "one flag, one Pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) country, one nation," found inflammatory by leader Ahmet Turk yesterday defended his the country's Kurds, as the word "one nation" party amidst recent tension caused by protests is usually used in Turkey to refer to Turks over the weekend organized in the Southeast only. by DTP supporters against visiting Prime "Instead of the mentality of one nation, a Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. mentality that considers differences as richness is necessary. This is a necessity of pluralism Tiirk, addressing his party's parliamentary and democracy. This is how we should see it," group meeting on Tuesday, said his party's main he said. Tiirk then called on President Abdul¬ purpose was to ensure the existence of an envi¬ lah Gul to step in and pave the way for con¬ ronment in which all of Turkey's peoples em¬ structive dialogue. brace one another with love. He further criticized Prime Minister Erdogan He also said Turkey's flag is "a common value of for defending an Istanbul resident who fired a us all" and noted: "We created this flag with our pump rifle on pro-Kurdistan Workers' Party common values. We do not have a problem with (PKK) demonstrators over the weekend, say¬ this flag. We have always emphasized solutions ing his situation resembled a cleric who issues that have Turkey's integrity at the center. Our a "license to kill." He said, "The prime minister a characteristic of the country which should be says have patience, he says purpose is to ensure the existence of an envi¬ celebrated. they run out of our ronment in which all peoples embrace one death is necessary." Tiirk further stressed that "We are making efforts to ensure that this men¬ a a these were atte mpts to turn the DTP into a another with love. Turkey is state, republic tality working for the continuation of this diver¬ party where various cultures live together in a mo¬ sity remains dominant," he said and criticized to be lynched. "We will continue our efforts to develop a peaceful and democratic process saic," he said, adding that Turkey's diversity was Prime Minister Erdogan, who said on Monday Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti without being affected by the recent develop¬ said, referring to Prime Minister Erdogan's Dogan news agency and the Turkish Radio and ments," Turk said. angry words on Sunday when he told PKK Television Corporation (TRT) station that were Some press members walked out of yesterday's supporters to just "pick up and leave" Turkey if driving into town. Members of the press were parliamentary DTP meeting, in protest of attacks they are against living under "one flag." stranded close to seven kilometers outside the by PKK and DTP supporters on press vehicles He also criticized the prime minister for city throughout much of the day. following the prime minister's visit to Hakkari defending an Istanbul resident's pump rifle Following the reporters, cameramen and photo- on Sunday. attack on demonstrators. "Should the people journalists also left the DTP meeting. Only the defend themselves? What are you there for? cameraman for Parliament's television station, DTP Istanbul leaders arrested over demonstra¬ What is your job? This is impossible to under¬ TBMM TV, remained in the meeting room. Turk tion stand." condemned the attacks against members of the Fifty-nine out of 61 detained last Sunday in Journalists protest DTP for violent attacks press, saying his party supports freedom of the protests against the alleged maltreatment of Reporters at the Democratic Society Party's press. PKK leader Abdullah Ôcalan in prison were (DTP) parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday In the meantime, the G-9 Journalists Platform released yesterday pending trial. Five others, left the meeting room immediately after DTP released a written statement yesterday con¬ including DTP Istanbul branch chairman Halil leader Ahmet Tiirk started speaking as sign of demning the attacks against journalists in Hak¬ Aksoy and DTP Fatih district branch President protest against violent attacks against members kari. Mehdi Tannkulu were arrested by the court of the press by DTP supporters in Hakkari last "Members of the press were prevented from they were remanded to yesterday. Sunday. performing their jobs as a result of attacks and Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz As Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the use of violent force. Such attacks, which Baykal also criticized the Justice and Develop¬ the province, DTP supporters protested vio¬ violate the public's right to access information, ment Party (AK Party) yesterday. Baykal ac¬ lently, clashing with police, throwing stones and can never be approved. We protest all those who cused the prime minister of having tolerated burning four vehicles. The protestors also at¬ attacked the members of the press and their terrorism during the time his party has been in tacked press vehicles and stoned buses belong¬ vehicles in Hakkari," read the platform's state¬ power. "Your duty is to render ineffective those ing to Kanal A, the Cihan news agency, NTV ment. who commit crimes. You cannot tell people to and the Zaman newspaper. On their way out, Istanbul Today's Zaman just leave when you fail to do your own job," he the victims warned vehicles belonging to the

2008 (Hhicago ribune November6' Iraqis weigh Obama's future Many said they don't expect immediate changes in policy, but they do knoiv they ivill come. By Ryan Lucas Associated Press expect that big changes will take place." The BAGHDADI AGHDAD - Many in Iraq said yesterday Sadrists are among the most outspoken 'thatthat they did not expect an immediate opponents of the U.S. military presence in shift in U.S. policy toward their country when Iraq. Barack Obama takes over as president, de¬ Wali Mohammed, 22, a college student in spite his calls for a complete withdrawal of Baqubah, said he wanted Obama to stand pat U.S. troops within 16 months. on his campaign pledge to pull the 151,000 But top Iraqi officials said they did recognize U.S. troops out of Iraq. "We hope Obama will that Obama's perspective on the war differed stick to his word," he said. greatly from that of President Bush. Other Iraqis fear that their leaders and secu¬ "We don't expect any change to happen rity forces are not ready to take over and do overnight or any hasty change in U.S. policy not want the Americans to leave too soon. and commitment toward Iraq," Foreign U.S. exit polls from Tuesday's election Minister Hoshyar Zcbari told Al-Arabiyah TV showed that only one in 10 American voters moments after Obama claimed victory over called the Iraq war their top concern when Republican John McCain. making their presidential choice, reflecting But he acknowledged that Obama "will not expectations Obama will focus more on have the same enthusiasm and momentum domestic issues and the economy once he he did not expect it "will speed up the signing for this situation" in Iraq as Bush. takes over. of the pact." The foreign minister said Obama told Iraqi Obama's election win comes as U.S. and Iraqi Opinions in the run-up to Tuesday's vote leaders earlier this year during meetings in officials scramble to reach a deal on a new differed somewhat in Kurdistan, the gener¬ Baghdad and Washington that "any decision security agreement that would end the U.S. ally peaceful area of three northern provinces that concerns Iraq would be taken after military presence in the country by 2012 and where Kurds have enjoyed self-rule since thorough discussions with the Iraqi govern¬ give Iraqis a greater role in managing combat 1991 and have used their ties to Washington ment and field military leaders." operations. to defend their autonomy. Salim Abdullah, spokesman for the largest Violence has dropped sharply in the country Some Kurdish officials expressed concern Sunni parliamentary bloc, agreed. "We are since Iraqi security forces and the U.S. mili¬ that Obama might not continue the close not concerned that he will take a unilateral tary gained the upper hand against extrem¬ relationship. decision to move troops quickly from Iraq," ists this spring. But a string of bombings in Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman said Abdullah said. Baghdad this week has killed more than 30 he thought the Democrat's administration Some Iraqis are eager to see an end to a U.S. people, underscoring that insurgents still would usher in a fresh approach from Wash¬ military presence they consider foreign occu¬ pose a threat. And U.S. commanders warn ington toward the Middle East. pation. American officials insist the troops that any security gains are reversible. "I think that it's a natural change to take are here to protect the Iraqi people. It remains unclear what impact Obama's place after a long period with the Republi¬ Salah al-Obeidi, spokesman of the anti- victory will have on negotiations over the cans in office," said Othman, who praised the American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, said security agreement, but Iyad Jamal-Aldin, a Democrat's idea of holding talks with Iraq's yesterday that with Obama's victory, "we lawmaker from the Iraqiya List group, said neighbor Iran. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti IRAK: BARZANI D'ACCORD POUR DES BASES AMÉRICAINES AU KURDISTAN (PARTI) ERBIL (Irak), 2 nov 2008 (AFP) Américains et Irakiens peinent depuis des mois à finaliser le texte de l'accord dit de Sofa (Status of forces agreement) donnant une base juridique à la pré¬ sence militaire américaine après l'expiration du mandat de l'ONU au 31 LE PRESIDENT du Kurdistan irakien s'est déclaré en faveur de l'installation décembre. de bases militaires américaines dans cette région autonome du nord de l'Irak Le Premier ministre irakien Nouri al-Maliki a présenté à Washington un texte si les négociations de l'accord de sécurité entre Bagdad et Washington remanié après les cinq amendements apportés par ses ministres. La Maison échouaient, a rapporté dimanche son parti. Blanche, de son côté, a exprimé de fortes réticences à l'idée de renégocier cet "Tous les efforts actuellement visent à aboutir à la signature de l'accord mais accord. si cela échoue et que les Etats-unis nous demandent de maintenir des troupes Les dirigeants kurdes sont totalement favorables à l'accord et considèrent au Kurdistan, je pense que le Parlement, le peuple et le gouvernement du depuis 1991 les Etats-unis comme leur meilleur allié et leur protecteur. Kurdistan accueilleront chaudement cette requête", a déclaré Massoud Barza¬ ni, lors d'une conférence à Washington. M. Barzani se trouve actuellement à Washington pour une série d'entretiens avec l'administration américaine. Ces propos ont été tenus vendredi au Centre d'études internationales et straté¬ giques et rapportés par Khabat, l'organe du Parti démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK) de Massoud Barzani.

TURQUIE: EXPLOSION ET VOITURES INCENDIÉES A ISTANBUL

ISTANBUL, 3 nov 2008 (AFP) La police recherche ces deux hommes. Par ailleurs, dans ce même secteur des inconnus ont incendié trois voitures avant de prendre la fuite, ajoute l'agence. UNE EXPLOSION s'est produite dans la nuit de dimanche à lundi dans le centre d'Istanbul, sans faire de blessés mais provoquant des dégâts, tandis Les Kurdes sont de plus en plus mécontents de l'intensification des opérations que trois voitures ont été incendiées dans la métropole par des inconnus, a de l'armée contre les rebelles kurdes et des mauvais traitements que subit rapporté l'agence de presse Anatolie. selon eux dans sa prison le chef de la rébellion, Abdullah Ocalan, condamné à la détention perpétuelle. Ces incidents surviennent alors que la Turquie traverse une nouvelle période de tension avec sa communauté kurde. Les dirigeants turcs ont démenti ces affirmations. Deux hommes cagoules en motocyclette ont lancé un engin vraisemblable¬ Tout au long du week-end, des violences ont opposé des manifestants aux ment artisanal à l'entrée d'une ruelle du quartier très fréquenté de Beyoglu, forces de l'ordre dans le sud-est peuplé majoritairement de kurdes où le provoquant des dégâts matériels à des immeubles avoisinants, selon l'agence. Premier ministre Recep Tayyip Erdogan a effectué une visite.

LEFIGARO 4 novembre 2008

Confidentiel : Air France, cap sur le Kurdistan irakien ? Air France pourrait mettre le cap sur le Kurdistan irakien

Air France est en négociation pour ouvrir, au Kurdistan. Air France ne dessert plus l'Irak épargnées par les violences et en plein d'ici à la fin de l'année, une liaison aérienne depuis l'invasion du Koweït par Saddam Hus¬ «boom» économique. Bernard Kouchner, le avec Erbil, la principale ville des provinces sein en 1990. Mais, ces dernières années, ministre des Affaires étrangères, encourage kurdes du nord de l'Irak. Une délégation de la plusieurs de ses concurrents européens ont vivement les entreprises françaises à investir compagnie nationale s'est rendue récemment ouvert une liaison avec les régions kurdes, chez ses amis kurdes.

IRAK: PAS DE BASES AMÉRICAINES AU KURDISTAN SANS L'ACCORD DE BAGDAD (TALABANI) ERBIL (Irak), 3 nov 2008 (AFP) position nous rappelle que les Kurdes demandent souvent la séparation (de l'Irak) et ces propos suscitent notre peur", a affirmé à l'AFP le porte- LE PRESIDENT irakien Jalal Talabani, qui parole du mouvement Salah el-Obeïdi. est également l'un des plus puissants chefs "Il y a une Constitution en vigueur dans le pays et ils kurdes, a affirmé qu'il était "impossible" que doivent la respecter", a-t-il ajouté. des troupes américaines stationnent au Kur¬ distan irakien sans l'acord du gouvernement M. Barzani a déclaré lors d'une conférence à Was¬ central. hington: "tous les efforts visent actuellement à aboutir à la signature de l'accord mais si cela "Les troupes américaines ne peuvent station¬ échoue et que les Etats-unis nous demandent de ner au Kurdistan sans l'accord du gouverne¬ maintenir des troupes au Kurdistan, je pense que le ment central car le Kurdistan fait partie de Parlement, le peuple et le gouvernement du Kurdis¬ l'Irak et est soumis aux lois constitutionnelles tan accueilleront chaudement cette requête". du pays", a-t-il dit sur la télévision officielle Iraqiya, à l'occasion d'un entretien dimanche Ces propos, tenus vendredi au Centre d'études soir. internationales et stratégiques, ont été rapportés dimanche par Khabat, l'organe du Parti démocrati¬ Cette prise de position tranche avec celle de que du Kurdistan (PDK) de Massoud Barzani. son rival, le président de la région autonome du Kurdistan, Massoud Barzani, qui s'était déclaré en faveur de l'installation de bases militaires américaines Américains et Irakiens peinent depuis des mois à finaliser le texte de l'accord dans cette région du nord de l'Irak si les négociations sur l'accord de sécurité dit de Sofa (Status of forces agreement) donnant une base juridique à la pré¬ entre Bagdad et Washington échouaient. sence militaire américaine après l'expiration du mandat de l'ONU au 31 décembre. Le mouvement du chef chiite radical Moqtada Sadr s'est également opposé à cette proposition. "Nous rejetons les déclarations de Massoud Barzani. Cette Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

îtMmèt IRAK LES AUTORITÉS IRAKIENNES RECHIGNENT À INTÉGRER LES SUPPLÉTIFS 5 novembre 2008 -. .: : SUNNITES DANS LEUR ARMÉE

A Bagdad, les miliciens du « Réveil » redoutent le retrait des Américains

BAGDAD effectifs, l'avaient été. Le colonel Adel en déshérence contre le pouvoir légitime Abdel Salam, qui commande la 42e briga¬ ENVOYÉ SPÉCIAL - des chiites se dissiperait. Il y a seulement deux ans, l'élégant jeune de de l'armée irakienne, désormais en char¬ Abou Seijad, qui a fondé son « comité » homme en uniforme qui nous parle ge des 2 050 « fils d'Irak » à Adhamiyah, en août 2007 pour « protéger » les 40 000 n'aurait pas hésité à tuer n'importe quel GI se plaint devant nous que les Américains, habitants de son quartier, n'en est pas si américain. Aujourd'hui, il est salarié de « contrairement à l'accord conclu », ne lui sûr. Dans l'accord de sécurité actuelle¬ IV US Army ». Il ne jure que par elle, ne aient « toujourspas transmis » les dossiers ment discuté avec acharnement entre Bag¬ «parle qu'à elle », n'a « confiance qu'en personnels de chacun de leurs supplétifs. dad et Washington, il est prévu que toutes elle » et, comme une forte majorité de la Anonymement, un officier californien les «forces de combat» américaines minorité arabe sunnite irakienne à laquel¬ explique qu'il traîne les pieds « parce qu'ils devront avoir quitté les villes etvillages ira¬ le il appartient, Ali Abdel Jabbar Mah¬ ont tendance à les arrêter, ce qui est extrême¬ kiens d'ici au 30juin 2009. « Silegouverne- moud, dit « Abou Seijad » dans son quar¬ mentdangereux «.Abou Seijad, le fringant ment ne change pas son attitude à notre tier d'Adhamiyah, redoute avant tout son trentenaire qui nous reçoit à Adhamiyah et égard d'ici là, certains de mes hommes qui retrait. qui commande 67 « fils d'Irak », rêve "travaillaient"avantpourAl-Qaida retour¬ Dans l'ancien café Internet qu'il exploi¬ « depuis toujours » d'entrer dans l'armée. nerontau combat », prédit-il. Deux d'entre tait naguère et qu'il a reconverti en poste Mais il est « certain » que, finalement, il eux, kalachnikov au poing et tenues dispa¬ de commandement, à 500 m de la célèbre sera, lui aussi emprisonné. « Des militaires rates, approuvent silencieusement. mosquée Abou-Hanifa où des dizaines de sont venus récemment dans ce bureau: Dehors, le flot des voitures s'écoule tran¬ « moudjahidins arabes » étrangers, tués j'étais absent. Us ontexpliquéà mes hommes quillement. L'atmosphère est, calme. Seule au combat contre « l'envahisseur infidè¬ que j'étais un meurtrier et un kidnappeur. différence apparente avec les quartiers le », sont enterrés, Abou Seijad n'en finit Notreancienchef,AbouAbed,quiafondéles chiites : à Adhamiyah comme dans toutes pas de pester contre « cegouvernementd'in¬ comités à Bagdad, a été obligé defuir enJor¬ les zones sunnites du pays, accroché aux justice » auquel il doit désormais rendre danie. » De fait, l'homme qui symbolisait réverbères ou hissé sur les casemates des compte. Un accord irako-américain a en le phénomène dans la capitale est aujour¬ check-points, c'est l'ancien drapeau natio¬ effet été signé le 1" octobre : désormais, les d'hui accusé par le pouvoir d'avoir com¬ nal tricolore, désormais interdit parce que 49 381 miliciens de Bagdad, en grande mandité des « dizaines » d'assassinats. On frappé des trois étoiles de l'ancien régime majorité sunnites, appartenant à ces a trouvé trois corps enterrés sous l'un de - « Unité, Liberté, Socialisme » - qui cla¬ « comités du Réveil » embauchés par les ses bureaux à Amriya. que au vent. C'est ici précisément, le 9 avril Américains pour « maintenir l'ordre dans 2003, que Saddam Hussein, sous les leurs quartiers », cesser de tirer sur les « Double jeu » vivats, avait pris son dernier bain de foule patrouilles et aider, après avoir le plus sou¬ « En fait, nous assure le colonel Abdel en tant que président de la République ara¬ vent changé de camp, au démantèlement Salam, iljouait doublejeu ; il continuait de be et socialiste d'Irak. .. des réseaux djihadistes plus ou moins liés travailler pour Al-Qaida contre nous. » Patrice Claude àAl-Qaida, sont placés sous la responsabi¬ Sous le nez des Américains qui l'ont déco¬ lité du ministère irakien de la défense. ré ? «Je continue d'avoir unefoi absolue en C'est lui, en principe, qui réglera leur solde lui », confiait récemment au Los Angeles - 300 dollars par homme et par mois - dès Times, le capitaine Eric Cosper, qui était la fin octobre. Progressivement,les 50 000 son « agent traitant » à Bagdad. autres «fib d'Irak», comme les Améri¬ Une chose est sûre : nombre de politi¬ cains les ont rebaptisés à travers le pays, ciens chiites, alliés de Nouri Al-Maliki, le passeront, eux aussi, sous le contrôle de . premier ministre, se méfient des « fils » et pas dans les forces Bagdad. sunnites n'en veulent de l'ordre. Sous leur pression, dit-on, Problème : beaucoup rechignent, et les officiers supérieurs américains eux- M. Maliki vient de mettre en sommeil le comité irako-américain chargé d'étudier mêmes émettent des doutes quant à la volonté d'un gouvernement dominé par la les dossiers d'intégration. « Nous pensons majorité chiite d'intégrer, comme promis, que le seuil critique est franchi», dit Ali au moins 20 % de supplétifs sunnites dans Al-Dabbagh, son porte-parole. En clair, la l'armée et la police locale. Fin septembre, crainte d'une révolte armée des supplétifs 3 400 Bagdadis seulement, soit 6,5 % des

10 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

6 novembre 2008 Les Kurdes de Turquie dénoncent les conditions de détention d'Abdullah Ôcalan

Le dirigeant historique du ri, le siège local de peine capitale par Ankara. Mais l'AKP, le parti au pou¬ depuis sa cellule, sur l'île-prison PKK, qui purge une peine voir, a été soufflé par d'Imrali, au milieu de la mer de de prison à vie sur une île une explosion, à la veille Marmara, son aura demeure intac¬ te et son sort provoque régulière¬ de la mer de Marmara, de la visite du premier ministre Erdogan. A ment des poussées de fièvre. est devenu un prisonnier Diyarbakir, un sit-in de En 2007, une analyse de son encombrant pour Ankara deux jours a été organi¬ sang avait révélé la présence d'une sé par les élus kurdes du quantité importante de chrome et ISTANBUL DTP (parti de la société de strontium. Ses avocats avaient CORRESPONDANCE démocratique), à côté évoqué un empoisonnement. « Le Il a suffid'une rumeur pour met¬ de la base militaire de la peuple kurde perçoit ce qui estfait à tre le feu aux poudres. Le ville, pour protester Ôcalan comme une atteinte à sapro- 17 octobre, les avocats du lea¬ contre la politique du gouverne¬ pre intégrité, estime ie député de der historique du Parti des tra¬ ment et soutenir Abdullah Ôcalan. Sirnak, Hasip Kaplan. Nous vou¬ vailleurs kurdes (PKK), Abdullah Enfin, à Istanbul, un rassemble¬ lons qu'une commission parlemen¬ Ôcalan, dénonçaient de mauvais ment sur la place Taksim a été taire examine les conditions de sa traitements infligés à leur client. interdit. Vingt-sept manifestants détention. » L'unique pensionnaire de l'île-pri¬ ont été arrêtés, alors que le quar¬ Les défenseurs des droits de son d'Imrali aurait été maltraité tier étaitquadrillé parla police anti¬ l'homme dénoncent l'isolement par ses gardiens, rapportaient-ils, émeutes. total auquel est soumis le leader après lui avoir rendu visite. « Deux En tournée dans le Sud-Est, kurde. « Quand nous allons le voir, gardiens l'ont attrapépar les bras et Recep Tayyip Erdogan a répliqué il y a deux vitres entre nous,jamais un troisième l'a poussé vers l'avant. vivement à cette campagne de contactphysique, décrit son avo¬ C'est la première agression physi¬ menée, selon lui, par le parti pro¬ cate. Les conversations sont sur¬ que. Jusqu'ici il n'avait subi que des kurde dans la perspective des veillées par une dizaine de gardiens. menaces de mort et des insultes », municipales de mars. « Une Son courrier est épluchéetcensuré. Il raconte Hatice Korkut, une avoca¬ nation, un drapeau, un peuple, un te d'Ôcalan. est enfermé 23 heures sur 24 et a Etat... Ceuxqui ne sontpas d'accord droità une radioquitombe régulière¬ Bousculé ? Torturé ? La nouvel¬ avec ce principe peuvent quitter le le, démentie par les autorités tur¬ ment en panne. » pays » alancéM.Erdogan.Ilaéga- Le quotidien Zaman estime à ques, a immédiatement provoqué lement pris parti en faveur d'un 60 euros le des manifestations de colère dans environ 000 par jour « citoyen turc » qui dimanche, à de cette sous les villes kurdes. Depuis plus de coût détention haute Istanbul, a ouvert le feu au fusil à sécurité. de soldats deux semaines, pas unejournée ne Un millier sont pompe sur un groupe de manifes¬ mobilisés pour garder ce prison¬ passe sans de nouvelles émeutes.A tants. « La patience a ses limites », « VIP » devenu encombrant Van ou Diyarbakir, des dizaines de nier a-t-il dit. pourlaTurquie et qui, selon le gou¬ voitures ont été brûlées et des grou¬ La Turquie pensait vernement, continue de dicter ses pes d'adolescents attaquent les' pourtant en avoir termi¬ ordres par l'intermédiaire de ses « Le peuple véhicules blindés à coups de pier¬ né avec Abdullah Ôca¬ avocats. D'autres soulignent les kurde perçoit res. Ces scènes de guérilla urbaine lan lorsqu'en 1999, incohérences de ses déclarations ce qui est fait surviennent même dans les cités «Apo » fut capturé à récentes et évoquent une possible à Ôcalan comme sans histoire et s'étendent aux Nairobi, au Kenya, au manipulation par les forces de une atteinte quartiers populaires d'Istanbul. terme d'une cavale sécurité. La question d'un trans¬ à sa propre rocambolesque. fert se repose. « Le maintenir dans A Bruxelles, Strasbourg ou Bey- intégrité » routh,les partisans du PKKse sont Condamné à mort, Ôca¬ uneprison spéciale, constate le cher¬ égalementfait entendre. Et diman¬ lan a finalement vu sa cheur Sedat Laçiner, contribue à sa Hasip Kaplan, che 2 novembre, la tension est sentence commuée en légende. » député de Sirnak encore montée d'un cran. AHakka- prison à vie, en 2002, GUILLAUME PERRIER après l'abolition de la

11 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

06 November 2008 IRAQI PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS ARE CRUCIAL Deputy Governor tells Arab parties to give minorities "five seats each"

By Qassim Khidhir ince, explained that security is The Kurdish Globe improving little by little in the prov¬ ince. He said people are complain¬ The Ninewa deputy governor ing that Baghdad doesn't give predicts one million people will enough help to improve security in participate in the provincial election the city. in Ninewa province. Lack of trustDeputy Governor Khasro Goran, Ninewa Deputy Goran said there is lack of trust Governor, told The Kurdish Globe among security forces in the prov¬ that around one-and-a-halt million ince, which consist of Arab Sunnis, people in Ninewa province have the Arab Shiites, and Kurds. Goran told right to vote in the coming provincial Globe that there are insurgent elections, and he believes that one infiltrators inside military and police million people will vote. forces, but not so much in the Goran said, "There will be 37 seats military. in Ninewa province council, and for He said police asked a family to each seat we need 27, 000 votes." evacuate their house the other day; Goran is a Kurd on the Kurdistan An Iraqi soldier watches over Ninewa Governor Durid after the family refused, one of the Alliance list, also known as the Kashmola while he visits Mosul city, the capital of policemen threatened the family Ninewa Brotherhood list. Ninewa province. GLOBE PHOTO \ Qassim Khidhir The policeman said: "You don't He said that up to now 37 lists have evacuate. That's alright. We know registered their names to participate They also criticized Arab Shiite plant roadside bombs on the that your son is an interpreter with in the provincial elections in Ninewa political parties for trying to sepa¬ streets. "People are asking com¬ U.S. troops." The family then left, province. Some of the lists belong rate them from Kurds. Shabaks are pensations for the damage of their said Khasro. to former members of the Baath Shiite Kurds mainly live in Ninewa shops and houses destroyed by On Monday, a number of former Party, and some belong to tribal province. insurgents," Kashmola told the Iraqi high-ranked officers in Ninewa leaders. Goran believes many "We don't like Shabaks and Yezidis Globe while visiting some streets in held a seminar where they re¬ Sunni Arabs in Ninewa will vote for to be separated from us," said Mosul to encourage people to open quested to join the military again; tribe lists and national lists rather Goran, who said if that happened their shops. they also requested that security in than religion lists. Iraqi Parliament should give them Ganim Karim, whose sweet shop the province be under their control The Kurdistan Alliance List in all their rights. was shattered by a suicide bomb a Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Ninewa consists of the two main Goran tells Arab political parties: year ago, said he has been jobless has ordered to transfer Kurdish Kurdish political parties, Kurdistan "You want Christians, Shabaks, and since then. He wants compensation forces, which are part of the Iraqi Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriot Yezidis to have their own seat in for the damage so that he can Defense Ministry, to the provinces Union Kurdistan (PUK), as well as Mosul province council. OK: Let's reopen his shop. in the south and middle. But Kurd¬ the Kurdish Shabak community, the give them five seats each." The streets, intersections, and ish forces have rejected the order; Kurdish Yezidi community, Chris¬ Security in NinewaNinewa Gover¬ neighborhoods in Mosul now have they said there is a political purpose tians, Kurdistan Islamic Union nor Muhammad Dur'id Kashmola different names, like Death Street, behind al-Maliki's order. (K1U), Kurdistan Islamic Group said currently Ninewa is the most which people dare not walk at night The Kurdish forces in Ninewa see (KIG), and Iraqi Communist Party. dangerous province in Iraq because because insurgents will kill them. the order as an insult, since they Iraqi Parliament decided on Mon¬ most of the insurgents in Iraq are Burnt Intersection is one of the were the only and first forces who day to allot one seat each for Chris¬ now in Ninewa; also, Ninewa has a intersections in the city where were ready to fight insurgents in tians, Yezidis, and Shabaks in wide and unprotected border with several car bombs have exploded. Ninewa after toppling Saddam's Ninewa provincial council Syria. Kashmola said unemploy¬ And there are several neighbor¬ regime in 2003. They say a lot of Christians strongly criticized Iraqi ment is one of the reasons people hoods now which people call "as¬ their lives were taken and blood Parliament and said their share do not cooperate with security sassination neighborhoods." Here, spilled trying to sustain security in doesn't represent their real size. forces. insurgents assassinate security Ninewa. Meanwhile, last Sunday Shabaks A shopkeeper in Mosul city capital officers and members of political demonstrated in Ninewa province of Ninewa who requested anonym¬ parties in the daylight. and said they want their area to be ity said insurgents give 70, 000 Brig. Gen. Thia Jalal Tofiq, Opera¬ merged with Kurdistan Region. dinars (US$60) to teenagers to tion Commander in Ninewa prov

07 November 2008 TODAYS ZAMAN PKK issues celebratory message for Obama ISMAILAVCI DIYARBAKIR Internet sites close to the PKK published the Turkey high-technology weapons and intel¬ Two high-level members of the outlawed open letter, which said: ligence support. We are not enemies of any¬ Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have "Your election campaign and your calls for one, especially not Iraq or the United States. released a message to Barack Obama change, peace, freedom, equality and justice We have never directed our actions against congratulating him on his election as the based on high moral values have been fol¬ the United States or the American people. We next president of the United States and asking lowed by our people with interest and sympa¬ want to solve the problem with Turkey for his help in solving the Kurdish problem. thy, as they have been all over the world. through dialogue and in a peaceful and democ¬ The PKK's Murat Karay dan and Ztibeyir Aydar During the time of President George W. Bush ratic way. Your country has multilateral rela¬ said in their message they are not enemies of our movement was placed on the list of terror¬ tions with Turkey. We don't demand that you Iraq or the United States and that Obama ist organizations without justification. To disturb those relations for us. We ask you to should contribute to the finding of a democ¬ please Turkey, Mr. Bush declared our move¬ use your relations to help solve the problem ratic solution to Turkey's Kurdish issue. ment the enemy of Iraq and Turkey. He gave through dialogue."

12 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

06 November 2008 MMBSB Bf As Obama takes U.S. elections by storm, the legacy of Bush is not lost on the Kurds Barack Obama swept to victory in the U.S. presidential elections, marking a momentous day in American history. By By Bashdar Pusho Ismaleel ticularly by successive U.S. gov¬ The Kurdish Globe ernments, to take future American support for granted, the change of The appointment of the first black fortune in the 17 years and particu¬ U.S. president represents more larly the last 5 since the liberaliza¬ than just this iconic and ground¬ tion of Iraq, have been truly re¬ breaking significance. Indeed the markable for an ancient, battle world, gripped with the worst eco¬ weary, and emotionally scarred nomic crisis since the 1930s, facing people. a growing threat of fundamentalism, Not all the policies of the U.S. and reeling from cynicism caused government have bode well with the by recent U.S. foreign policy, has people of Kurdistan, and U.S. been crying out for fresh impetus presidents throughout their new¬ and new hope. found autonomy have stopped short Perhaps no individual has greater of full-fledged backing and support expectations right now than that on for the Kurdish nation; however the Obama's broad shoulders. Obama symbolic nature in which the Kurds may well represent the energy that were afforded their first opportunity their gaze. In this context, John Barzani, recently in Washington for the globe is lacking, but he is no to guide their future and look ahead McCain was in a way the default talks, emphasized the warm wel¬ miracle worker. Obama can only to a new prosperous and unmo¬ man of choice in Iraqi Kurdistan. come the idea of the stationing of work with the tools at his disposal lested path can and will never be Where Obama has raised Kurdish U.S. troops in Kurdistan would and maneuver within constraints forgotten by the ever-grateful tension, by declaring his open intent receive, if the security pact was not that the political stage allows. Kurds. The Kurds, cold-heartedly to withdraw troops from Iraq as signed by year end. Obama would do well to get peo¬ sliced into pieces like disposable soon as possible, McCain had His remarks drew strong rebuke ple's feet back on the ground and by-products in the aftermath of the remained defiant to stay the course somewhat unsurprisingly from anti- quell a level of expectation that if collapse of the Ottoman Empire, and not allow their hard-won secu¬ U.S. hardliners, namely from Mo¬ unchecked may ironically cripple his waited many decades to be rid of rity gains in Iraq to disappear. qtada al-Sadr's bloc, but also ironi¬ tenure before it has even started. mass oppression at the hands of Now Kurds watch developments in cally from leading Kurdish figures Obama's appointment certainly their occupiers. the White House with close interest, and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. stole the world's gaze. However, as U.S. intervention in 1991 may and anticipate with anxiety the Talabani's statement that all Iraqi the world's attention turned to ironically have been forced and not policy Obama adopts toward the constitutional laws apply to the historic elections, the heated U.S. wilfully decided by the U.S. admini¬ Kurds. As U.S. foreign policy in Iraq Kurdistan Region was inevitable. presidential contest between Ba¬ stration at the time, and the world becomes destined for a shakeup He may be an influential Kurdish rack Obama and John McCain was superpower could have acted years under Obama, whether the Kurds leader, but as the symbolic figure¬ observed with as much interest in before the massacre of thousands will be given commitment and head of Iraq, he was hardly going to Kurdistan as any part of the world. of Kurdish civilians rather than protection, as American attention embrace the idea in public with After recent Republican legacy in persevere in their own selfish stra¬ turns elsewhere, is uncertain. open arms. Kurdistan and the more clear-cut tegic interests; nevertheless, an promises of McCain over the U.S. invaluable opportunity was given to course in Iraq, arguably Obama the Kurds to begin new chapters in U.S. bases in Kurdistan Status of Forces Agreement was not the first choice of the Kurd¬ their existence. The willingness and encourage¬ (Sofa) stalled ish people. ment for the establishment of per¬ With the chances of passing the Kurdish anxiety manent U.S. bases in Kurdistan security pact under the remaining Region may have stoked national The name "Bush" in Kurdish Kurdish trepidation and weariness stewardship of Bush now slim, the sentiments further south in recent folklore at seeing their hard-fought gains chances of an agreement before times; however, the concept is year end, when U.S. forces will find If George Bush Senior can be vanish is all too common, especially nothing new. viewed by the Kurds with eternal when their gains have not quite themselves in a legal vacuum, are Kurds have campaigned and sup¬ gratitude for the establishment of been encapsulated in protection now also diminishing. ported the idea of some form of the no-fly zone and onset of Kurd¬ and guarantee. Such mistrust, What was deemed a final document residual U.S. presence in Kurdistan, ish liberalization from tyranny in particularly toward their former Arab awaiting vote by Iraq's Parliament, regardless of any greater U.S. -Iraqi the has 1991, it is perhaps the actions of rulers in Iraq, cannot simply vanish draft now been returned, security pact. in his son George. W. Bush that is in a small period of time. somewhat disappointedly the It's hardly a secret that the majority forever etched in Kurdish folklore. Pain and mourning are not con¬ eyes of the Bush administration, of Kurds in Iraq are pro-Western. Conceivably, in later generations cepts that just disappear, least of all with a fresh set of proposals and However, such blatant endorse¬ the Kurds may even view the deci¬ from mentally scarred citizens who request for further rework. ment of Kurdish autonomy by the sion by Bush Junior to oust Sad¬ have lost many a loved one and U.S. officials had previously labeled new Obama administration may be dam Hussein from power in the witnessed the razing of their vil¬ the chances of further revisions as nothing short of wishful thinking. en¬ same breadth of Newroz folklore lages. So when an end of era ar¬ unlikely. Despite more recent Just as the Kurds rely heavily on when Kawa the blacksmith de¬ rives in America, a country on the couragement from Bush that a deal the U.S. in the present and the feated Zehak the evil ruler of these path of ground-breaking political will be struck before year end, the future, in the quest to end their five- mystical lands, to free a nation in change, Kurdish anticipation of the U.S. analysis of Iraqi recommenda¬ year nightmare and to safeguard captivity thousands of years ago. electoral results was understand¬ tions, coupled with scepticism of the seeds of their greater Middle The significance of the new dawn in able. high-ranking U.S. officials, may well Eastern project, the U.S. relies Kurdish existence cannot be over¬ As thousands of Kurds watched mean that the pact will become one heavily on broader Iraqi endorse¬ estimated. with intent, it was the candidate that of the first testing challenges facing ment and Arab support. Although the Kurds have been represented the next best thing to Obama as new U.S. president. Kurdistan President Massoud betrayed far too many times, par George W. Bush that dominated The attitude of a majority of Iraqi

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politicians to be seen standing up much more significance, the gen¬ some way, shape or from be con¬ bring down Bush's principles in Iraq for national pride and not to cede eral view in the rest of Iraq is less stricted by the legacy of the Bush with a lack of remorse. If he does under U.S. influence, has meant an intensive. administration. No U.S. president, and the Iraqi project derails badly, agreement, that was already a Obama's appointment will bode well however gallant, can escape from the nails in his presidential coffin product of dilution, may require with large sections of the Iraqi this fact. may have been sealed before it further downgrading to the annoy¬ population who favored a quick Furthermore, U.S. foreign policy even began. The security pact, ance of the U.S. departure of American forces, and has always been long term, espe¬ even if modified further, will clearly However, as much as Baghdad can remained unmoved from a percep¬ cially with certain regards; for ex¬ see U.S. presence in Iraq for at ill-afford to lose the support of the tion of Bush as their own Western ample, the strong support for Israel least four years. U.S. in such a short period of time, tyrant The significance of Obama's becoming almost constitutional over However, regardless of the differing conversely Washington without skin-color and his distinct origins is the years. Decades of foreign ideals camps of view on Bush's eight-year common agreement to remain in not forgotten on most Iraqis (or the and strategic maneuvering for a tenure at the helm and the capacity Iraq will suffer huge humiliation great Middle Eastern landscape for world order in the vision of the U.S., of Obama to enact real change, come January 1, 2009, with the that matter). However, most Arab cannot be altered greatly or at the there is a broad and energized absence of symbolic legal cover. sceptics generally believe that the pace many demand. Even the consensus in the U.S. and the choice of presidency will hold little effervescent and bold Obama may international stage, that a fresh Greater Iraqi view sway, in light of more encompass¬ struggle to conjure wholesale and outlook was required and a new Other than the Kurdistan Region, ing strategic institutions that will controversial changes. page can now be turned. A jubilant where the next U.S. president and determine greater U.S. policies. Untangling of this web by Democ¬ Obama hopes to provide just that. more importantly his moves and This view may hold some weight; rats now in power will take time and motives for the country, have taken after all, to a large extent the arms may consume their first term. In of the new U.S. president will still in light of this, Obama can ill-afford to

[MSSÏGL BE 06 November 2008. Obama's running mate elates Kurdish citizens Biden's proposals concerning Kurdistan get Kurds excited about outcome of U.S. election tect the rights of Kurds in the Mid¬ dle East By Sarbaz Salih "Democrats are always with the The Globe- Erbil protection of rights of all ethnicities and religions," Rastgar told the S. vice-presidential-elect Joe Globe. U,' Biden, Barack Obama's run¬ Sazan Abdullah, a university stu¬ ning mate, is popular among Kurds dent in Erbil, said she supports because of his call for transforming Obama because he earlier pro¬ Iraq into three federal regions. claimed that he will bring Kurds and Prominent Kurdish lawmaker Dr. Turks closer to each other. Mahmoud Othman said Kurds Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar prefer Obama because of the next Zebari on Wednesday said that U.S. Vice President, Delaware Sen. Iraq's cabinet does not expect the Joe Biden, who once proposed to new U.S. administration under divide Iraqi into three federal re- Obama to make surprising changes gions-a Sunni Arab region, a Shiite toward Iraq or immediately with¬ Arab region, and a Kurdistan re¬ drawal from Iraq's lands unless they Joe Biden meets American soldiers in in this consult the Iraqi government first. gion. Othman believes that Democ¬ file photo. rats have a better understanding of "The Iraqi cabinet does not look at federalism in Iraq than Republicans. who won the U.S. elections, but at But Iraqi Arab political parties con¬ Safeen Dzayee, chief of Iraqi Kurd¬ his policies toward Iraq and level of demned Biden's proposal. istan Democratic Party's foreign Iraqi MP Sa'di Barzinji of the Kurd¬ mutual foreign relations," Zebari Lately Biden said his proposal is relations, said that "the victory of istan Alliance list said he is happy said. working in Iraq because Sunni Obama is the victory of democ¬ "Dialogue with the U.S. side is still that Obama recorded the victory Arabs, Shiite Arabs, and Kurds racy." Dzayee also believes that the underway concerning the proposed because he believes Biden sup¬ have been automatically divided; basic strategy of the U.S. in Iraq will security pact, and within the coming ports a system of federalism in Iraq. each of them has their own region. not change. few days, we would be receiving As Iraq descended into chaos in Biden has visited Kurdistan Region Iranian Kurds also are happy of the U.S. response concerning the mid 2006, Sen. Biden co-authored twice. Obama's victory. Hassan Rastgar, a plan to the into amendments suggested by the Iraqi divide country "I think the situation will be better a high-ranking official of the Iranian government to withdraw coalition three semi-autonomous regions with the presence of Biden," said Kurdistan Democratic Party, said forces from Iraq," he said. with a limited central government. Kurdish legislator Nouri Talabani. an Obama administration will pro

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Institute for War and Peace Reporting November 7, 2008 Kurdish Singer Breaks Sound Barrier

MEMBERS of Syria's Kurdish minority were amazed to hear a singer per¬ Naqash said she was surprised to receive an invitation that, while it did not forming in their language at an event in Damascus last month, are wondering explicitly use the word "Kurdish", asked her to "sing songs from the north¬ whether this signals an improvement in the way the government regards their eastern heritage of Syria". community. It was, she said, a "wonderful and important" decision. Mazkin Tahir al-Naqash sang in Kurdish, her native tongue, at an Arab cultural At the same time, Naqash said she was somewhat disappointed to see that her event in Damascus last month. audience was primarily made up of Kurds, as she wants to sing for "absolutely Syrian Kurds, of whom there are thought to be between 2.5 and three million, everyone". have long sought official recognition of their language and culture, but the law "I'd like to be heard by Arabs and Assyrians, too," she said. does not recognise them as a separate ethnicity. Abu Shirin, a Kurd who lives in Aleppo, went to the concert with his family, and Not all Kurds are granted Syrian citizenship, and this restricts their civic rights said he never expected to hear songs in Kurdish during the event. and ability to travel. "I said to myself that the authorities would not allow her to sing all her songs in Many Syrian Kurds are bilingual in Arabic and Kurdish, but speak their own her native language, and if they did, it would be just one or two," he said. language within the community and would like to build cultural centres and "What I heard will ease things between us [Kurds] and the government." native- language private schools. Abdo Khalil, a writer in Damascus, believes the authorities may have em¬ The relationship between Kurdish groups and the government has deteriorated barked on "a project of reconciliation with the Kurds". since a decree was issued in September requiring official approval before But he that a event not in be seen as a step to¬ property sales could go through in border areas. In a statement last months. cautioned cultural could itself ward ending the problems between Kurds and their government. Kurdish political parties said the rules would prevent Kurds, who live mainly in north-east Syria, from acquiring new property, and formed part of a broader Jakrikhween Ali, a university student, said he thought the reason Naqash was pattern of discrimination. allowed to sing in Kurdish was because she was connected to the cultural establishment in Damascus. Naqash studied in the capital and has performed Naqash's performance at an event celebrating Arab culture and held in the capital was notable because the authorities often permit Kurdish cultural activi¬ in Arabic, including at events sponsored by the culture ministry. ties to go ahead, but do not accord them any formal recognition. While he hoped Naqash might "act as a bridge for reconciliation and open a door for dialogue between the Kurds and the authorities", he insisted that "seri¬ Badrkhan Ali, a university student and Kurdish activist, hailed the event as "an ous changes at be needed the Kurds to important step that has had a positive impact on Kurds", adding that some political level" would for acquire full community members believed the government was "using culture to open up rights. to the Kurds".

VOICE OF AMERICA \*\ 07 November 2008 Arab-Kurdish Tensions Seriously Complicate Iraqi Politics By Judith Latham Washington impasse very troubling, particularly in view of the recent U.S. failure to reach a security agreement with Baghdad. She says the rationale for the U.S. MILITARY and civilian deaths from violence in Iraq troop surge was to give the political parties in Iraq declined in October to the lowest level since May "breathing space" so they would be able to reach 2004. Still, regional analysts worry that the political an agreement. However, the tension between Iraqi situation is deteriorating. The struggle over Kirkuk Arabs and Iraqi Kurds has not diminished. and other disputed territories represents a major area of contention. The International Crisis Group, a private interna¬ A Kurdish Perspective tional research organization, recently warned that But Kurdish journalist Omar Sheikhmous, speaking the long-festering conflict over northern Iraq could from Sulaymaniya in Iraqi Kurdistan, says Arab have what it called a devastating impact on efforts concerns over Kirkuk are exaggerated. He says to rebuild Iraq's fragmented state. The ICG says the Kurds have no intention of provoking violent the conflict potentially matches, or even exceeds, conflict, but are instead trying to find a political the Sunni-Shi'a divide that spawned the 2005 to solution through dialogue and compromise, not 2007 sectarian war.An Arab President Bush and Massoud Bar¬ through pressure. He says they would like to reach zani, head of the Kurdish Regional a settlement as soon as possible. According to Government, at the White House, 29 Sheikhmous, the idea of the Kurds going it alone is Perspective Oct 2008 simply not a realistic option. Nadia Bilbassy, senior news correspondent with Furthermore, Omar Sheikmous calls untrue the the Middle East News Center, says that dramatic reports of strained relations over the issue of assessment is unfortunately not without merit. Speaking with host Judith Kurkuk between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Massoud Barzani, Latham of VOA News Now's International Press Club, Ms. Bilbassy says the head of the Kurdish Regional Government. The disagreement, he many parties are vying for power, trying to maximize their representation says, mainly concerns the power of the central government vis-à-vis that and access to the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. of the regional governments. Sheikhmous notes that the United States favors a strong central government like the one that existed in Iraq before, According to the ICG report, Iraq's legislative agenda is bogged down by a whereas the Kurds prefer a federal government that is loosely connected dispute over territories that the Kurds claim as historically belonging to to the regional governments them. The ICG says Kurdish leaders have signaled an intention to hold politics in Baghdad hostage. Furthermore, it notes Iraqi Arabs fear that the An Impasse Kurds' long-term goal is independence. Nadia Bilbassy calls the political

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Nadia Bilbassy of the Middle East News Center says the bottom line is predicts President-elect Barack Obama is going to inherit what she calls a that politicians on both sides are unwilling to compromise, and they are "huge headache." Bilbassy says the problem is that Washington doesn't jockeying for maximum gain. She suggests that the Kurds are "waving the have many cards to play at this point because there are neighboring independence card" in the hope that in return for dropping it they will gain countries that are interested in filling in if American troops withdraw. So, it more control over Kirkuk. In addition, U.S. commanders in Iraq have ex¬ is really a tough situation. So tough, in fact, that Kurdish journalist Omar pressed growing concern that the city of Mosul could degenerate into a Sheikhmous suggests U.S. troops may need to remain in Iraq until the battleground and threaten the fragile Iraqi state. Bilbassy says Washing¬ political situation stabilizes. And he estimates that could take another five ton needs to put pressure on Baghdad to reach an agreement that is years. inclusive and representative of all the political factions in Iraq. And she

(The Boston

BAGHDAD -A top Iraqi official warned Saturday that time is running out to sign a new security agreement with Washington, saying the country still needed U.S. troops despite improved security. Also Saturday, a U.S. soldier was killed and two others were wounded by a roadside bomb in north Baghdad - the first combat death in the capital area in three weeks. A suicide bomber killed eight people Saturday and wounded 17 west of Baghdad, Iraqi police said. Both attacks show that militants have still not given up the fight despite set¬ backs at the hands of U.S. and Iraqi forces. "I hope that we can settle this matter as soon as soon possible because time is running out," Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said of the long- delayed security pact. "The security improvement that has been achieved is very important. The support of U.S. forces in the coming period will still be very important." Iraq's parliament must approve the agreement by the end of next month when the U.N. mandate expires. The new agreement would keep U.S. forces in Iraq until 2012 and give the Iraqis broader authority over military operations until then Without an agreement or a new U.N. mandate, however, the U.S. military has warned it will have to suspend operations in the country. But strong opposition to the agreement has emerged, especially within the majority Shiite community that is the support base for Prime Minister Nouri Residents inspect the site where a roadside bomb went off, in Su lai kh neighborhood, al-Maliki. Last Thursday, the U.S. responded to Iraqi requests for changes in northeastern Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, killing a civilian and injuring the draft to address opponents' concerns. seven others included a police officer, police said. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) Al-Maliki's government has not said whether it is satisfied with the changes or whether it will submit the draft to parliament soon. One senior official told he detonated a suicide vest, which triggered another explosion in the car, The Associated Press that it could take a month to decide on the agreement once the draft goes to parliament. Duweich said. U.S. officials believe the key to lasting peace is for Iraq's religious and ethnic He spoke on condition of anonymity because the issue is politically sensitive. Saleh, a Kurd, cautioned that Iraq would enter a "period of a legal vacuum" if communities to reach power-sharing agreements. the U.N. mandate expires without the agreement having been approved. However, deep-seated rivalries remain, and recently new tension has flared between Arabs and Kurds in the north. "So we have to ... settle this issue as soon as possible," he said. Many Iraqi officials and lawmakers privately acknowledge that the country's Many Arabs believe the Kurds want to expand their three-province self-ruled army and police are still unable to maintain security on their own. But they find region, known as Kurdistan. Last September, clashes nearly erupted between Iraqi soldiers and Kurdish defense forces that moved outside the self-ruled it politically risky to support an agreement that would continue what most Iraqis consider U.S. military occupation - even though the deal includes a date region, allegedly to defend Kurds living in villages under central government for the mission to end. control. But the Iraqis rely heavily on the U.S. military not only for fighting insurgents Many Kurds fear the Shiite-led government in Baghdad is trying to encroach on Kurdish rights to self-rule which they have enjoyed since 1991 and which but for a range of services including air traffic management, training, air sur¬ were veillance and infrastructure improvements. enshrined in the 2005 constitution. Those fears were heightened Saturday when al-Maliki called for amendments All that would cease after Dec. 31 without an agreement or a new mandate. "The most important thing is that politicians must spell out what is the alterna¬ to the Iraqi constitution to give more power to the central government. Al-Maliki said the constitution, which he helped draft, was written in haste and tive if the agreement is refused," Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi told reporters Saturday. "This is a serious point that the public needs to under¬ needed to be revisited to protect Iraq's national unity. stand." "A strong federal government must be built which has full responsibility over Uncertainty about the security agreement simply adds to the confusion over security, sovereignty and other issues," al-Maliki told a conference in Bagh¬ the future of the Iraq mission since Tuesday's election victory by Barack dad. "Basically, responsibility should be given to the federal government, Obama. The president-elect pledged to remove all combat troops within 16 which undertakes building and protecting the country." Kurdish politicians promptly dismissed proposals. months of taking office - well ahead of the departure date in the draft agree¬ al-Maliki's ment. "We reject any attempts to limit the powers of the Kurdistan region or any other said Falah Mustafa Bakir, in in the However, Iraqi officials say Obama has assured them he will take no hasty province," charge of foreign relations decisions and will consult with the Baghdad government and U.S. command¬ Kurdish regional government. ers first. Another prominent Kurdish lawmaker, Mahmoud Othman, said the central should be enough, but "this not that the govern¬ Violence is down sharply across the country since the U.S. troop surge of government strong does mean ment should be the controller of everything while regions and provinces have 2007, and Iraqi security forces have taken responsibility for security in most of the 18 provinces. no power to do anything." also directed at his main coalition partner the But attacks continue, indicating that extremists remain a threat. Al-Maliki's remarks were - The suicide bombing occurred at an Iraqi checkpoint near Ramadi in Anbar Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council - which wants to create a similar self-ruled province, the former al-Qaida stronghold that was transferred to Iraqi control region in the nine-province Shiite south. Al-Maliki's Dawa Party, which is also Shiite, and the movement of radical Sept. 1. Police Col. Yassin Duweich said the bomber stopped his car at the checkpoint Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr both oppose the autonomous region as a threat to and was ordered to step out for a security search. As he waited to be searched, national unity.

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PARLEMENT EUROPEEN Bruxelles, le 5 novembre 2008

Turquie : rapport de la Commission européenne

LES NEGOCIATIONS d'adhésion avec la Turquie ont été en¬ même si la croissance a été inférieure au potentiel, ce qui gagées le 3 octobre 2005 et ont progressé au cours de la pé¬ s'explique par un tassement de la demande intérieure consé¬ riode de référence. cutif à la mise en d'un programme de stabilisation rigou¬ reux. À ce jour, 8 des 33 chapitres de négociation ont été ouverts. Un chapitre a été provisoirement clôture'3. En outre, des critè¬ La stabilité macroéconomique reste précaire en raison des be¬ res de référence ont été fixés comme conditions à remplir pour soins considérables de financement externe, ce qui rend la l'ouverture de négociations relatives à 13 autres chapitres. 4 Turquie vulnérable aux changements d'humeur des investis¬ Critères politiques seurs. Les résultats sur le plan budgétaire ont été satisfaisants mais les rigidités structurelles du marché du travail freinent la La Turquie continue à remplir suffisamment les critères politi¬ création d'emplois, en particulier en ce qui concerne les fem¬ ques de Copenhague. Les progrès sur le plan des réformes mes et les jeunes. sont cependant restés limités en 2008. Des avancées législati¬ Le gouvernement a mis place de nouvelles initiatives destinées ves ont été réalisées dans le domaine de la liberté d'expres¬ à dynamiser les investissements dans les infrastructures, afin sion et du renforcement des droits de propriété des commu¬ de réduire les fortes disparités régionales. Des progrès sensi¬ nautés religieuses non musulmanes. Le gouvernement s'est, bles ont été réalisés en matière de libéralisation des prix dans en outre, engagé à accroître les dépenses affectées au projet le secteur de l'énergie. du sud-est de l'Anatolie qui vise à remédier aux difficultés éco¬ nomiques et sociales de cette région. Ordre juridique de l'UE

À présent que la Turquie a évité une crise politique liée au re¬ La Turquie a continué d'améliorer son aptitude à assumer les cours contre le parti au pouvoir déposé devant la cour constitu¬ obligations liées à l'adhésion à l'UE. L'alignement de la législa¬ tionnelle, elle doit relancer le processus de réforme politique. tion sur l'ordre juridique de l'UE a progressé dans un certain L'absence de dialogue et d'esprit de compromis entre les prin¬ nombre de domaines, en particulier pour ce qui est des chapi¬ cipaux partis politiques a eu des retombées négatives sur le tres consacrés aux réseaux transeuropéens, à l'énergie ainsi fonctionnement des institutions - politiques et sur les réformes qu'à la science et à la recherche. Des progrès limités ont été politiques. La Turquie a continué à être la cible d'attentats ter¬ observés dans le domaine du contrôle financier. L'alignement roristes perpétrés par le PKK, qui figure sur la liste des organi¬ est avancé dans certains domaines tels que la libre circulation sations terroristes de l'UE. des marchandises, les droits de propriété intellectuelle, la poli¬ tique des entreprises et la politique industrielle, la politique Le pays doit à présent mettre au point un programme cohérent relative aux ententes, la protection des consommateurs et de et complet de réformes politiques prévoyant notamment une la santé, la science et la recherche, de même que l'énergie. Il réforme de la constitution et du pouvoir judiciaire. Il doit en ou¬ doit être poursuivi dans les domaines de l'agriculture, de la pê¬ tre déployer des efforts conséquents dans la plupart des do¬ che, des politiques vétérinaires et phytosanitaires, des aides maines relatifs aux critères politiques. d'État, de la justice et des affaires intérieures ainsi que des Critères économiques politiques sociales et de l'emploi. Les capacités administrati¬ En ce qui concerne les critères de Copenhague, la Turquie ves générales du pays doivent être améliorées. constitue une économie de marché viable. Elle devrait être à Du fait du non-respect par la Turquie des obligations lui incom¬ même de faire face à moyen terme aux pressions concurren¬ bant en vertu du protocole additionnel à l'accord d'Ankara, tielles et aux forces du marché au sein de l'Union, pour autant l'Union européenne a décidé, en décembre 2006, de geler les qu'elle mette en uvre son programme global de réformes afin négociations sur huit chapitres mais de les poursuivre pour les de remédier aux faiblesses structurelles. autres chapitres5. L'économie turque a continué d'enregistrer de bons résultats,

IF.TFMPfl 6 novembre 2008 Face aux actions violentes du PKK, le Conseil fédéral sévit SECURITE. Les agissements menés récemment contre des intérêts turcs en Suisse sont bien le fait de l'organisa¬ tion séparatiste kurde. Denis Masmeian grave à Bâle, parmi les clients du café «Istanbul», fonds «ne fait aucun doute». L'argent ne pourra être Le Conseil fédéral a décrété mercredi une série peuvent désormais être attribuées avec certitude au versé qu'à des fondations soumises à la surveillance de mesures contre le PKK (Parti des travailleurs PKK et son organisation de jeunesse, relève Jùrg des autorités fédérales et dont le but humanitaire est du Kurdistan) et ses organisations apparentées en Bùhler, chef suppléant du Service d'analyse et de l'unique objectif. Les services de police de la Confé¬ Suisse. Le gouvernement réagit ainsi à la série d'ac¬ prévention, le renseignement intérieur suisse. Les dération et des cantons seront chargés de s'assurer tions violentes qui ont visé des intérêts turcs dans autorités ont authentifié des messages de revendi¬ du respect de cette interdiction, en contrôlant no¬ plusieurs cantons alémaniques ces quinze derniers cation adressés à des destinataires en Suisse et à tamment les salles où doivent se dérouler ces évé¬ jours. Des actes analogues à ceux qui se sont pro¬ l'étranger. Des enquêtes judiciaires sont en cours nements. duits dans d'autres pays européens, notamment en dans les cantons concernés. «Potentiel de violence» Allemagne, et que le Conseil fédéral condamne Le gouvernement a interdit les collectes de Par ailleurs, le Conseil fédéral a donné la consi¬ «avec la plus grande fermeté», a-t-il indiqué dans un fonds lors des deux grandes fêtes kurdes du mois gne aux autorités compétentes de se montrer plus communiqué. de novembre - le 30e anniversaire de la création du vigilantes lors de l'octroi de permis de séjour ou de Collectes de fonds bannies PKK et les 5 ans du Kongra-Gel, le nom qu'a pris la naturalisation à des personnes liées aux organi¬ Ces attaques, commises le plus souvent au temporairement l'organisation. Les collectes ne se¬ sations en question. A l'inverse, le «potentiel de vio¬ moyen de cocktails Molotov et qui ont fait un blessé ront autorisées que si la destination humanitaire des lence manifeste des groupes concernés» devra

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aussi être davantage pris en compte lorsque les Pas d'interdiction à refuser de considérer le PKK comme une organi¬ autorités seront appelées à se prononcer sur le ren¬ Le Conseil fédéral se réserve en outre la possi¬ sation terroriste. «Dans notre système, l'interdiction voi des personnes visées. bilité d'adopter une ordonnance permettant de sé¬ d'une organisation est l'ultima ratio. Les mesures La situation nouvelle, née des actions violentes questrer des avoirs destinés à financer des activités prises jusqu'ici ont permis de contrôler la situation», de ces deux dernières semaines, doit également relevant de l'extrémisme violent. souligne Jùrg Biihler, qui rappelle que jusqu'aux conduire les autorités à ne donner leur accord que Dans l'édition de dimanche dernier du Sonn- actes de violence de ces deux dernières semaines, de manière restrictive à la tenue d'éventuelles mani¬ tagsBIick, l'ambassadeur de Turquie en Suisse, Alev «la situation était très calme» festations. Le renseignement sur les activités du Kiliç, avait déploré l'inaction de la Confédération, PKK en Suisse devra aussi être intensifié. regrettant que Berne, contrairement à l'UE, persiste

MILICES PRO-GOUVERNEMENTALES: DESACCORD ENTRE LE GOUVERNEMENT ET LES KURDES BAGDAD. 12 nov 2008 (AFP) a-t-il ajouté. Au début de la semaine, les deux principaux partis kurdes, l'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK) du président Jalal Talabani et le Parti démocratique du LE TON est monté mercredi en Irak entre le Premier ministre irakien Nouri Kurdistan (PDK) du président de la région kurde Massoud Barzani ont dans un al-Maliki et les chefs kurdes sur l'épineuse question des milices pro¬ communiqué commun estimé que ces conseils étaient des groupes armés gouvernementales, dont les Kurdes ne veulent pas dans des territoires qu'ils "anticonstitutionnels". contrôlent. "Nous nous opposons fermement à la constitution de quelque groupe armé que M. Maliki a exprimé sa "profonde tristesse" après la polémique sur ces grou¬ ce soit, pour quelque raison que ce soit en Irak et au Kurdistan, et en particulier pes formés avec le soutien des tribus locales alliées au gouvernement pour dans les régions disputées", ont-ils déclaré, faisant référence à des régions assurer la sécurité en Irak. peuplées majoritairement de Kurdes mais situées en dehors du Kurdistan Les Kurdes ont critiqué la formation de ces milices dans des régions majori¬ irakien. tairement kurdes. Ils accusent le Premier ministre de se servir de ces supplé¬ Les deux partis ont même comparé ces milices pro-gouvernementales aux tifs pour empêcher l'expansion du Kurdistan hors des trois seules provinces milices kurdes formées par l'ancien dictateur Saddam Hussein qui avaient kurdes reconnues. combattu les partis kurdes depuis les années 80 jusqu'à la chute du régime en "Il était nécessaire de créer ces groupes pour assurer la loi et l'ordre dans les 2003. provinces qui ont connu l'insécurité avant le retour des forces armées venues Les Kurdes sont particulièrement hostiles à la formation de milices pro¬ rétablir la stabilité", s'est défendu le chef du gouvernement dans un communi¬ gouvernementales dans des régions disputées, comme les régions de Mos- qué. soul et de Kirkouk, riches en pétrole et où vivent de nombreux kurdes. Ces milices, souvent plus connues sous le nom de "Sahwa" ("Réveils" en Massoud Barzani, président du Kurdistan irakien, a déclaré mercredi: "Les arabe) sont essentiellement constituées de combattants tribaux. Kurdes refusent la formation de ces +conseils+ là où ils sont majoritaires. Le phénomène, encouragé par l'armée américaine, a commencé dans la S'ils sont justifiés dans certaines régions, ils ne sont pas nécessaires ailleurs. province majoritairement sunnite d'AI-Anbar à la fin de 2006, quand des tribus Ils n'ont aucune raison d'être au Kurdistan et dans les régions disputées. C'est locales, financées par les Etats-Unis, ont chassé de leurs territoires les insur¬ jouer avec le feu". gés anti-américains. Le principal parti chiite, le Conseil suprême islamique en Irak, avait exprimé Ces groupes, appelés aussi "Fils de l'Irak" ou "conseils de soutien" avaient été la même opposition à la formation de groupes armés pro-gouvernementaux accueillis favorablement par toutes les parties, y compris les deux partis dans le sud majoritairement chiite du pays, estimant qu'il s'agissait là d'une kurdes", a assuré M. Maliki. extension illégale du pouvoir fédéral. "Mais ce soutien s'est transformé en opposition quand, et c'est regrettable, Ces milices pourraient jouer un rôle important lors des prochaines élections certains égoïstes ont vu que ces conseils locaux pouvaient constituer une provinciales, prévues le 31 janvier dans 14 des provinces irakiennes. menace pour leurs projets, qui étaient en contradiction avec l'intérêt national",

IRAK: CONFLIT ENTRE DES TRIBUS PRO-GOUVERNEMENTALES ET LES KURDES TIKRIT (Irak). 15 nov 2008 (AFP) Dans le nord de l'Irak, en raison de la politique d'arabisation menée par Sad¬ dam Hussein durant les années 1980, les Kurdes estiment avoir été lésés au profit de tribus arabes. DES TRIBUS chiites et sunnites d'Irak ont manifesté samedi pour rejeter les "Ceux qui s'opposent au plan de Maliki souhaitent un Irak faible et ambition¬ critiques adressées par les dirigeants kurdes contre la création de "comités de nent de diviser le pays", assure Ahmad al-Doulaimi, membre du "conseil de soutien" favorables à un Etat central dans des régions où les Kurdes estiment soutien" dans la province de Salaheddine, dont Tikrit est la capitale. être majoritaires. Dans le stade de Hawija, une autre ville sunnite près de Kirkouk, qui fut sur¬ Fait inimaginable autrefois, des centaines de manifestants ont applaudi le nom nommée autrefois la "Kandahar d'Irak", en raison de la présence de nombreux du Premier ministre chiite Nouri al-Maliki à Tikrit, le berceau sunnite de insurgés, des milliers de personnes ont crié "Maliki est l'honneur de notre l'ancien dictateur Saddam Hussein. Des défilés ont également eu lieu dans la pays", un slogan à la mode à l'époque de Saddam Hussein. ville sunnite de Hawija et dans les villes chiites de Karbala, Najaf, Nassiriyah, Samawah, et Hilla. Le Premier ministre a affirmé cette semaine que ces "conseils de soutien" aidaient les forces de sécurité à défaire les insurgés mais les Kurdes y voient "Nous voulons un Irak unifié", "Kirkouk, Mossoul et Diyala sont irakiennes" ont un moyen pour le Premier ministre d'accroître son influence et de réduire scandé les manifestants à Tikrit faisant allusion aux villes et région que les leurs aspirations à un élargissement de leur zone autonome. Kurdes considèrent comme faisant partie de leur territoire et veulent les ratta¬ cher à leur trois provinces du nord. Des centaines de membres des tribus, dont des chefs en habits traditionnels, ont manifesté dans les rues de le ville sainte chiite de Kerbala, à 110 km au "Les tribus irakiennes soutiennent les positions patriotiques de Maliki en sud de Bagdad, et plus au sud à Najaf. faveur de la préservation de l'unité de l'Irak, de l'établissement d'un Etat de droit et en faveur de la réécriture de la Constitution", a assuré le député Farhan Le gouverneur de la province de Kerbala, Aqil al-Khazali a rejeté l'allégation al-Aoud, conseiller du Premier ministre pour la province. des Kurdes selon qui ces comités sont anti-constitutionnels. Le chef du gouvernement a déclaré récemment qu'il souhaitait une modifica¬ "Y a-t-il un problème si le gouvernement tend la main aux tribus irakiennes tion de la Loi fondamentale pour donner plus de pouvoir à l'Etat fédéral par pour l'avenir du nouvel Irak? Veulent-ils que nous parlions des violations qu'ils rapport aux provinces. commettent? Les peshmergas (combattants kurdes) sont-ils constitution¬ nels?", a-t-il lancé aux manifestants. "Il n'existe pas de régions contestées, il y a un seul pays", a ajouté M. al-Aoud.

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November 10, 2008 THE KOREA TIMES Iraqi Kurdistan: South Korean troops pullout to begin Nov. 24 By Jung Sunq-ki Staff Reporter

locals. The unit is also participating in missions The withdrawal of South Korean troops and guarding the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq military equipment from Iraq will begin Nov. (UNAMI) building and escorting the organiza¬ 24, the Ministry of National Defense announced tion's members. Monday. At the Zaytun Hospital inside the unit's com¬ The troop pullout after four years of humanitarian pound, more than 88,800 patients have been and reconstruction work in the northern Iraqi city of treated since it opened on Feb. 26, 2005, accord¬ Irbil will be completed by Dec. 20, it said in a news ing to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). release. The Korean contingent has carried out its civil Troops will return home aboard chartered air¬ support operations codenamed Green Angel in 40 planes, while equipment will be transported to the villages and for 60 institutions, the JCS said. country via cargo ships, it said. Green Angel operations call for constructing schools and infrastructure facilities, such as ""As a coalition partner, South Korea's Zaytun Mi water wells, power transmission lines, public Division has successfully contributed to restoring parks and paved roads, and holding friendship peace and stability in Kurdish-controlled Irbil festivals. through civil support operations," a ministry tion partner of the United States after the United spokesman said. Zaytun operations have also laid Kingdom. The division now has about 520 m The Zaytun Vocational Training Center has trained the groundwork for closer ties between South Korea embers, the fourth largest in troop numbers. There about 2,300 residents in computers, baking, the and Iraq and their future economic cooperation, he are about 160 South Korean soldiers of the Dayman operation of heavy trucks, and maintenance and said. transport unit in Kuwait, also subject to the forth¬ repair of home appliances, generators and cars, it coming troop pullout. said. Since the first deployment in September 2004, over 19,100 South Korean soldiers have served in the Zaytun Division, whose name means "olive" in Coalition troops in Iraq have been said to be seek¬ war-torn nation, according to the release. Arabic, has conducted successful reconstruction ing to conduct "Zaytun-like" civil military opera¬ missions, including construction of schools, hospi¬ tions, including operating vocational training In 2004, Seoul dispatched about 3,600 troops to Irbil schools. The division has also run literacy pro¬ to support the U.S. -led Operation Iraqi Freedom tals and public buildings The unit has also provided grams and trained Iraqi army and police units. initiated in 2003, marking the second largest coali- free medical services and vocational trainings to

United Press International Kurdish PJAK rebels suspend Iranian attacks November 11, 2008 - UPI TEHRAN, Iran, The Kurdish Iranian rebels Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK) claims that it has halted its campaign in the Kurdish regions of Iran (Iranian Kurdistan) and will begin fighting the Turkish military, Iranian media reported. The Iranian Press TV said Monday the group had issued a statement to Kurd¬ ish media, "PJAK has completely stopped its military activities in Iran's Kurdish regions," the Kurdish Rojhelat website reported, citing a statement released by the militant group. Rojhelat did not give any further details regarding the announcement. The group, known as PJAK, is allied with a number of Kurdish separatist organizations, including the Turkey's Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, seeking an autonomous state in the mainly Kurdish southeast of Turkey. Since 2004 the PJAK took up arms for self-rule in Kurdistan province north¬ western of Iran (Iranian Kurdistan, Eastern Kurdistan). Half the members of PJAK are women. The PJAK announcement comes at the onset of winter. The militant group has previously reduced its military activities in the mountainous regions of west¬ ern Iran due to harsh weather conditions. The PJAK took up arms for self -rule in Kurdistan In September, PJAK called on the international community to stand in solidar¬ province northwestern of Iran (Iranian Kurdistan, ity with the group in protest of alleged human rights abuses perpetrated against Eastern Kurdistan). Half the members of PJAK are its prisoners in Iran. PJAK in October killed three Iranian fighters in the north¬ women. west province of Zanjan. The group on Oct. 9 called for an end to a 45-day hunger strike in response to The report cited examples of religious and cultural discrimination against the prisoner abuse, saying Iran had relaxed its positions on the prisoners through estimated 12 million Kurds who live in Iran. indirect negotiations. "We urge the Iranian authorities to take concrete measures to end any dis¬ In a report released in July 2008, the human rights organisation, Amnesty crimination and associated human rights violations that Kurds, indeed all International expressed concern about the increased repression of Kurdish minorities in Iran, face," Amnesty said in its report. Iranians, particularly human rights defenders. "Kurds and all other members of minority communities in Iran, men, women and children, are entitled to enjoy their full range of human rights."

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Kirkuk, the Baathist government pur¬ once supported the town now sits idle, Area of Iraq sued a policy of ethnic . and sectarian have suffered severely in the last five mixing, moving Yazidis into towns years. Reeling from the drought, the around Sinjar and Arabs into towns towns were overrun in 2004 and 2005 by insurgents who used them as bases subsumed farther south, near the rich wheat and for attacks on Mosul, Tal Afar and other barley fields on the edge of the desert. cities in the region. A strict form of Is¬ Many Kurds in Sinjar were kicked out, lam was enforced, and extortion was o by influx leaving the area mostly devoid of Kurd¬ rampant. ish influence for the next three decades. Since then, American and Iraqi The Kurds returned to the Sinjar area forces have tried to clean out the insur¬ in 2003, almost simultaneously with the gents and rebuild the towns, but "ter¬ of Kurds American invasion of Iraq. Since then, rorists still exist" said Abdulraheem o they have made Sinjar a striking ex¬ Jassim Mohammed, the mayor of Baaj, ample ofKurdish military and econom¬ the largest of the villages. "Even in the Yazidis'protection ic efficiency. BMWs are not uncommon police." sights. They have also taken harsh mea¬ Hopes of revitalizing the economy comes at a cost sures against the Arabs - not, they claim, without reason. have not been helped by the presence of By Campbell Robertson "We could throw all the Arabs out of the Kurdish security forces, local resi¬ the city," said Karim Sinjari, the Kurd¬ dents and American military officials QAHTANIYA, Iraq: When an Ameri¬ ish minister for internal affairs, whose say. Since the Kurds' arrival, Arabs have can platoon rolled into this dusty Yazidi own family was forced out in 1976 after been afraid to go to Yazidi towns like even town in the country's northwest corner, , his participation in the Kurdish upris¬ Qahtaniya, to draw water from the a few kilometers from the Syrian bor¬ ing. "But the Americans told us we have wells, and it has become nearly im¬ der, the soldiers were greeted by dozens to wait." possible for Arabs to buy real estate or of people holding out pink and yellow Kurdish officials say that without the find jobs in Sinjar. Post-It notes. The notes appeared so tight security, the residents of small With tensions between Yazidis and quickly, it seemed the people must have towns like Qahtaniya would be left vul¬ Sunni Arabs growing, even Yazidis who been carrying them at all times, just in nerable to slaughter. They further argue bristle under the Kurdish presence say case. On each was a name, written care¬ that the Kurdish-speaking Yazidis, if al¬ they would vote to join Kurdistan in a fully in the Roman alphabet, and each lowed to vote in a constitutionally man¬ referendum, if only for the security. came with a question: Can you tell me dated referendum, would choose to be There is a further problem, though. where this person is? administered by the Kurdistan regional The Sinjar area is separated from Kur¬ On the evening of Aug. 14, 2007, four government. distan by a vast stretch ofland occupied truck bombs exploded here in Qahtan- Most Yazidis would agree in pub¬ by Arab tribes that maintain friendly re¬ iya and in the nearby towns of Jazira lic. lationships with the Kurds but have no and Azair, killing 313 people and Hamed Ido Hammo, a village elder in intention ofjoining Kurdistan. wounding 704, local officials said. Qahtaniya, is one of the few willing to The near-impossibility of attaching Nearly 400 houses were destroyed in speak out openly against the Kurds. the Sinjar area to Kurdistan has promp¬ the attack, the largest coordinated Surrounded by approving listeners in ted some local Yazidis as well as bombing of the Iraq war. The explo¬ his quiet courtyard on a hot afternoon, some American military officials to sions were so huge that dozens of those Hammo said the Kurdish security pres¬ suspect that the Kurds are using these closest to the bombs vanished without a ence was nothing less than a power areas as leverage, a bargaining chip for trace, leaving their relatives to wonder, grab, an opinion not hard to find in con¬ political negotiations over the status of more than a year later, where they could versations around the town. In a sign of Kirkuk. Kurdish officials deny that this have gone. the profound distrust that exists be¬ is the case, insisting that a popular ref¬ "We just want to know if they're alive tween Kurds and some Yazidis, Hammo erendum is the only way to redress Sad¬ or dead," said Ismail Zandin Jindo, 70, even claimed that the bombings had dam Hussein's demographic manipula¬ who was holding out two wrinkled been provoked by Kurdish troops. tion. birth certificates. All of which leaves the largely peace¬ Iraqi and American officials pinned "Now they have an excuse to rule the ful Yazidis of Qahtaniya in the all-too- responsibility for the bombings on area and say it's not safe," he said. familiar position for Iraqi minorities of Sunni Arab extremists, to whom the "They say the bad people are Arabs so existing between two antagonistic Yazidis, adherents of an ancient reli¬ they can take over." forces. As the 2007 bombings made hor¬ gion with roots in Zoroastrianism, are Local Yazidi residents complain that rifyingly clear, that can be an extremely devil worshipers. the Kurds pay tribal leaders for their loy¬ dangerous place to be. The year that followed was one of re¬ alty an accusation the Kurds deny "We have nobody to ask for help," building, and still the center of the vil¬ and that they arrest anyone who opposes said Hammo, the village elder, "except lage appears as one enormous construc¬ their presence. As evidence they point to God and the American Army." tion project. But after the violence, several people who were detained after tensions have only gotten worse. Atheer Kakan contributed reporting Immediately after the attacks, Kurd¬ from Baghdad. ish security forces, having already made Hopes of revitalizing the a fortress of the city of Sinjar to the north, moved into Qahtaniya and other economy have not been Yazidi villages. They surrounded the towns with earthen berms, set up helped by the presence checkpoints and created an effective wall between the Yazidi areas and the of Kurdish security forces. Arab villages to the south, towns that have been crippled by drought and be¬ come dominated by Sunni insurgents. talking to a team from the United Na¬ While Qahtaniya lies far outside the tions about the situation in Sinjar. boundaries of Kurdistan, the Kurds have But even if Yazidis would like to, it is a long history in the area, which had a impossible to return to the situation be¬ significant Kurdish population until 1975, fore 2003. the year of a failed Kurdish uprising. The Arab villages to the south, towns Just as Saddam Hussein would do de¬ like Baaj, where a hulking granary that cades later in the. fractious city of

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felllonde 12 novembre 2008 Commémoration etpolémique autour de « Yicorte » Atatiïrk

nous enseigne à l'école ou au servi¬ ce militaire, s'est justifié Can Diin¬ dar. Il a été transformé en dogme, statufiépar certains de ses parti¬ sans, etje voulais montrer un Ata¬ tiirk réaliste, avec des soucis, qui aimait lesfemmes, qui afait des erreurs, qui avaitparfoispeur et qui a réalisé des choses. » Un quasi- blasphème pour les « laïcs » qui y perçoivent une tentative d'affai¬ blissement de l'Etat. Le président du Parti républicain du peuple (kémaliste), Deniz Baykal, estime cette vision « tout simplement fausse ». Un éditorialiste du quotidien Vatan a appelé au boycottage du film : « Tenez vos enfants éloignés pour éviter de leur instiller les ger¬ mes de l'humiliation d'Atatiirk. » La très kémaliste Association pour la pensée d'Atatiirk n'a pas aimé non plus : « Depuis des années, les valets de l'impérialis¬ me, les opposants à VEtat-nation, les supporteurs de la charia [loi Des visiteurs devant le lit où Atatûrk est mort en 1938, au palais Dolmabahçe, à Istanbul. Deux minutes de islamique] et lesfaux républicains silence ont été observées à 9 h 05 dans tout le pays, lundi, pour lui rendre hommage, osman orsal/reuters essayent d'insulterAtatiirk et de détruire sa révolution. Ils ne réussi¬ A 9 h 05 précises, comme pas. Les caméras de télévision se pays s'est retiré au dernier rontpas », indique son communi¬ chaque 10 novembre, la sont attardées sur les larmes des moment, par crainte de perdre qué. Turquie se fige. Les conver¬ soldats ou sur les sanglots de des clients. Dans un article publié, lundi, sations s'interrompent, la circula¬ citoyens turcs émus, défilant Dresser le portrait d'une icône dans Milliyet, Can Diindar rejette tion s'arrête net. Les sirènes des dans le mausolée d'Anitkabir, à nationale dont le portrait trône ces critiques, estimant qu'« il est bateaux sur le Bosphore et les Ankara, un monument dédié au dans les salles de classe et dans temps pour nous de laïciser notre klaxons des voitures retentissent leader, où se déroulaient des céré¬ les boutiques est un exercice manière de considérer le leader qui pendant deux minutes. Tout le monies officielles. périlleux en Turquie. Sans vérita¬ a apporté la laïcité à la Turquie ». pays a commémoré, lundi matin blement écorner le mythe, le film L'image d'Atatiirk est protégée 10 novembre, la mort de Mustafa Un film contesté présente un Atatiirk humain, tour¬ par la Constitution de 1982, et Kemal, le fondateur de la Républi¬ L'anniversaire coïncide cette menté et alcoolique, qui ne laisse toute atteinte est sévèrement que turque et héros national. Au année avec la sortie, dans les sal¬ personne indifférent. Le prési¬ punie par la loi. Plusieurs sites palais de Dolmabahçe, à les de cinéma, d'un documentai¬ dent du Parlement, Kôksal Top- Internet et hébergeurs de blogs Istanbul, une foule compacte re événement consacré à Atatiirk. tan, trouve qu'il est trop souvent en ont récemment fait les frais. était venue se recueillir, là où, en Réalisé par le journaliste Can montré en train de fumer. Le populaire YouTube, notam¬ 1938, « Atatiirk », le père des Diindar, Mustafa a attiré plus de D'autres regrettent qu'on le voie ment, est censuré depuis six mois Turcs, s'est éteint, rongé par une 500 000 spectateurs dès la pre¬ s'isoler, douter, pleurer, ou enco- . pour avoir diffusé une vidéo met¬ cirrhose du foie. mière semaine, mais il a aussi re qu'un Grec ait été choisi pour tant en doute l'orientation sexuel¬ Soixante-dix ans après sa soulevé son lot de polémiques. Le l'interpréter dans sajeunesse. le du père des Turcs. mort, Mustafa Kemal reste l'objet sponsor du film et principal opé¬ «J'ai voulu montrer un Atatiirk GUILLAUME PERRIER d'une vénération qui ne faiblit rateur de téléphonie mobile du plus humain que celui que l'on (ISTANBUL, CORRESPONDANCE)

21 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Nucléaire : Téhéran provoque 14 novembre 2008 Washington IRAN dre Israël, allié des États-Unis te, cependant, d'être considérée Au lendemain de la victoire La Maison-Blanche dans la région. Constitué de deux avec prudence, d'après certains d'Obama, les spéculations se sont a condamné hier étages sous la coiffe, il ressemble observateurs proches du dossier, multipliées sur la possible reprise le test de missile fortement au Shahab-3, mis à part qui y voient un possible signe de d'un dialogue entre les États-Unis de « nouvelle génération » une séparation visible à mi-corps. faiblesse des conservateurs au et l'Iran, qui ont rompu leurs rela¬ effectué la veille « L'Iran doit s'abstenir de nou¬ pouvoir à Téhéran. Depuis l'élec¬ tions diplomatiques il y a près de par le pouvoir iranien. veaux tests de missiles s'il veut tion de Mahmoud Ahmadinejad trente ans. Or, selon l'analyste vraiment gagner la confiance du en juin 2005, les annonces d'exer¬ iranien Saeed Leylaz, la perspec¬ Beyrouth reste du monde. Le régime iranien cices militaires combinées à de tive d'un tel rapprochement a doit aussi cesser immédiatement nombreuses déclarations guer¬ pour effet « d'affaiblir les radi¬ APRÈS l'espoir d'une «détente» de développer des missiles balisti¬ rières de hauts gradés de l'armée caux du régime », car les « décla¬ irano-américaine facilitée par ques, qui pourraient servir de vec¬ et des gardiens de la révolution - rations "va-t-en-guerre" de George l'élection de Barack Obama aux teurs à une arme nucléaire poten¬ l'armée d'élite du régime - sont W. Bush représentaient un alibi États-Unis, la rhétorique belli¬ tielle », a prévenu un porte-parole devenues monnaie courante à idéal pour justifier les slogans de la Maison-Blanche, Gordon queuse est en train de reprendre le Téhéran. En juillet dernier, la extrémistes et provocateurs de Johndroe. Cette nouvelle démons¬ dessus. Mercredi, la Maison-Blan¬ retouche, par Téhéran, d'une Téhéran ». tration de force de la part de Téhé¬ che a vivement réagi au test d'un photographie illustrant le tir ran est venue renforce* les inquié¬ missile de « nouvelle génération » réussi de missiles sol-sol, avait « Inacceptable » tudes d'une partie de la annoncé par Téhéran, en estimant cependant semé le doute sur la Pour assurer leur survie, et à communauté internationale, les qu'il allait à rencontre de ses obli¬ fiabilité des engins présentés par l'approche des futures élections gations internationales. Elle s'est États-Unis en tête, devant le pro¬ présidentielles de juin 2009 - au les autorités iraniennes. « 17 sem¬ gramme nucléaire iranien. L'Iran, empressée d'appeler la Républi¬ blerait que l'Iran ait retouché la cours desquelles la faction réfor¬ en butte à des sanctions du ces que islamique d'Iran à cesser photo pour dissimuler ce qui était miste espère participer - radi¬ Conseil de sécurité des Nations « immédiatement »de développer apparemment l'échec d'un tir de caux auraient donc, d'après lui, unies pour son refus de suspendre tout intérêt à entretenir un sem¬ des engins balistiques. missile », avait alors commenté ses activités nucléaires les plus La condamnation américaine Mark Fitzpatrick, un expert de blant de climat de guerre. fait suite à la diffusion, un peu sensibles, assure, pour sa part, que Lors d'un rassemblement qui l'Institut international d'études auparavant, d'images du lance¬ son programme nucléaire est s'est tenu, mercredi, dans la ville stratégiques (IISS), basé à Lon¬ ment d'un nouveau missile sol-sol purement civil. de Sari, au nord de l'Iran, le prési¬ dres, en y « signal » par la télévision d'État iranienne. voyant un dent Ahmadinejad n'a pas man¬ « » provocateur de Téhéran, plus Selon Téhéran, ce missile serait Affaiblir les radicaux qué d'avertir que « toute person¬ qu'une véritable avancée techno¬ d'une portée de 2 000 kilomètres - Mais l'annonce de ce missile ne qui parle au grand peuple logique iranienne. et pourrait théoriquement attein iranien d'un nouveau genre méri iranien avec la langue de la force ou sur un ton grossier, égoïste et impoli pourrait recevoir une réponse claire de la nation ira¬ nienne». Avant de préciser que « des changements superficiels des gouvernements ou des adminis¬ trations n'auront aucun effet sur nous ». Côté américain, la porte reste ouverte, mais sous condition. Dans un entretien publié mer¬ credi par le New York Times, le premier ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan a annoncé que son pays était prêt à jouer les médiateurs entre l'Iran et les grandes puissances, dont les États-Unis. Pendant sa campa¬ gne électorale, Barack Obama, lui-même, avait laissé entendre qu'il était disposé à dialoguer avec Téhéran. Mais lors de sa première conférence de presse, à l'issue de sa victoire électorale du 4 novembre, il a également tenu à préciser que le développement iranien des armes nucléaires était « inacceptable ». Delphine Minoui f^%À

Mercredi, la télévision iranienne diffusait les images du lancement réussi d'un nouveau missile sol-sol. Selon Téhéran, ce missile d'une portée de 2 000 kilomètres pourrait atteindre Israël, allié des États-Unis dans la région. AFP

22 Revue de Presse-Press Reviezu-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. NOVEMBER 12. 2008 Kurdistan Is a Model for Iraq Our path to a secular, federal democracy is inspired by the U.S.

By MASOUD BARZANI

Iraq's Kurds have consistently been be Arabs) and by moving Arabs into America's closest allies in Iraq. Our Kurdish homes. Peshmerga forces fought alongside the The dispute between Baghdad and U.S. military to liberate the country, suf¬ the Kurds over Kirkuk has lasted more fering more casualties than any other than 80 years and has often been vio¬ U.S. ally. lent. All sides have now agreed to a And while some Iraqi politicians formula to resolve the problem, to have challenged the U.S.-Iraq security bring justice to Kirkuk, and to correct agreement, Iraq's Kurdish leaders have the crimes against Kurds committed by endorsed the pact as essential for U.S. Saddam Hussein's regime. Iraq's con¬ combat troops to continue fighting ter¬ stitution requires that a referendum be rorists in Iraq. held in disputed territories to deter¬ The Kurdistan Regional Government mine if their populations want to join (KRG) is committed to a federal, democ¬ the Kurdistan Region. Conducting a ratic Iraq that is at peace with its neigh¬ Unfortunately, ever since the discov¬ plebiscite is not easy, but it is preferable bors. ery of oil in Iraq in the 1920s, successive to another 80 years of conflict. We have benefited enormously from Iraqi governments have sought to keep If the pro-Kurdistan side should lose the service and sacrifices of America's oil out of Kurdish hands, blocking the referendum in Kirkuk, I promise that armed forces and their families, and we exploration and development of fields in Kurdistan will respect that result. And if are deeply grateful. We are also proud to Kurdistan. Saddam Hussein's govern¬ they win, I promise that we will do eve¬ have shared in such sacrifices; my ment went even further, using Iraqi oil rything in our power to ensure outsized brother was among those severely revenues to finance the military cam¬ representation of Kirkuk's Turkmen, Ar¬ wounded during the liberation of Iraq. paigns that destroyed more than 4,500 abs and Christians both on the local level Last year, following a U.S. request, Kurdish villages and to pay for the poi¬ and in the parliament and government we deployed Kurdish troops to Baghdad. son gas used to kill thousands of Kurdish of the Kurdistan Region. These troops played a decisive role in the civilians. Regional stability cannot come from success of the surge. Last month I once The Kurdish leadership agreed to a resolving internal disputes alone. That is again \isited Baghdad to meet with the U.S. -sponsored compromise in 2005 in why expanding and deepening our ties leadership of the federal government. which the central government would with Turkey is my top priority. We stressed our commitment to devel¬ have the authority to manage existing oil My meeting last month in Baghdad oping an Iraqi state that abides by its fields, but new fields would fall under with the Turkish special envoy to Iraq constitution and that is based upon a the exclusive jurisdiction of the regions. was a historic and positive development. federal model with clearly delineated Since then, the KRG has taken the lead There should be further direct contacts powers for its regions. with Baghdad in negotiations on a hy¬ between the KRG and Turkey, as well as In spite of all this, some commenta¬ drocarbon law that is faithful to Iraq's multilateral contacts that involve the tors now suggest that the Kurds are constitution and is conducive to mod¬ U.S. We are eager to work with Turkey to causing problems by insisting on territo¬ ernizing Iraq's oil infrastructure and seek increased peace and prosperity in rial demands and proceeding with the substantially increasing its oil produc¬ the region. development of Kurdistan's oil re¬ tion. I am proud that the Kurdistan Re¬ sources. These allegations are troubling. We have awarded contracts for for¬ gion is both a model and gateway for the We are proceeding entirely in accord eign oil companies (including some rest of Iraq. Our difficult path to a secu¬ with the Iraqi constitution, implement¬ American ones) to explore our territory. lar, federal democracy is very much in¬ ing provisions that were brokered by the In so doing, Kurdistan is not threatening spired by the U.S. And so we look for¬ U.S. the unity of Iraq. It is simply implement¬ ward to working with the Obama-Biden In the constitutional negotiations ing the constitution. administration to support and defend that took place in the summer of 2005, The "disputed territories" have a our hard-fought successes in Iraq, and to two issues were critical to us: first, that tragic history. Since the 1950s, Iraqi re¬ remain proud of what the Kurdistan re¬ the Kurdistan Region has the right to gimes encouraged Arabs to settle in gion is today: a thriving civil society in develop the oil on its territory, and sec¬ Kirkuk and other predominantly Kurd¬ the heart of the Middle East. When we ond, that there be a fair process to de¬ ish and Turkmen areas. Saddam Hussein insist on strict compliance with our termine the administrative borders of accelerated this process by engaging in country's constitution, we are only fol¬ Iraq's Kurdistan Region thus resolving ethnic cleansing, expelling or killing lowing America's great example. once and for all the issue of "disputed" Kurds and Turkmen, or by requiring na¬ territories. tionality corrections (in which non- Mr. Barzani is the president of the Arabs are forced to declare themselves to Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

23 Revue de Presse-Press Revieio-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

FINANCIAL TIMES November 12, 2008 Kurdistan: the other Iraq By Anna Fifield

In one of the oldest tea houses in Irbil, a cavernous room of hissing kettles that spills into the spice and shampoo shops of the souq, Ali and his friend Mohammad personify the Kurdish dilemma. Ali, a Kurd with a plush moustache dressed in the region's traditional baggy open suit, sits on a bench drinking tea with Mohammad, an Arab electrical goods merchant who has driven from Baghdad in search of cheaper supplies. "Kirkuk is Kurdish - the population is Kurdish, so Kirkuk is Kurdish," says Ali, referring to the oil-rich city that lies just outside the northern Iraqi province but was historically part of Kurdistan. Asked his opinion, Mohammad looks around warily as the half-dozen tea-drinking Kurds stop their conservations to listen in and simply says: "I think our lead¬

ers know better than I do." On This diplomatic answer belies the the march: Kurd peshmerga forces bearing Iraqi and Kurdish flags potential of Kirkuk to become the next big flashpoint in Iraq. For while ability of the US to mediate a lasting This will become a pressing foreign Kirkuk residents to decide whether sectarian has violence dropped compromise over Kirkuk's status. policy concern for the next US they become part of the northern year, the sharply this stemming But tensions are rising over administration not just because the region. But the disputed territory slide into civil war and relieving whether the city belongs in the Kirkuk dispute has the potential to has become so sensitive that pressure on the US military, the semi-autonomous Kurdish region pit Arab against Kurd and provoke Kirkuk will be excluded from na¬ dispute over Kirkuk underlines the or in Iraq proper "For many Kurds, intervention from neighbouring tionwide provincial polls due to be fragility of the country and the chal¬ it has become a rallying point for an states. It could also harm Washing¬ held before January 31 as an Iraqi lenge that Barack Obama, the autonomous Kurdistan and for the ton's relations with its closest allies parliamentary commission exam¬ president-elect, will face in Iraq. rights of Kurdish people inside Iraq. in Iraq - the Kurdish authorities. ines the demographic changes that Whether Mr Obama will be able to And for many Arabs, it has become Kirkuk, together with other nearby have taken place there. It is due to fulfil his of campaign promise a rallying cry for the unity of the oil towns, was "Arabised" by Sad¬ report back by March. bringing US troops home within 16 country," says a senior US official dam Hussein, who forced Kurds to Rochdi Younsi, Middle East analyst months of taking office will partly in Baghdad. "The challenge is to get leave and moved in Arabs from at the Eurasia Group think-tank, depend on happens in the what oil- both sides to calm down and have a Iraq's south in an effort to change says the electoral delay benefits the and therefore on the rich city - rational discussion." the demographics. Now Kurdistan, Kurds, who will retain control over whose people were killed by the the disputed areas during the dead¬ thousands under Saddam, wants lock. "Unless there is a concrete the cities back "For us it's not international effort to address the about the oil - the oil revenue will Kirkuk question, the risk of instabil¬ go back to the Iraqi people - it's ity in the northern part of Iraq will symbolic, it's about the injustices heighten and the dispute among that have been done to us," says various sectarian groups claiming Fuad Hussein, chief of staff to historical ownership of the city will Masoud Barzani, the Kurdish erupt again," Mr Younsi wrote president. "When we think about recently. the situation of Kirkuk, we all feel The disputes have stoked ethnic Kirkuki." tensions in northern Iraq. Kurdish Kurdistan, a fertile, rocky region troops, known as peshmerga, have where Iraq meets Iran and Tur¬ reportedly moved beyond the key, already has several big oil boundaries of the Kurdistan region deposits but several more lie just and into ethnically mixed areas, outside its current borders. The erecting Kurdish flags at check¬ Kirkuk field is thought to have a points in acts that worry Arab resi¬ production capacity of about 1m dents of these areas. barrels a day. Under the constitu¬ Some diplomats in Irbil question tion's revenue-sharing formula, suggestions of any land grab, say¬ Kurdistan receives 17 per cent of ing peshmerga have been patrolling all Iraqi oil revenue, but many outside the region's boundaries for Kurds think their economy de¬ some time. Mr Hussein, the presi¬ serves more. Some Arab politi¬ dent's aide, says that Kurds simply cians, meanwhile, are calling for serve in the national security the Kurds' share to be reduced to forces. He characterises the com¬ 12 per cent. mon view as: "When a Kurd is in The Kurdistan regional govern¬ the police, he is a peshmerga, but ment is pushing for a vote to allow when an Arab is there, he is an Iraqi

24 Revue de Presse-Press Reviezv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti soldier." The United Nations has suggested giving 32 per cent of the Kirkuk council to Arabs, Kurds, and Turk¬ men, leaving 4 per cent for Chris¬ tians. Kurdish factions would also get the first pick for governor, dep¬ uty governor, and head of the pro¬ vincial council. But Kurds oppose any power- sharing arrangement that would not reflect what they believe is their majority. Kurdish officials are acutely aware of the issue's poten¬ tial to explode. "We have made a lot of concessions for the sake of greater Iraq but now, instead of supporting us, some people are trying to blame the Kurds for the problem remaining unsolved," says Falah Mustafa, head of the depart¬ ment of foreign relations. Kurdish leaders have long held up their region as a role model for the rest of Iraq. It has functioning de¬ mocratic institutions, the govern¬ Oilfcld ment is relatively secular and its Iraq: economy is ticking over. Irbil be¬ Kurdistan came a partner in the US-backed central government in Baghdad 01he< areas al following the 2003 invasion of Iraq - high KsjrCish the national president, Jalal Tala¬ popuiatron bani, is Kurdish - and the US wanted to champion Kurdistan as an example of how democracy into the fold. "We thought that the Americans one issue," says Falah Mustafa, could be made to work in the Mid¬ The extent of corruption has un¬ would make our government more head of the department for foreign dle East. dermined confidence in the Kurdish democratic and more transparent," relations. "But if they meddle in But, five years after the invasion, parties ruling the north Ordinary says Mr Rahim "The US must Iraqi affairs, we don't believe that is Kurds are feeling short-changed by Kurds privately complain that, to choose between two options - they in keeping with our policies of non¬ the Bush administration, which they succeed, they must belong to one of can support Talabani and Barzani, interference." say has not sufficiently rewarded the "two circles" - that revolving or they can support the Kurdish A LONG SEARCH FOR STATE¬ them for their support. "They have around the Talabani family and their people." HOOD done nothing for us," says one Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, or that An estimated 15m to 20m Kurds, senior Kurdish official, calling for associated with the Barzanis and a largely Sunni Muslim people, live Washington to encourage American the Kurdistan Democratic party. TEHRAN STRENGTHENS ECO¬ in the area straddling Iraq, Iran, companies to invest. "We are the The two families largely control NOMIC TIES Syria, Turkey and Armenia. success story of the US in Iraq All business and politics in the region, By backing Shia groups, Iran has Iraqi Kurdistan - slightly larger of Iraq could be like us." offering preferential treatment for long exerted influence over Iraqi than the Netherlands and with a Washington cites a lack of democ¬ their relatives and allies. "Some politics. But the parties of Iraqi population of 4m - enjoys relative ratic development and endemic people are living the high life but Kurdistan have also been allies of economic stability, helped by in¬ corruption as threats for the future other people are so desperate," Ali Tehran, whose reach is growing. vestment in construction and oil. of Kurdistan. "A lot of people in says in the tea shop. "Kurds don't "There is a lot of concern about Iran Saddam Hussein used chemical Baghdad are looking at Kurdistan like it but what can we do about it?" and Iran's interests in Kurdistan," weapons against Iraqi Kurds in not as a model for the future but for So sensitive has the issue become, says one US official. retaliation for their support of Iran the mistakes they have to avoid," even foreigners know where the red Of the $7bn (£4.5bn, ¤5.6bn) in during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. says one senior American official in lines are. One British businessman goods that Iran sent to Iraq last After the 1991 Gulf war, Iraqi Kurds Baghdad. The Kurds, he adds, are working in Irbil becomes visibly year, about $1.2bn-worth was gained significant autonomy; this "without a doubt ... in the best angry when asked about corruption. destined for Kurdistan, according to was later formalised under Iraq's position in their history. The big "Why do you ask such questions?" Iran's Fars News Agency The 2005 constitution. question among Kurds right now is, figure is projected to rise to $3bn he asks, his voice rising several Rivalry between the Kurdish what next for us?" this year. Two of the three transit decibels. "These kinds of questions Democratic party and the Patriotic The way that Irbil exercised its can a lot us." routes between Iran and Iraq are in create of problems for Union of Kurdistan led to civil war authority in Kirkuk has not been The government says it will intro¬ Iraqi Kurdistan. Flights between in the mid-1990s. In 1998 the two encouraging. Analysts say that the Irbil and Urumia, capital of the duce laws and educational pro¬ sides came to a power-sharing Kurdish government was given an grammes to tackle the problem. But Iranian province of Western Azer¬ agreement. opportunity to prove its ability to Karam Rahim, editor of Hawlati, baijan, are set to begin soon. Kurdistan is a cause of friction govern when the US in effect the region's biggest independent The US accuses Tehran of sending between Iraq and Turkey, which handed them control of the city in paper, suggests the US could have arms into Iraq, which Iran denies. has carried out military raids on 2003. But the Kurdish authorities an influence when provincial and Kurdish officials say they welcome northern Iraq against the separatist sidelined the Arab and Turkmen regional parliamentary elections the right involvement. "If they can Kurdish Workers' party (PKK). minorities rather than bringing them are due to be held. help the people of Iraq, then that's

25 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Kurd-Arab tensions may threaten REUTERS f Iraq calm

November 12. 2008 . By Missy Ryan . (Reuters) key issues: what does it mean to be a federal Iraq?" MOSUL, Iraq - In battle-scarred Mosul, Kurds and Arabs trade accu¬ 'SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE" sations rooted in ethnic rivalry and a battle for oil and power that many fear threaten security in Iraq. That question takes on a new urgency as Kurds, who make up a fifth of Iraq's mainly Arab population, vie for control of disputed cities, Kurds make up about a quarter of Mosul's residents and represent a towns and villages along the "green line" that divides Kurdistan from powerful minority in this northern Iraqi city still shaken by car bombs the rest of Iraq. and assassinations. Iraqi Kurds, who have long dreamed of their own state, hoped to The army in Mosul is mainly Kurdish, which angers Sunni Arabs who strengthen their hand within Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein, make up about 60 percent of the 2.8 million population of the province who killed tens of thousands of Kurds in the 1980s. of which Mosul is the capital. Their economic and territorial ambitions appear more at risk as the Mosul, a strategic city where cultures, religions and ethnicities col¬ US. -backed government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shi'ite lide, saw an exodus of thousands of Christians last month following a Arab, grows more assertive and Washington charts a course for campaign of threats and violence against them, although some have withdrawing its 150,000 troops in Iraq. since returned. Masoud Barzani, president of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, U.S. military officials blamed Sunni Muslim al Qaeda or similar described the gathering resentment some Kurds feel toward Baghdad.

"We seem to still be under the influence of a totalitarian regime. The one that takes over power thinks he has the last word in everything ... He forgets coalitions, commitments and the constitution," he said in a recent newspaper interview. Kurdish and central government officials set up a special commis¬ sion this summer to try to defuse such tensions. Gareth Stansfield, a Kurdistan expert at the University of Exeter, said the standoff is really about defining what the Kurdish position will be, politically and geographically. "It can't be put off any longer. The pressure has become so intense that something has to give," he said. U.S. diplomats and senior military officials have been sitting down with Kurdish and Arab officials to encourage them to mend differ¬ ences over explosive issues like Khanaqin, a largely Kurdish town in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad. Conflict nearly broke out in late summer when Iraqi troops tried to replace Peshmerga in Khanaqin. The standoff was defused, but left Kurdish leaders even more suspicious. Islamist groups in Mosul, which they say is the last big city in Iraq Brigadier General Tony Thomas, the top U.S. commander in Mosul, still with a large al Qaeda presence. said Maliki increasingly "sees the Kurds, specifically the Peshmerga, Kurds control the provincial governing council after most Sunnis as a militia, unauthorized, shouldn't be there." boycotted local polls in 2005, but the balance of power in Mosul could What many forget, he says, is that Peshmerga were invited to help change in elections due by late January. keep the peace in some of Iraq's most troublesome areas. Christians, who are believed to number around 250,000 to 300,000 in Thomas said Kurds are more nervous about what they see as Bagh¬ the province, could be a swing vote, wooed by Kurds or Arabs in a dad's growing unilateralism as U.S. troops prepare to leave. fight for power. "They literally said, 'We must be armed because as soon as you Local Iraqi Army units in Mosul are mainly made up of Kurds. Arabs leave, we see this coming ... (Maliki) is going to attack us as soon as in the area scornfully refer to them as "Peshmerga," the name for you turn away,'" Thomas said. former guerrilla fighters that make up the security forces of the autonomous Kurdish region further north. LAND, OIL, POWER AT STAKE Bashar Fahdil, a shopkeeper in Mosul, like other Arabs says Kurdish Behind the quarrels is oil. Many of the disputed areas along the "green soldiers share blame for ongoing violence. When civilians are at¬ line" have promising reserves, especially Kirkuk, an ethnically mixed tacked, he said, "Kurdish soldiers just watch." city that accounts for a quarter of Iraq's oil exports. Kurds consider Kirkuk their historic capital. Kurds bristle at such insinuations. Iraq's constitution provides for a referendum on control of the city. "The Arab families in our neighborhood know we have no fault in any That vote has been postponed indefinitely, but Kurds think they would sectarian or ethnic treason," Um Reezan, a Kurdish housewife in win it, undoing Saddam's "Arabization" of one of Iraq's main oil- eastern Mosul said. "But there are people who think only superficial producing areas. thoughts, and sometimes they hint at us." Arab-Kurdish disputes have so far held up legislation on how to share Colonel Dildar Jamel Mohammed, a Kurd who commands an Iraqi oil wealth. Meanwhile, Kurdistan has signed oil deals of its own, Army battalion in western Mosul, said insurgents were stoking ethnic which Baghdad considers void. Companies pumping in Kurdistan tension and trying to sabotage security. cannot export oil without Baghdad's permission. "Al Qaeda uses this as a tool," he said, referring to the Sunni Isla¬ The impasse affects not just Iraq's oil sector, but all investment, mists who, in Iraq, are almost all Arabs. casting a shadow on the U.S. project in Iraq. Ambassador Thomas Krajeski, a senior U.S. official in Baghdad, "The United States cannot afford a conflict to break out between Kurds described the ancient city on the Tigris River as "where all the fault and Arabs if they want to withdraw their forces and claim success," lines that exist in Iraq come together. Stansfield said. "It is a place where Kurd and Arab officials can solve some of these

26 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

£tMmât Le gouvernement irakien vote la prolongation 18 novembre 2008 de la présence militaire américaine jusqu'en 2011

Le Parlement doit à présent se prononcer sur ce texte, qui précise le statut juridique Irak : cinq ans après des troupes américaines après l'expiration, en décembre, pprouvé par le gouvernement de Bag¬ du mandat des Nations unies dad, dimanche 16 novembre, Il aura fallu près de neuf mois d'âpres Y« accord de sécurité » irako-améri¬ négociations pour y parvenir. Diman¬ cain marque une étape essentielle, che 16 novembre, sous la conduite de son chef, Nouri Al-Maliki, le gouverne¬ .pour l'Irak et les Etats-Unis, plus de ment de coalition, qui regroupe les princi¬ cinq ans après le déclenchement de la guerre lan¬ paux partis politiques irakiens, a approu¬ cée par l'administration Bush contre le régime de vé un accord capital aux termes duquel Saddam Hussein. Si tout se déroule comme prévu les soldats américains, qui occupent le pays depuis l'invasion du 20 mars 2003, - et, d'abord, si les 275 députés de l'Assemblée devront avoir plié bagages avant le irakienne ratifient cet accord -, les troupes de 31 décembre 2011. combat américaines se retireront des villes et vil¬ Ce document de 31 articles, qui codifie lages irakiens d'ici au 30 juin 2009. Il est prévu les conditions juridiques et opérationnel¬ que le corps expéditionnaire, estimé à les dans lesquelles les 146 000 militaires américains stationnés en Irak pourront y 146 000 soldats, ait quitté le pays le 31 décem¬ rester trois années supplémentaires, doit bre 2011. encore être approuvé, dans les dix jours, Rendu possible par l'amélioration des condi¬ par une majorité simple des 275 élus du tions de sécurité depuis environ un an - notam¬ Conseil irakien des représentants. Lorsque ce vote sera acquis, ce qui, ment la fin de la guerre civile entre majorité chii¬ théoriquement, ne devrait pas poser pro¬ te et minorité sunnite -, le calendrier des replis et blème puisque la coalition gouvernemen¬ retraits à venir s'articule assez bien avec le pro¬ tale contrôle les deuxtiers des élus, le tex¬ gramme annoncé par le président américain élu, te sera soumis au Conseil présidentiel, Barack Obama. Celui-ci a répété, dimanche, composé du président de la République, qu'après son entrée en fonctions, le 20 janvier Jalal Talabani (Kurde), et de ses deuxvice- 2009, il entendait « appeler l'état-major et les res¬ présidents, Tarek Al-Hachémi (Arabe sunnite),etAdel Abdel Mahdi (Arabe chii¬ ponsables de la sécurité nationale [à préparer] un te). Cet accord ne concerne pas les 5 000 plan de retrait [des troupes d'Irak] ». Pendant les autres soldats étrangers, dont 4 000 Bri¬ primaires démocrates, M. Obama avait précisé, tanniques basés à Bassora, qui devraient pour se démarquer d'Hillary Clinton, qu'élu prési¬ quitter l'Irak dans les mois qui viennent. Prudemment saluée par la Maison dent il rapatrierait toutes les '« troupes de com¬ Blanche comme « une étape importante et bat » dans un délai de seize mois après son élec¬ positive », la décision du gouvernement, tion. Il a ensuite cessé de marteler ce calendrier, acquise à main levée et à l'unanimité évoquant plutôt un retrait « responsable » condi¬ moins une voix des 28 ministres présents tionné par les développements sur le terrain. - les neuf autres ministres ayant été La surenchère rhétorique dés hommes politi¬ « excusés » pour diverses raisons -, devrait permettre à l'Irak, si le processus ques des irakiens, préparant élections régionales d'approbation est clos avant le 31 décem¬ capitales fin janvier, masque une vérité : cette évo¬ bre, de retrouver, à partir du 1" janvier lution du programme américain les satisfait. 2009, l'essentiel de sa souveraineté natio¬ Aucun responsable, à Bagdad, ne souhaite un nale. Ce qui inclut, notamment, plusieurs dizaines de milliards de dollars retenus départ précipité de l'armée américaine. Les princi¬ par le Conseil de sécurité des Nations paux chefs des forces irakiennes, à commencer unies au titre des dettes, réparation et par les ministres de l'intérieur et de la défense, indemnités dues aux pays agressés par le répètent que les besoins logistiques et de forma¬ régime déchu de Saddam Hussein. tion de leurs 700 000 hommes demeurent impor¬ La décision gouvernementale n'a pu tants « pour les années qui viennent » . être obtenue qu'après que les Etats-Unis D'ici à la fin 2011, il est possible que les termes ont accepté de préciser qu'ils n'enten¬ daient conserver ni soldats ni bases mili¬ de l'accord soient révisés et que des forces améri¬ taires en Irak au-delà du 31 décem¬ caines demeurent stationnées en Irak au-delà de bre 2011. Jugée « trop vagué» par cer¬ cette date. Le calendrier arrêté aujourd'hui n'en tains membres de la coalition, et surtout signifie pas moins le passage de la guerre à la coo¬ par le grand ayatollah Ali Sistani, la plus pération militaire. C'est un progrès notable. haute autorité religieuse chiite du pays à

27 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

laquelle la majorité fait allégeance, la for¬ mulation précédente laissait la porte LE CALENDRIER D'APPLICATION DE L'ACCORD

< ouverte à un éventuel maintien des trou- : les 16 un » | pes américaines au-delà de cette date. 1"janvier 2009 500 citoyens pays voisin de l'Irak. Les sceptiques remarquent cependant irakiens détenus par les Américains b'immunité des soldats coupables que rien n'interdira à un autre gouverne¬ passent sous juridiction irakienne. de crimes perpétrés « hors de leur ment irakien - les prochaines élections Aucun citoyen irakien ne peut plus être service » contre des Irakiens générales auront lieu fin 2009 - de négo¬ arrêté et détenu plus de vingt-quatre est susceptible d'être remise en cause cier un nouvel accord. Intitulé SOFA (Sta¬ heures par des forces étrangères par une commission conjointe tus of Forces Agreement) par les Etats- sans l'intervention d'un juge irakien. irako-américaine. Unis, sur le modèle des accords similaires Aucune opération militaire offensive 30 juin : toutes les troupes américaines conclus avec l'Allemagne ou le Japon au ne peut plus être lancée par l'armée de combat devront avoir quitté les villes lendemain de la seconde guerre mondia¬ américaine sans l'accord préalable et agglomérations irakiennes pour le, le document a été rebaptisé « accord de des autorités irakiennes. se cantonner dans des bases situées retrait desforces » par un pouvoir irakien Les Etats-Unis s'engagent à n'utiliser hors des zones peuplées. qui n'ignore pas l'impopularité de ce que ni le territoire ni l'espace aérien 31 décembre 2011 : départ de « toutes l'immense majorité des citoyens continue ou maritime irakien pour «attaquer les troupes américaines » d'Irak. d'appeler « l'occupation américaine ». PATRICE CLAUDE

iïîllGiuk 18 novembre 2008 Ecofrictions La Turc me peut-elle se passer c u FMI ?

Les marchés s'impatientent. En octobre, les discussions avec Turquie, Ulrich Zachau a souli- Depuis le début de la crise ¤< la délégation du FMI ont viré au gné, la nécessité de réduire l'endet¬ financière mondiale, les dialogue de sourds. Une recom¬ tement. Le déficit de la balance milieux d'affaires turcs L'économie locale mandation adressée à la Turquie a des paiements devrait atteindre réclament un peu de bon sens de la montre des signes déplu : « Mettre enplace un contrô¬ 50 milliards de dollars en 2008 : part du premier ministre, Recep le plus strict des dépenses publiques la conséquence d'un retrait impor¬ Tayyip Erdogan.- «La Turquie de faiblesse. Un prêt de au niveau local. » Ce que refuse tant des capitaux étrangers, devraitsigner un nouvel accord avec 20 milliards de dollars Ankara, à quatre mois d'élections moteurs de la bonne santé de l'éco¬ le Fonds monétaire international municipales à fort enjeu. Le Parti nomie turque depuis 2003. (FMI), a répété Arzuhan Yalçin- donnerait un peu d'air. de la justice et du développement Le gouverneur de la banque dag, la présidente de la Tiisiad, le Mais Ankara renâcle aupouvoir espère confirmer sa per¬ centrale, Durgun Yilmaz, a annon¬ patronat turc. Cela ne blesseraitpas cée dans le sud-est, à majorité kur¬ cé une baisse de 5,5 % de la pro¬ son honneur. » de, et mène une politique dispen¬ duction industrielle pour le mois Malgré les pressions, le chef du » dieuse dans les fiefs à conquérir. de septembre, le plus fort recul gouvernement se montre réticent Un coûteux plan d'action pour cet¬ depuis 2002. Des milliers d'em¬ à l'idée de s'engager avec le FMI. ington, auquel la Turquie, 17* éco¬ te région déshéritée est program¬ plois disparaissent déjà dans le Le dernier prêt, d'un montant de nomie mondiale, était conviée. En mé. Le but est donc de gagner un textile ou l'automobile, avertis¬ 10 milliards de dollars (8 milliards marge de la réunion, M. Erdogan peu de temps avant de signer. sent les entreprises. Et les prévi¬

d'euros.), a pris fin au mois de mai. . a multiplié les entretiens. Avec le Les dirigeants turcs soulignent sions de croissance officielles Depuis, c'est le statu quo. « Pas patron de la Banque mondiale, volontiers que le système bancai¬ pour l'année 2009 (+ 4 %) sem¬ question d'assombrir notreavenir en ,mais surtout avec Dominique re résiste bien au choc mondial. blent intenables : une croissance cédant au FMI », a claironné, fin Strauss-Kahn, samedi. « La ren¬ Mais, selon la plupart des analys¬ nulle, voire négative, est attendue

octobre, M. Erdogan. Il accuse contre a étéfructueuse, ilpourraity . tes, l'économie turque montre pour la fin d'année. Dans ces l'institution de vouloir « étrangler avoir un accord dans unfutur pro¬ d'inquiétants signes de faiblesse conditions, une aide du FMI la Turquie». « Nous signons des che », a déclaré le directeur géné¬ et risque, à trop tarder, de perdre « n'est pas nécessaire mais serait accords uniquement si nos intérêts ral du FMI. Un prêt à moyen ter¬ son « avantage compétitif ». Un bénéfique à l'économie turque », a sontsatisfaits », a-t-il ajouté. me de la Réserve fédérale améri¬ prêt de 20 milliards de dollars don¬ déclaré M. Yilmaz. m Changement de ton, ce week- caine (Fed) à laTurquie est égale¬ nerait un peu d'air. Le représen¬ Guillaume Perrier end, au sommet du G20, à Wash- ment à l'étude. tant de la Banque mondiale en (istanbul, correspondance)

28 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

! ki;ssian MiWS & L'accord de partenariat américano-irakien empêche à la B»t1 novosti Turquie de lutter contre les séparatistes ANKARA. 18 novembre 2008- RIA Novosti. mier ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan se sont mis d'accord sur l'or¬ L'ACCORD de partenariat stratégique signé lundi par les États-Unis et ganisation des opérations aériennes turques dans l'espace aérien ira¬ l'Irak et donnant le contrôle de l'espace aérien irakien à Bagdad à partir kien qui est actuellement contrôlé par la partie américaine, rappelle le du 1er janvier 2009 empêchera l'aviation turque de lutter contre les journal. Selon les militaires turcs, les raids visent l'infrastructure terro¬ séparatistes kurdes dans le nord de l'Irak, a annoncé mardi le quoti¬ riste du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) considéré comme dien turc Hurriyet. une organisation terroriste par l'Organisation des Nations unies et l'Union européenne. Le PKK mène depuis près d'un quart de siècle "Conformément au nouvel accord, la Turquie sera obligée de deman¬ une lutte armée pour l'autonomie des Kurdes dans le sud-est de la der l'autorisation de l'administration irakienne pour effectuer ses raids Turquie. Ce conflit a déjà fait plus de 40.000 morts. aériens dans le nord de l'Irak à partir du 1er janvier prochain", rapporte le journal. "Compte tenu de l'influence de l'administration régionale de Depuis décembre 2007, l'armée turque a effectué plus de 30 opéra¬ l'Irak du Nord de Massoud Barzani au sein du gouvernement irakien, la tions militaires - principalement aériennes - dans le nord de l'Irak dans Turquie aura du mal à obtenir une autorisation pour ses raids", selon le le cadre d'un mandat d'un an délivré par le parlement turc en octobre quotidien. 2007 et prolongé d'un an le 8 octobre dernier. La Turquie peut lancer une opération transfrontalière dans le nord de Aux termes du nouvel accord signé par Washington et Bagdad, les l'Irak sans demander l'autorisation de Bagdad, indique le journal se troupes américaines cesseront de patrouiller les villes et villages ira¬ référant à un responsable turc. "L'Irak ne dispose pas d'un système de kiens après le 30 juin 2009 et quitteront l'Irak avant fin 2011. L'accord, défense antiaérienne puissant. La Turquie peut donc lancer une opéra¬ qui a été approuvé par le gouvernement irakien, doit être ratifié par le tion en cas de nécessité", note le quotidien. parlement le 24 novembre prochain. En novembre 2007, le président américain George W.Bush et le pre

IRAN: PLUSIEURS REBELLES KURDES TUES DANS UN ACCROCHAGE AVEC LA POLICE TEHERAN. 18 nov 2008 (AFP) tan", a des liens étroits avec les rebelles du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), un mouvement séparatiste basé en Turquie et dans le nord de l'Irak, qui mène une lutte armée contre Ankara depuis 1984. LES FORCES de sécurité iraniennes ont tué un nombre indéterminé de Ces dernières années, les affrontements ont été fréquents entre les rebelles kurdes dans l'ouest de l'Iran, a indiqué mardi l'agence de presse meurtriers iranienne Fars. forces iraniennes et les militants du Pejak, qui opèrent depuis des bases- arrière du nord-est de l'Irak. "Lors d'une opération, plusieurs membres du groupe terroriste Pejak, tous des L'Iran est le théâtre d'une montée des violences dans plusieurs régions où turcs, ont été tués", a déclaré à l'agence Hojatollah Damyad, un responsable vivent d'importantes minorités ethniques, comme le Sistan-Balouchistan (sud- de la sécurité au bureau du gouverneur dans la province de Kermanshah. est) ou le Khouzestan (sud-ouest), ainsi que dans les zones kurdes. Il n'a pas précisé la date de l'opération mais a ajouté que quatre membres du L'Iran accuse la Grande-Bretagne et les Etats-Unis, qui démentent, Pejak, dont une fille de 16 ans, avaient été arrêtés dans la ville de Sanandaj. d'être derrière ces violences. Le parti indépendantiste Pejak, acronyme du "Parti de la vie libre au Kurdis

L'IRAK, LA TURQUIE ET LES ETATS-UNIS FORMENT UN COMITÉ ANTI-PKK BAGDAD, 19 nov 2008 (AFP) - rieur de la région autonome du Kurdistan, Karim Sinjari. Ankara dénonce régulièrement l'utilisation par les rebelles du PKK (Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan), actifs depuis 1984 dans le sud-est de la Turquie, de L'IRAK et la Turquie, avec le soutien actif des Etats-Unis, ont franchi mercre¬ bases situées dans les montagnes du nord de l'Irak pour lancer leurs attaques di une étape supplémentaire dans leur collaboration contre les rebelles kurdes en Turquie. du PKK, avec la création d'un comité conjoint destiné à contrecarrer leurs activités. Quelque 44.000 personnes ont été tuées dans les affrontements entre rebelles kurdes et forces de sécurité turques depuis 1984. Une rencontre tripartite de haut niveau a eu lieu dans la Zone verte à Bagdad, en présence du ministre turc de l'Intérieur Besir Atalay, du Premier ministre La Turquie a souvent accusé Bagdad de tolérer, voire d'aider le PKK, considé¬ irakien Nouri al-Maliki et de l'ambassadeur des Etats-Unis à Bagdad, Ryan ré par les Etats-Unis, l'Union européenne et la Turquie comme une organisa¬ Crocker. tion terroriste. Le gouvernement du Kurdistan irakien (nord), en particulier, est régulièrement Selon le porte-parole du gouvernement irakien Ali al-Dabbagh, "le gouverne¬ ment irakien, le gouvernement turc et les Etats-Unis ont décidé de former un soupçonné par Ankara de condamner publiquement mais de tolérer dans les comité pour travailler sur la menace que constitue le PKK pour la sécurité et la faits les activités du PKK. stabilité de la Turquie et de l'Irak". Selon les autorités de la province, qui jouit d'une très large autonomie au sein "Ce comité va prendre les mesures nécessaires pour empêcher toute activité de l'Etat fédéral irakien surtout en matière de sécurité, les rebelles du PKK possible de cette organisation en territoire irakien ou dans la zone frontalière opèrent dans des régions si reculées, si inaccessibles, qu'ils sont hors d'at¬ entre la Turquie et l'Irak", a-t-il ajouté. teinte de son armée ou de sa police. A l'issue de cette réunion, M. Maliki a déclaré: "Tout ce qui nuit à la Turquie Toutes les routes de montagne menant aux zones où le PKK est actif sont étroitement contrôlées par les forces kurdes d'Irak mais, selon les villageois nous nuit à nous aussi. Le gouvernement irakien tient à faire progresser ses de la relations avec la Turquie. Cette visite marque une étape importante dans des environs, multiples pistes de contrebande existent dans région, qui l'effort des deux pays contre l'organisation terroriste du PKK". permettent tous les trafics. Pour sa part, le ministre turc de l'Intérieur a assuré que "la création de ce Au début du mois, le Parlement turc a prolongé d'un an son mandat au gouver¬ nement l'autorisant à mener des opérations transfrontalières contre comité va favoriser la coopération entre nos deux pays" et que "la Turquie militaires soutient les efforts de sécurité et de stabilité de l'Irak". les bases irakiennes du PKK. La première opération de ce type de l'armée turque a eu lieu en octobre 2007. Côté irakien, ce comité sera dirigé par le ministre d'Etat pour la Sécurité ou et nationale, Shirwan al-Waïli, et comprendra notamment le ministre de l'Inté L'armée turque mène régulièrement des raids, aériens terrestres, bom-

29 Revue de Presse-Press Revieio-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

barde les positions du PKK dans ces montagnes très escarpées. Les Etats-Unis ont indiqué à plusieurs reprises fournir à la Turquie des ren¬ Fin octobre, le chef des forces américaines en Irak, le général Raymond seignements militaires, notamment des relevés satellitaires très précis, sur Odierno, s'était rendu en Turquie pour discuter avec les responsables militai¬ les positions du PKK. res turcs des moyens de combattre le PKK.

cappet. n° 942 - 20 nov. 2008

En couverture / Irak, Afghanistan, Pakistan : Les plans d'Obama Que deviendra l'Irak si les GI s'en vont ? Dans ce pays livré aux affrontements ethniques et confessionnels, la présence militaire américaine constitue le seul élément de stabilité, estime un journaliste irakien.

Il n'y a pas un Irakien qui ne souhaite pas Ce sont eux qui ont élaboré une alliance pour les jours fériés annuels, pour la plupart le retrait des armées étrangères. Il ne se contre Al-Qaida dans la province d'Al-Anbar religieux. Il ne fallait pas s'étonner que trouve plus personne pour justifier leur pré¬ et qui ont constitué la Sahvva, ces milices d'autres demandent que chaque quartier et sence et prendre leur défense. Tout le monde composées d'anciens insurgés reconvertis chaque rue puisse instaurer son propre ca¬ a pâti de leurs erreurs, de leur ignorance des dans la lutte contre Al-Qaida. Ce sont eux qui lendrier. réalités et de leur vision stéréotypée du ont mis fin aux pillages de l'Armée du Mahdi Le pays est confronté au choléra, à Moyen-Orient. C'est pourquoi presque toutes [de Moqtada Al-Sadr, chiite radical]. Et ce l'effondrement des services publics, à les forces politiques irakiennes demandent sont encore eux aujourd'hui qui empêchent l'absence d'hôpitaux et de services médicaux leur départ, même si des motivations diver¬ les tensions entre les groupes armés de d'urgence, à l'accumulation des ordures, au gentes se cachent derrière ce slogan. dégénérer en conflit armé à Kirkouk, où les chômage, à la peur des assassinats, aux cou¬ Or ces mêmes forces politiques sont au¬ forces politiques sont hantées par le spectre pures d'électricité, à la pollution causée par jourd'hui au pied du mur. Il n'est en effet pas de l'épuration ethnique et prêtes à dégainer des millions de générateurs au mazout, à exclu qu'un tel retrait se fasse effectivement, au moindre signe. l'exode de millions de personnes instruites, et plus rapidement qu'on ne l'avait envisagé. Chaque faction a sa milice, ce qui contri¬ au pillage par les soldats d'occupation et les Les Américains ont annoncé qu'ils pourraient bue à diviser le pays en fiefs. Ces milices ne sociétés de sécurité privées, à l'infiltration par rapatrier leurs troupes et mettre un terme à reculent devant rien, malgré d'innombrables des services de renseignements étrangers et à toute coopération dans le cas où les Irakiens conférences de réconciliation, de fatvvas in¬ l'effondrement du civisme. Tout cela exige refuseraient de signer leur projet de traité de terdisant de verser le sang et d'appels au des réponses rapides de la part des forces coopération militaire [le gouvernement ira¬ calme lancés par les autorités religieuses. La politiques. Or celles-ci ne s'y sont pas prépa¬ kien a adopté ce texte le 16 novembre]. Or les plupart du temps, les conflits ne portent pas rées durant les six années qui se sont écou¬ conséquences risquent d'être considérables. sur le projet politique mais sur le partage des lées depuis la chute de Saddam Hussein. Qui Depuis le renversement de Saddam Hussein, richesses, des ressources et des postes. garantira que les luttes confessionnelles ne l'effondrement de l'Etat et la déstructuration L'attrait du pouvoir, des petits avantages, de reprendront pas quand les Américains seront confessionnelle, ethnique et régionaliste de la l'argent, des privilèges et des postes est plus partis ? société irakienne, les Américains sont dans le fort que tous les principes patriotiques pro¬ Le problème des quotas confessionnels pays le seul pôle de stabilité. fessés dans les médias. dans les forces de l'ordre, par exemple, n'a Les Irakiens ne se sont pas préparés à ce En cas de retrait soudain des Américains, pas été résolu par le gouvernement. De tournant historique. Si l'avenir reste à ce il n'y aura ni armée nationale, ni police, ni même, les divisions confessionnelles et eth¬ point incertain, chacun des innombrables services de renseignements irakiens pour niques dans les ministères menacent l'unité dossiers en suspens est susceptible de dyna¬ contrôler le terrain. En effet, les différents du pays. Le confessionnalisme détruit la co¬ miter le processus politique et de ramener la gouvernements qui se sont succédé depuis la hésion sociale et prépare le terrain à d'autres situation sécuritaire à son point de départ. Ils chute de l'ancien régime n'ont pas su former campagnes d'épuration. Ainsi, à Mossoul, le sont impuissants à élaborer un projet natio¬ une armée capable d'intervenir dans toutes déploiement de l'armée irakienne n'a pas nal acceptable pour tous. Pis, ils n'arrivent les régions du pays. L'armée de l'air est empêché que des voitures circulant dans la même pas à parler un langage commun. La inexistante et l'armée de terre sous-équipée, ville ne diffusent par haut-parleurs menaces définition de termes tels que terrorisme varie la corruption est endémique et le comman¬ et injonctions de quitter la ville à l'adresse d'un parti à l'autre, de sorte que la loi antiter¬ dement est divisé en clans, factions et cou¬ des chrétiens. roriste est appliquée selon le plus petit dé¬ rants politiques, régionaux et confessionnels, Personne ne souhaite le maintien des for¬ nominateur commun. Le fédéralisme signifie- chaque groupe ayant ses colonels et ses ba¬ ces d'occupation dans le pays, mais l'Etat t-il des quotas pour les postes de gouverne¬ taillons. Il en va de même pour la police, qui n'est pas suffisamment fort pour combler le ment ou une autonomie des provinces ? est infiltrée par des miliciens confessionnels. vide que créerait le départ des près de Qu'est-ce une "minorité" et une "majorité" ? Chaque province a ses propres services de 150 000 soldats américains avec tout leur L'identité de l'Irak est-elle arabe ou plu¬ sécurité et sa propre police, susceptibles de se matériel et leurs services de renseignements. rielle ? transformer à tout instant en force d'appoint En revanche, les pays voisins, et notamment Les citoyens ont constaté, au cours des confessionnelle afin de défendre des intérêts l'Iran, se tiennent en embuscade pour éten¬ dernières années, que l'armée américaine catégoriels. dre leur influence. Dans cette situation em¬ était le seul recours pour arbitrer entre les L'imbroglio politique est parfaitement il¬ brouillée, que peuvent faire les Irakiens sans forces politiques concurrentes et trancher. La lustré par l'étrange débat qui s'est déroulé au les "barbares" ? Au moins sont-ils une partie plupart des acteurs politiques irakiens y ont Parlement sur les jours fériés. La proposition de la solution, comme le disait le poète grec consenti. A Bagdad, centre névralgique du de faire passer le jour de repos hebdomadaire Cavafy. pays, ce sont les Américains qui ont eu l'idée du samedi au jeudi a soulevé les passions. de séparer les quartiers sunnites et chiites par Certains députés ont alors demandé que cha¬ Shaker Al-Anbari des murs de béton afin d'éviter les attaques. que province puisse fixer ses propres règles Al Mustaqbal

30 Revue de Presse-Press Revieio-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

NOVEMBER 12,2008 Todays Zaman Defense minister's remarks on nation-state spark criticism AY$EKARABAT

Remarks made by Defense Minister Vecdi Goniil on Turkey's nation-state building, which defended deportations of Greeks and Armenians from Anatolia at the beginning of the last century, have been met with harsh criticism from intellectuals and civil society organizations.

Gontil, who was in Brussels to participate in a European Union defense ministers' meet¬ ing, gave a speech at the Turkish Embassy there on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatiirk on Nov. 10. In his speech Goniil claimed that if Greeks and Armenians were still living in the country. Turkey would not be the same nation-state it is today. He hinted that Armenia is supporting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Goniil also complained that there was not even one single Muslim among the founders of the Izmir Chamber of Trade. Gôniil said on Tues¬ day that he had been misunderstood. Goniil was an unofficial candidate for the Greek Orthodox citizens of the young Turkish cies towards it. presidency in 2007. It has been claimed that he Republic and the Muslim citizens of Greece, Professor Baskin Oran said Goniil's re¬ had told his close circle that his wife does not which resulted in the displacement of ap¬ marks are nonsense in all of their dimensions. wear a headscarf and that his relationship with proximately 2 million people. "The expulsion of Greeks and Armenians the military is good so that he could become The Armenian population that was in Tur¬ led a delay of industrialization for at least 50 president. His role in the April 27 e- key before the establishment of Turkish Re¬ years. There is no such thing as a national memorandum issued by the armed forces also public was forced to emigrate in 1915. and the bourgeoisie: naturally, the bourgeoisie are co¬ led to questions. It was claimed that Gôniil conditions of this expulsion are the basis of operating internationally." Oran said. knew about the e-memorandum but did not Armenian claims of genocide. According to Oran. Goniil's remarks are inform the government at that time. On April In the same speech. Goniil hinted that Ar¬ also connected to the positions of Prime Minis¬ 27. 2007. the General Staff posted a declara¬ menians are supporting the PKK. "We cannot ter Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Referring to recent tion on its Web site in an attempt to discourage deny the contribution of those who consider claims that the AK Party is losing its Kurdish the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK themselves the victims of this nation-building, supporters due to Erdogan's remarks on the Party) from nominating Abdullah Giil. minister especially the forced emigration, to the strug¬ Kurdish issue, Oran said, "The others in the of foreign affairs at the time, for the presi¬ gle in the southeastern Anatolia." he said. party are just following him." dency. The government decided to hold early He added that in those days Ankara was Professor Dogu Ergil from Ankara Uni¬ elections after the e-memorandum. composed of four neighborhoods -- Armenian. versity, a Today's Zaman columnist, said Goniil. who is a former governor, claimed Jewish. Greek and Muslim -- and claimed that Gonul's remarks are very unfortunate and that that reform efforts during the last years of the after the nation-building process, it was possi¬ society is under threat. "We are all threatened Ottoman Empire were ineffective and were ble to establish a national bourgeoisie. by discriminatory perspectives that support unable to "save the country." He suggested that Soli Ozel from Istanbul Bilgi University ethnic cleansing." Ergil pointed out. the "success" of the republic lies in the nation- underlined that Goniil's remarks about nation- Ôztiirk Turkdogan, the chairman of the building process: building are correct from a historical point of Human Rights Association (IHD). said Goniil's "If there were Greeks in the Aegean and view but are very unfortunate because they remarks are a reflection of a very flawed un¬ Armenians in most places in Turkey today, show that Goniil is not aware of the loss Tur¬ derstanding of the nation-state. "The existence would it be the same nation-state? I don't know key has experienced due to the homogeniza- of different ethnicities in a country does not with which words I can explain the importance tion of the population. Ozel underlined that mean a unitary state is impossible. Goniil's re¬ of the population exchange, but if you look at Goniil's hints about the Kurdish question and marks reflect the ideas of World War II," he the former state of affairs, its importance will forced Armenian emigration clearly show that said. become very clear," Goniil said. the defense minister does not understand the The Lausanne Treaty signed in 1924 Kurdish question and the effect of failed poli called for a population exchange between the

Todays zamanI novemberi^2008 Repercussions of remarks by defense minister on the 'nation-state' Turkish Press Review region or the Armenians here and there con¬ mind me of one of my previous interviews with First Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan tinued to stay in Turkey?" he asked. Goniil a |Turkish| Istanbulite. He said Istanbul had a said on various occasions that those who do drew harsh criticism from intellectuals and population of around 1 million in 1955. 'A con¬ not like Turkey's "one nation, one flag" struc¬ civil society organizations for expressing ideas siderable number of this population comprised ture can leave and go anywhere they like bet¬ in a way that could be taken for justifying eth¬ minority groups. They acted as if they were ter. nic cleansing. the real owners of the city. They were not sympathetic. At every opportunity they made Defense Minister Vecdi Goniil took this Ali Bayramoglu of Ycni §afak criticizes you feel they were different,' the man told me. threatening discourse to new heights on Mon¬ Gônul for implying that the nation-state |of Now I see that this mindset | to see minorities day with a speech he gave at the Turkish Em¬ Turkey] managed to exist by deporting Arme¬ as an enemy] is still alive. This is the mindset bassy in Brussels. "Would we be the nation- nians, Greeks and other minorities. "This is an that tore us and Hrant Dink, a Turkish- state we are today if the Greeks in the Aegean unacceptable discourse. Gonul's remarks re

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Armanian journalist who was shot dead by an related to national defense has now delivered 70,000] and Greeks [who number around ultranationalist Turk in 2007, apart. This a speech on nation building. "He says: 'Before 3,000] live in Turkey as our citizens. Goniil mindset carries the sorrow of the Sept. 6-7 the foundation of the republic, there were four made a blunder by considering these citizens a incidents [a state-sponsored campaign de¬ districts in Ankara, where Jews, Armenians, 'threat to the nation-state.' This is a crime ac¬ signed to intimidate Turkey's non-Turkish com¬ Greeks and Turks lived. Minorities owned the cording to the Constitution. The defense minis¬ munities into leaving their homeland to clear fertile lands in the Aegean region. The most ter should either resign or be removed from the way for a homogeneous Turkish state] to important step in building this nation was the office. He should, furthermore, be tried in ac¬ our day. The fact that this mindset has grabbed population exchange. Mind you, would we be cordance with Article 216 of the Turkish Penal the opportunity to be represented by a such a nation-state if the Greeks in the Aegean Code [TCK] since he declared Armenians and prominent figure of the ruling party is a mis¬ region or Armenians here and there [in Tur¬ Greeks, who are our citizens, non-national fortune for all of us," Bayramogiu states. key | continued to stay?' Everything he said elements. This absurdity cannot have anything Star's Eser Karaka§ says he is surprised to was politically and legally scandalous," re¬ to do with freedom of expression," Karakaf see that a defense minister who did not utter a marks Karaka§, adding that Goniil violated the concludes. single word on the Oct. 3 Aktiitiin terrorist at¬ Constitution and committed a crime with these tack that left many Turkish soldiers dead and remarks. "According to Article 66 of the Con¬ who does not brief the nation on issues directly stitution, Armenians [who number around

International Crisis Group Crisis Group WORKING TO PREVENT t counter woriowioe Middle East Report N°81 13 November 2008

TURKEY AND IRAQI KURDS: CONFLICT OR COOPERATION? EXECUTIVE SUMMARY pressure, politics, diplomacy and economic incentives. On the issue of Iraq's political future, Turkey has come to accept that the question no AT A TIME when rising Arab-Kurdish tensions again threaten Iraq's longer is whether it will be a federation or a unitary state but rather stability, neighbouring Turkey has begun to cast a large shadow over what type of federation will arise and with what degree of decentralisa¬ Iraqi Kurdistan. It has been a study in contrasts: Turkish jets periodi¬ tion. It also has steered a middle course in the struggle over Kirkuk, cally bomb suspected hideouts of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party disputed between Kurds, Arabs, Turkomans and others. In particular, it (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistan, PKK) in northern Iraq, and Ankara ex¬ stopped relying on the Turkoman population for its main leverage presses alarm at the prospect of Kurdish independence, yet at the points, instead insisting on preserving the city's multi-ethnic/religious same time has significantly deepened its ties to the Iraqi Kurdish re¬ fabric. In so doing, it can hinder the Kurds' exclusive claim to the oil- gion. Both Turkey and Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG, a rich region without which the KRG would probably lack the economic term Turkey studiously avoids) would be well served by keeping ultra- autonomy necessary for genuine independence. nationalism at bay and continuing to invest in a relationship that, though fragile and buffeted by the many uncertainties surrounding Iraq, Turkey has proved adroit in other ways too. It has deepened economic has proved remarkably pragmatic and fruitful. ties with the Kurdish area while holding back on providing material aid to its energy sector or allowing the KRG to export oil and gas through Ankara's policy toward Iraq is based on two core national interests: its territory until Iraq has adopted a federalhydrocarbons law - a step preserving that country's territorial integrity and fighting the PKK, which Ankara considers critical to that country's territorial integrity. Fi¬ whose rebels use remote mountain areas on the border as sanctuary nally, Turkey has mounted limited military cross-border operations and staging ground for attacks inside Turkey. From Turkey's perspec¬ against the PKK, designed more to pressure the KRG to take action tive, Iraq's disintegration would remove a critical counterweight to Ira¬ and convince the U.S. to use its own leverage than to crush the Kurd¬ nian influence and, more ominously, herald the birth of an independent ish movement - overall, a far more effective way of dealing with this Kurdish state in northern Iraq, thus threatening to inflame Kurdish na¬ perennial challenge than serial Turkish bombing, whose military impact tionalist passions inside Turkey. As a result, it has sought to prevent (as opposed to any temporary political benefits) is highly questionable. the sectarian conflict in Iraq's centre from escalating, Iraqi Kurds from In short, Turkey has both pressured and reached out to Iraq's Kurdish seceding and the PKK from prospering. authorities, concluding this is the optimal way to contain the PKK, en¬ There is broad consensus in Turkey regarding these goals. However, courage Iraqi national reconciliation and tie the Kurds more closely with opinions diverge on how best to achieve them. Members of the Kemal- the central state. ist-nationalist establishment -the Turkish armed forces, powerful parts There have been real benefits for the KRG as well. The slowly warming of the bureaucracy, the Republican People's Party and the Nationalist relationship is based on its realisation that U.S. forces may draw down Movement Party - view the KRG and the Kurdish national ideal it rep¬ significantly in the next two years, leaving the Kurds increasingly de¬ resents as an existential threat. They are convinced that a far more pendent on the federal government and neighbouring states such as aggressive posture toward the KRG is required to force it to stop pro¬ Turkey and Iran. Under this scenario, Turkey would be a more useful tecting the PKK. As a result, they advocate isolating it diplomatically, partner to the Kurds than either Baghdad or Tehran, because of the limiting its authority to the pre-2003 internal boundaries and keeping it prospect it offers of access to European Union (which, even at An¬ economically weak. the kara's current customs union relationship to Brussels, would exceed as Pro-European liberal circles, the ruling religious-conservative Justice an economic magnet anything even an oil-rich Iraq would offer); its and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi, AKP) and Kurdish availability as a trans-shipment country for Kurdish oil and gas; its abil¬ elites take a different view. They see the landlocked Kurdistan federal ity to invest in major infrastructure projects; and the better quality of the region as vulnerable and having little choice but to rely on Turkey for goods it sells to Iraq's Kurdistan federal region. protection (for example, from a resurgent central Iraqi state) and eco¬ The result has been a (still fragile) victory for pragmatism over ultra- nomic prosperity. They view the area as a potential buffer between nationalism on both sides of the border. Rapprochement between Tur¬ Turkey and the rest of Iraq which, in the event of a U.S. withdrawal, key and the KRG will not solve all problems, nor root out the unhelpful could revert to civil war. They believe the best way to combat the PKK spasms of nationalist rhetoric that intermittently contaminate political is to persuade the KRG to do so. For these reasons, they advocate discourse. More is required to lay the foundations of a lasting, stable stronger diplomatic, political and economic ties with the KRG in order relationship, including a peaceful, consensus-based solution to the to extend Turkish influence, cement the Kurdistan federal region more Kirkuk question. But, amid the many uncertain prospects facing Iraq, solidly within Iraq and ensure action is taken against the PKK. this at least is one development to be welcomed and nurtured. Divisions have yielded a measure of confusion, but the end-result has Istanbul/Brussels, 13 November 2008 been a strikingly pragmatic and largely effective compromise between the AKP and the more traditional establishment, combining military

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NOVEMBER 13. 2008 Q&A: MASSOUD BARZANI AND JAY GARNER Doubts About Withdrawal From Iraq THE IRAQI KURDISTAN PRESIDENT & THE ARMY'S FORMER RECONSTRUCTION CHIEF ON THE FUTURE OF THE OCCUPATION

THE IRAQI government is set to vote this weekend on the Status Of Forces Agreement with the United States, which would allow U.S. troops to stay in Iraq for three more years while outlining benchmarks for withdrawal from certain regions. A United Nations mandate currently governing the presence of the 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq is set to expire on Dec. 31. After meeting with President Bush, Iraqi Kurdistan President Mas¬ soud Barzani visited National Journal on Oct. 30 with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, who was formerly in charge of reconstruction in Iraq. Barzani, using a translator, and Garner spoke with NJ staff about the new agreement and the future of the U.S. presence in the country. Excerpts of the conversation, edited by NationalJour- nal.com's Theresa Poulson, follow. Visit the archives page for more Insider Interviews. NJ: Will the Status Of Forces Agreement be approved or not? If not, what are the implications? Barzani: We have expressed our position clearly that we are for this agreement, and we see it in the interests of both sides, Iraq and the United States, and it's in the interest of the Iraqi people and the United States people. Our position has been expressed clearly in favor of the agree¬ ment, and the efforts are continuing, but at the same time there are still liberation forces, when they turned themselves into an occupation force obstacles in the way, and there are doubts, and there are possibilities of and the issuance of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1483 ~ that has not having the agreement, or at least to have it delayed. been the biggest mistake, and we are dealing with the consequences of this. And now it's too late to talk about what's to be done. NJ: What would be the consequences if there is no agreement? U.S. forces have said they will stand down and stop operations NJ: During a withdrawal, what does the United States need to do and retreat to their bases. to avoid Iraq completely falling apart? Barzani: Indeed, the agreement is the best option that we have. All the Barzani: Indeed, we have to be honest, and the United States has to come other alternatives are not good; therefore the options are not good. up and say clearly... whether Iraq would remain as the top priority of the Whether to have an extension of the status quo or to have the withdrawal United States and would be at the top of its agenda or not. Otherwise, hav¬ of the forces - with the agreement or without the agreement - we're ex¬ ing 140,000 troops on the ground, how would you be acting in that way? pecting bad consequences, not good ones. While you have liberated that country, you have brought these people to be in power. NJ: General Garner, please explain the situation as far as getting oil out of Kurdistan under Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution. NJ: How long should U.S. troops stay in Iraq? Garner: The disagreement with the government stands on who has the Barzani: Of course we do not want the troops to stay there forever. And authority to let people come in and drill oil. The Kurdish government says, we want them to come back to their homes [as soon as possible]. But of "We have the right to let the contracts," but what they're doing as they do course if you leave the business unfinished and leave Iraq, that would be that, they pay 83 percent of the revenues to the Iraqi government. They're the biggest success and victory for the terrorists, and will be a big defeat filling the Iraqi government's coffers. for the United States and the allies of the United States...... So what 140 says is, we'll have a democratic process, where we have We believe that there is room for the forces to be gradually decreasing. a referendum, and let the people choose what they want to do. And what we've continually done here is put that off; where the constitution called for that referendum by the end of 2007, we put it off. We said, OK, we'll have it in six months. We still put it off. NJ: President Barzani, if indeed that obstacle is cleared, would Kurdistan be willing to sell its oil to the United States as a pre¬ ferred customer? In other words, we would pay the market price, but we would be first to be able to tap into the Kurdistan oil sup¬ ply? Barzani: Rest assured that our preferred customer would be the United States. NJ: Are you concerned by Barack Obama's plans for withdrawal? Barzani: As we have heard and seen, Senator Obama has a plan to with¬ draw the forces within 16 months. Of course, we will be seeing elections taking place in Iraq as well. As a result of the elections in Iraq, there will be change in Iraq before the end of 2009. Of course the Iraqis have to try to find a solution for their problems and to manage their country, because they should not wait forever to see the U.S. forces to remain there. It's true that within the 16 months that's critical for us ~ to withdraw the troops by the end of 2011 but the events in Iraq would also determine how things go. It's not necessary for this size of the troops to remain on the ground there. NJ: What does the United States need to do to stabilize when the troops begin the pullout at some level? But of course if there would be a withdrawal from the country, without having the agreement and without having a proper alternative, there is the Barzani: Sometimes there are cases when you can do things to avoid fear that once again the terrorists would be encouraged and the situation problems, but the problems have happened, and now it's too late to talk in Iraq would deteriorate, and Iraq once again will become a safe haven about it. I believe with the fall of the regime, when the U.S. forces were for the terrorists, and that would lead to more deterioration.

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NJ: Would Iraq then move toward civil war if the U.S. troops with¬ rity situation in Iraq cannot be sustained without the support and the assis¬ drew? tance of the multinational forces in Iraq; the Iraqi forces themselves would Barzani: That possibility is there. not be able to provide that kind of stability or security. NJ: Is your regime providing protection for PKK bands operating NJ: And how long until that situation changes? out of Iraqi Kurdistan? Barzani: Certainly it needs time; probably it needs a few years. Barzani: We refute such kind of accusations. We challenge if there is one NJ: Could and should the surge have worked three or four years evidence for us to be protecting these groups. The problem of PKK is an earlier? internal, domestic problem. Turkish Garner: Would the surge have worked three years earlier? Possibly, Recently we have seen some positive change on the attitude of Turkey. yeah. We didn't do a lot for those three years except just sit around and

And in the last week, within a week, I have met for two times the special watch. ... What helped the surge was, in Anbar of course the tribes de¬ representative of the Turkish government, and both sides have agreed cided they were so tired of al-Qaida, they decided to cooperate. Muqtada that we will continue in this dialogue and that we try together in order to al-Sadr decided he'd be a little bit quiet during this time, so those two

find a solution to this problem. things helped. Whether those would've occurred three years earlier, I NJ: Can you dispute that Kurdistan Workers Party guerrillas are don't know.

largely based in the territory, in Kurdistan? But where I think we missed the boat, what really would have worked, is Barzani: One has to know the geography and the topography of that area if when we went in there, instead of trying to rubber-stamp a democracy... when talking about this issue. So we are talking about a border strip... a if we had let them go to a federal system, where you could have still had a border triangle between Iraq, Iran and Turkey. These are tough and rough government in Baghdad, but where you put the people in their own tribal, mountainous areas. The majority or the bulk of the PKK forces are inside ethnic and religious comfort zone. So you could have had a federal sys¬ Turkey; probably they have some presence on this border strip. We have tem - like in Kurdistan, where they elect their own leader, they have their neither villages nor our forces present in these areas, and we have never own security forces, they have their own constitution, and they could re¬ prevented Turkey from doing any operations in these border areas of this port back to Baghdad, just like they do in Kurdistan but where the velvet triangle. PKK is not present in any populated village or city or areas that fist of government felt by the people would have been from their federal district, not from Baghdad. have road access to it. NJ: What's your assessment of the sustainability and competence NJ: What policy could the U.S. take toward Iran that would be of the Maliki government? helpful to the future of Iraq? Barzani: The situation in Iraq is a complicated one. In fact, we are not Barzani: There is no doubt that Iran has influence in Iraq. And Iran wants happy with the performance of the Maliki government, nor are we satis¬ to have a role in Iraq and also in the region. And at the same time, Iran wanted assurances that the situation in Iraq would not have a negative fied with our own performance. But the issue is not personally Maliki... It is true that there are differences and also disputes, but we believe that so impact and that Iraq would not be utilized to launch attacks. Of course Iran long as we have the constitution, the constitution is where we should go, has its own agenda. in order to find solutions within the framework of the constitution. As for the next president of the United States, what Iran wants is that role NJ: How close is it to sustainability in the long term without large- to play, so it depends on both the next president of the United States and scale foreign support? Iraq, and to what extent the U.S. is ready to give that role, or to what ex¬ tent that role would be given, to Iran. Barzani: Of course any government would not be able to function prop¬ erly if there is no stability and security in the country and would not be able to implement any program or any plan that they have. Also, the secu

np r \National Public Radio November 14, 2008 Peter Galbraith backs ethnically divided Iraq

Peter Galbraith, a former U.S. ambassador to Croatia, says that Iraq would take this to the next step and encourage the Sunnis to form their own should split into three countries, one for each of the region, which would control that army, just as the Kurdistan region ethnic groups in the region: Sunni, Shiite and Kurd. controls the Peshmerga, or the Kurdistan army, Galbraith says. A decentralized, loosely federalized partitioned Iraq might eventu¬ The senior diplomatic fellow with the Center for Arms ally be capable of defending its own interests against its larger Control and Nonprol iteration tells NPR's Robert Siegel that neighbors of Iran and Turkey, but right now, Galbraith says, that's the country has already broken up in partitions along these not happening. lines and the U.S. should not be in the business of putting it "Iraq is not, today, defending its interests," he says. "The Iranians back together. wield enormous influence because the United States actually paved Galbraith says the ethnic factions have started taking on the way for Iran's allies to become the government of Iraq." distinct roles in Iraq. "We have, in the north Kurdistan, "With regard to the Kurds, actually there's been a change in attitude which is, in all regards, an independent coun- on the part of Turkey," Galbraith says. "There was a time when try.www.ekurd.net with its own army and its own govern¬ they thought the idea of an independent Kurdistan was an almost ment. And now between the Shiites and the Sunnis there are existential threat to Turkey. But increasingly ,www. ekurd.net Turks two separate armies there's a Shiite army it's the recognize, first, that this is an accomplished fact it's already Iraqi army, but it's dominated by the Shiites and in the happened; and second, that there are opportunities after all, they Sunni areas there's now the Awakening a 100,000-man share in common that they're secular, they're pro-Western, and, strong militia. And it is because of the Awakening, and not like the Turks, they aspire to be democratic and they're not Arabs." so much the surge of U.S. troops, that there's been this Galbraith says there are two things the U.S. can do to enhance decline in attacks by al-Qaida." stability in Iraq as it leaves. Galbraith says that the Sunni Awakening still remains very hostile to the Iraqi "First, try and solve the territorial dispute over Kirkuk and other disputed areas government, and the government sees the Awakening as a bigger threat than between the Kurds and the Arabs. Secondly, to work out a modus vivendi al-Qaida. between the Iraqi government and the Shiite-led army and the Sunni Awaken¬ The incoming Obama administration will bring Vice President-elect Joe Biden ing as to who will control what territory," he says. into the fray, which Galbraith calls "very encouraging." "If we can minimize the kinds of things that Sunnis and Shiites are going to Biden "has been the prime proponent of a decentralized Iraq, and although in fight over, it may be, over time, that they will find it in their interests to have the campaign Sen. McCain described [Biden's] plan as a 'cockamamie' idea," much greater cooperation and that voluntarily they'll build a stronger Iraqi

Galbraith says, "it is in fact what the Bush administration has done." state," Galbraith says. "I think it's unlikely the Kurds would ever join that, but I In 2007, the Bush administration financed a Sunni army the Awakening think it's quite possible between the Sunnis and Shiites." and Galbraith says this is responsible for the success so far in Iraq. Biden

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November 18. 2008 THE DAILY STAR A 'grand bargain1 might unlock Kirkuk By Michael Wahid Hanna and Joost R. Hiltermann

The struggle for oil-rich Kirkuk threatens to paralyze Iraq's on fundamental issues that divide Kurds have understood incorpora¬ guarantee equitable distribution of legislative agenda and block po¬ Iraqis, including the nature of tion of Kirkuk and its oil wealth as oil wealth, particularly to areas litical accommodation, destabiliz¬ federalism, prospects for provin¬ a first step toward viable inde¬ bereft of natural resources. Ameri¬ ing fragile security gains that have cial elections and the management pendence. Toward this end and can leaders should encourage put the issue of troop withdrawals of oil wealth. The scope of these through their alliance with the US current United Nation-led efforts on the American and the Iraqi concerns and the difficulty of military, they have established to establish a clear process for political agenda. The competition reaching piecemeal agreements their political and military su¬ resolving the status of Kirkuk and to control Kirkuk, whose oil field complicate legislative progress, as premacy in the city. For Kurdish power relations within it, as well contains 13 percent of Iraq's do shifting parliamentary alliances leaders who have staked much of as in other mixed-population areas proven reserves, has exposed a and the Kurdish parties' ability to their legitimacy on their push for claimed by the Kurds. deep fault line between Arabs and hold federal legislation hostage to control of Kirkuk, such a compro¬ The struggle over disputed Kurds. their aspirations in Kirkuk. mise would be difficult to sell to territories has also stoked tensions In addition to the intermittent The interlocking nature of the their own people, who have not in other areas of the country. In the ethnic violence in the city, Kirkuk issues involved suggests that a forgotten the "Arabization" and eastern city of Khanaqin, Kurdish is at the center of national comprehensive deal - a grand expulsion campaigns under Sad¬ troops who control security in the parliamentary gridlock. In July, bargain - makes political sense. dam Hussein. city recently engaged in a standoff Iraqi Kurdish parties and their ally And it seems quite possible given However, the undeniable blow with Iraqi security forces that in the ruling coalition, the Islamic the precedent set by a package felt by Kurds would be softened raised the prospect of Arab- Supreme Council of Iraq, blocked a deal earlier this year, when na¬ by the legal right to develop their Kurdish violence and threatened provincial election law - legislation tional legislators agreed on a own oil and gas wealth, legal to undermine the governing coali¬ seen by the United States and key national budget, an amnesty and assurances on the equitable distri¬ tion. regional actors as critical to recali¬ provincial powers all at once. bution of all Iraqi hydrocarbon Although rising tensions high¬ brating Iraq's shaken political The key aspects of a grand wealth, and secure and recognized light the fragility of the current system. The Parliament approved bargain are widely understood. All boundaries for the Kurdistan situation, the Kirkuk conflict also a revised law in September on the sides would agree that the process region. Moreover, by soothing the offers a unique opportunity to seek basis of a compromise proposed will fulfill the requirements of the sensibilities of neighbors hostile to a broad-based compromise. The and encouraged by the United Iraqi Constitution and reflect the their aspirations, such as Turkey prospects for advancing a "grand Nations, whereby a separate par¬ will of those affected by any and Iran, the Kurds would limit bargain" are far from assured. liamentary committee would agreement on disputed territories. opportunities for outside interfer¬ However, recent progress on address disputes on Kirkuk out¬ The broad outlines of the deal ence. Finally, in light of increasing security will prove ephemeral if side the framework of provincial would include: passage of a pro¬ tensions and splits within the Iraqi the major political disputes roiling elections, allowing voting to pro¬ vincial election law for Kirkuk and ruling coalition over Kirkuk, com¬ Iraq are not dealt with expedi¬ ceed in the rest of the country. So agreement on the city's special promise would guarantee the tiously. the fundamental disputes over the status as a standalone federal Kurds a continuing and vital role city remain, and the feasibility of region for an interim period with in affecting policy decisions in Michael Wahid Hanna is a pro¬ future legislative efforts and the provisions for power sharing; Baghdad. gram officer at The Century Foun¬ country's future depend on ad¬ adjustment of provincial bounda¬ As for the Kurds' opponents - dation in New York. Joost R. dressing the "Kirkuk veto." ries; agreement on oil and gas a motley alliance of Turkmen, Hiltermann is deputy program Paradoxically, this dispute also management and revenue distri¬ Sunni Arabs and the majority of director for the Middle East at the holds the potential for political bution; and constitutional revision Shiites, who have been hostile to International Crisis Group in compromise on the future shape of to reflect the terms of a negotiated Kurdish territorial claims and Istanbul. This commentary first the Iraqi state. If the country's solution. In keeping with constitu¬ maneuvering on hydrocarbon appeared in Toronto's The Globe leaders can get Kirkuk right, there tional requirements, the terms of legislation - agreement on a special and Mail, and is published is real hope that Iraq can stabilize any such negotiated solution status for Kirkuk might bring them into something more closely re¬ would be submitted to a popular around on other legislation as well. sembling a governable state. referendum. In turn, agreement on an oil and Beyond the basic territorial is¬ The snag may well be that, gas law would help cement cohe¬ sue, Kirkuk's future status touches aside from their historical claims, sion of the Iraqi state and help by permission of the authors.

Iraq announced date for long-delayed elections, aIP Associated Press but disputed Kirkuk left out of vote November 18. 2008

By SAMEER N. YACOUB I Associated Press Writer While the security situation has improved, Iraqi politics are still vulnerable to sectarian divisions among the country's major factions: Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds. , BAGHDAD (AP) _ Iraq said Tuesday that it will hold long-awaited provincial elections on Jan. 31, a step forward for U.S.-backed efforts to promote national The elections will not take place in Tamim province, which includes the oil- reconciliation even though a key northern area will not participate in the vote. rich city of Kirkuk. Lawmakers had decided to postpone a decision on how to resolve a power-sharing dispute over Kirkuk, which Kurdish leaders believe Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the Cabinet decided on the date, should be incorporated into their semi-autonomous region in the north. which had been widely expected, at a meeting Tuesday. The announcement of the election date comes as parliament prepares for a Nov. 24 vote on a U.S.¬ Tahir Mohammed, a Kurdish elections official, also said no date has been set Iraqi security pact to allow American troops to stay in Iraq for three more for elections in the three provinces in the Kurd-administered region. Iraq has years. 18 provinces. Faraj al-Haidari, a senior electoral official, said the Cabinet decided on the date after consulting the Iraqi High Electoral Commission. Both developments followed months of painstaking negotiations to balance the interests of Iraq's rival factions, reflecting continued sectarian and ethnic "We have completed all our preparations for the elections and we are fully tensions in the country despite a decline in violence. The elections had been ready and we have no problem with this date," al-Haidari said U.S. officials hoped for as early as Oct. 1. They will be the first provincial elections since hope the election will give greater representation to minority Sunni Arabs. 2005, when Iraq's insurgency was far stronger than it is now. Many Sunnis and some Shiites boycotted the last provincial election in Janu¬ ary 2005, enabling Shiite religious parties and the Kurds to win a dispropor¬ tionate share of the seats.

35 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

HeralïSftribune November 17, 2008 Iraq cabinet approves pact with U.S. on forces

For months, the fate of the pact has said Sunday. "We respect their position, Ministers approve been in doubt as Iraqis pressed for more but we support the majority decision." changes, including jurisdiction over op¬ The anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Moktada withdrawal by end of erations by U.S. troops and the flexibil¬ al-Sadr had called for armed resistance ity of the withdrawal date. The United against any agreement that allowed a 2011 States, which had wanted the pact con¬ continued U.S. presence in Iraq. after tense talks cluded by midsummer, gave significant "I repeat my demand to the occupier concessions. Iraqi officials said minor to leave our land without keeping bases By Campbell Robertson tweaks were being made last week. or signing agreements," Sadr said in a Under the agreement, U.S. soldiers text read to thousands of supporters at BAGHDAD: The Iraqi cabinet voted are still guaranteed immunity, except Friday prayers. "If they keep bases, then overwhelmingly Sunday to approve the in cases of serious felonies committed I would support honorable resistance." security agreement that sets the condi¬ while off-duty outside their bases. Sistani is enormously influential tions for the continued U.S. presence in "We welcome the cabinet's approval among the majority Shiite population. In Iraq from Jan. 1, 2009, until the end of of the agreement today," said a repre¬ 2004, when he wanted to put pressure on 2011. sentative of the U.S. Embassy in Bagh¬ the Americans to hold direct elections, All but one of the 28 cabinet minis¬ dad. "This is an important and positive ters at the session Sunday voted for the step." he called upon his followers to march by agreement and sent it to Parliament for Many members of Parliament from the hundreds of thousands in a peaceful consideration, a huge relief to the Tawafiq, the Sunni bloc, said they were but powerful demonstration of force. United States, which had been in in¬ still undecided on the pact, arguing Dabbagh said of the Sadrists: "You tense negotiations for nearly a year. that a national referendum was crucial cannot guarantee a 100 percent approval The White House welcomed the vote to approval. Parties representing about of anything. They are performing and as a "positive step," Reuters reported a third of that bloc's members have in¬ they are practicing their role in Iraqi de¬ from Washington. dicated that they would support the mocracy right now, and they are express¬ "While the process is not yet com¬ agreement in its current form. ing their opinion in a peaceful way and plete, we remain hopeful and confident The Kurds, who had recently ex¬ not a violent way, which we encourage." we'll soon have an agreement that pressed hesitation about the agreement serves both the people of Iraq and the despite weeks of solid support, seem to Stephen Farrell, Tariq Maher, Riyadh United States well," said Gordon have decided on approval. Muhammed, Muhammed Hussein, Johndroe, the White House spokesman. "We have already expected that the Suadad al-Salhy and Abeer Mohammed The United Nations Security Council cabinet would pass this agreement, be¬ contributed reporting. resolution that allows U.S. troops to op¬ cause this is the best option," said Mah¬ erate in Iraq expires Dec. 31, and, with¬ moud Othman, an independent Kurdish Suicide car bomb in Diyala out an extension of the resolution or a member of Parliament. "Our Kurdish separate agreement with the Iraqis like leaders are with the agreement." that approved by the cabinet Sunday, Leaders of some of the smaller blocs, The Iraqi police said Sunday that sev¬ forces of the U.S.-led coalition would like Iraqia, a secular group represent¬ en people died in a suicide car bombing have no legal mandate to operate. ing 24 lawmakers, and Fadhila, a Shiite at a police checkpoint in Diyala "This is the best available alterna¬ party that includes 15 members of Par¬ Province, The Associated Press report¬ tive," the Iraqi government spokesman, liament, said Sunday.that they had not ed from Baghdad. Ali al-Dabbagh, said soon after the vote. yet taken a stance on the agreement be¬ Colonel Ahmed Khalifa, chief of the "We have always said this is not a per¬ cause they had not seen the final draft. Jalula police station, said one police of¬ fect solution for the Iraqi side and it is In a crucial development, Grand ficer and six civilians were dead. The at¬ tack, in Jalula, also wounded five police not a perfect solution for the American Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most influ¬ side. But it is a procedure which was officers and two civilians. The check¬ ential Shiite cleric in Iraq, indicated Sat¬ forced circumstances and necessity." point that was targeted is near a military by urday that he would support whatever The draft approved Sunday requires base and an office of the Patriotic Union decision is made in Parliament as repre¬ of Kurdistan, a Kurdish political party. coalition forces to withdraw from Iraqi sentative of the will of the Iraqi people. cities and towns by the summer of Shiite officials who met with the 2009, and from the whole of Iraq by the ayatollah said he found the latest draft end of 2011. An earlier version had lan¬ acceptable, if not perfect, Sistani also guage some to that giving flexibility made clear that he did not side with deadline, with both sides discussing politicians who refused any agreement timetables for withdrawal, but the with the United States out of hand. Iraqis managed to have the deadline set "The people who reject this agree¬ stone. The States has about in United ment did not give us a logical alterna¬ 150,000 troops Iraq. in tive," an official in the ayatollahs office

36 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

TURQUIE: UN SOLDAT TUÉ DANS DES COMBATS AVEC DES REBELLES KURDES (ANATOLE) ANKARA. 19 nov 2008 (AFP) Le PKK est un mouvement séparatiste basé principalement dans le sud-est de la Turquie à majorité kurde et dans le nord de l'Irak, et qui mène une lutte armée contre Ankara depuis 1984 Considéré par la Turquie et par une grande UN turc a été tué et cinq autres ont été blessés mercredi au cours SOLDAT partie de la communauté internationale comme une organisation terroriste, le d'affrontements avec des rebelles kurdes dans une région montagneuse de PKK est au coeur d'un conflit qui a causé la mort, selon des estimations, du pays, a rapporté l'agence de presse Anatolie. l'est d'environ 44 000 personnes. Les combats ont éclaté entre des soldats de l'armée turque qui patrouillaient Les autorités d'Ankara accusent les rebelles kurdes d'utiliser les régions du dans une zone rurale de la province d'Agri, près de la frontière iranienne, et nord de l'Irak comme bases arrières pour commettre des attentats en terri¬ des du Parti des du (PKK), selon l'agence membres travailleurs Kurdistan toire turc, et mènent régulièrement des raids aériens contre ces positions turque qui cite le gouverneur de la province, Mehmet Cetin. situées dans des régions montagneuses et peu peuplées.

LES CORPS DE 150 KURDES VICTIMES DE SADDAM HUSSEIN RENTRENT AU KURDISTAN NAJAF (Irak), 19 nov 2008 (AFP) "Il y avait 150 corps de Kurdes sur un total de 250 corps qui ont été décou¬ verts", a précisé le ministre des droits de l'Homme. "Nous en avons identifié vingt grâce à leurs papiers et cartes d'identité, mais 130 corps ne l'ont pas LES AUTORITES irakiennes ont organisé mercredi le rapatriement dans leur encore été". région d'origine des dépouilles de 150 Kurdes tués dans les années 80 par le Il a ajouté que dès le rapatriement des corps au Kurdistan des tests ADN régime de Saddam Hussein et qui avaient été enterrés dans une fosse com¬ seraient effectués sur des familles kurdes pour qu'ils soient identifiés. mune près de la ville sainte chiite de Najaf, dans le sud du pays. Lors de la campagne Anfal (1986-1988), les troupes de Saddam ont tué envi¬ Lors d'une cérémonie à l'aéroport de la ville, récemment rouvert au trafic civil, ron 182.000 Kurdes et détruit quelque trois mille villages en représailles à des le ministre irakien des Droits de l'homme Wejdan Mikhail et le gouverneur de soulèvements kurdes pendant la guerre Iran-Irak. Najaf Assad Abou Gulal ont rendu hommage aux victimes Pendant cette campagne, un nombre inconnu de Kurdes ont été déportés de "Aujourd'hui les crimes de l'ancien régime apparaissent en pleine lumière. Ce leurs régions d'origine dans le Nord de l'Irak vers des régions désertiques où sont les restes d'hommes, de femmes, d'enfants, de familles entières", a dit le ils étaient tués et enterrés en masse. gouverneur. Jeudi, une cérémonie doit être organisée en leur hommage à Erbil, la capitale Selon lui, dans le seul gouvernorat de Najaf au moins 45 fosses communes de la région autonome du Kurdistan irakien, avant que les corps soient inhu¬ ont déjà été découvertes més dans le village de Kalar, à la lisière des provinces de Kirkouk et Soule- Les dépouilles sont celles de Kurdes tuées par les forces irakiennes pendant la manyah. Dans cette localité, est érigée un monument à la mémoire des victi¬ terrible campagne Anfal à la fin des années 80, quand des dizaines de milliers mes d'Anfal. de Kurdes ont été massacrés et des milliers de villages bombardés ou rasés.

Tribune 21 novembre 2008 de Geneve La Turquie pourrait mettre fin à l'isolement total du chef kurde Abdullah Ôcalan ANKARA (AFP) - Le gouverne¬ kurde, depuis leurs précédentes visites en ment turc envisage de mettre 2001 et 2003. fin à l'isolement total du chef re¬ Le Comité avait demandé pour le pri¬ belle kurde Abdullah Ôcalan, déte¬ sonnier le droit d'avoir la télévision, de télé¬ nu depuis 1999 dans une île-prison phoner régulièrement à ses proches, de voir ses avocats sans la présence d'un du nord-ouest de la Turquie, a af¬ membre de l'administration, d'avoir des visi¬ firmé vendredi le ministre de la Jus¬ tes plus fréquentes et de partager sa prison tice Mehmet Ali Sahin. avec d'autres détenus. Une avocate de M. Ôcalan, Hatice Kor- "Nous avons lancé une construction à kut, interrogé par téléphone depuis Istanbul, Itnrali (l'île sur laquelle est détenue Ôcalan, s'est dite sceptique au sujet de cette déci¬ ndlr) (...) nous pourrions y transférer 5-6 sion d'Ankara: "Je ne trouve pas cela détenus, c'est une question à l'étude", a-t-il convainquant", a-t-elle soulignée, indiquant dit à des journalistes, cités par les chaînes que le gouvernement aurait pu jusqu'à pré¬ de télévisions. sent faire beaucoup de choses pour alléger Le Comité antitorture (CPT) du Conseil l'isolement carcéral de son client comme de l'Europe qui a visité à plusieurs reprises améliorer le transport à l'île, été arrêté le 15 février 1999 au Kenya par Abdullah Ôcalan, 59 ans, a demandé en seule un ferry-boat opérée par des mili¬ des agents turcs avec l'aide des services mars dernier au gouvernement turc de met¬ taires peut s'y rendre, et lui autoriser l'accès de renseignement américains. tre fin à son isolement, préjudiciable à sa aux journaux et aux médias en général. santé mentale, mais la Turquie a refusé, Transféré en Turquie, il a été condamné Mais, a-t-elle ajoutée, "si le gouverne¬ selon un rapport publié à Strasbourg. à mort pour "séparatisme" , peine commuée ment met en oeuvre cette décision ce serait en 2002 en prison à vie après l'abolition de Lors d'une visite en mai 2007 dans l'île une bonne chose et pourrait calmer les la peine capitale. Imrali, le CPT a examiné les conditions de Kurdes" qui manifestent régulièrement en Le PKK, classée organisation terroriste détention et la santé d'Ôcalan, unique pen¬ Turquie et en Europe pour demander de par la Turquie, l'Union européenne et les sionnaire de l'île-prison de haute sécurité meilleurs conditions de prison pour Ôcalan. Etats-Unis, mène depuis 1984 une rébellion depuis le 16 février 1999. Fondateur et chef du Parti des travail¬ armée qui a coûté la vie à plus de 40.000 Les experts s'étaient alarmé de la nota¬ leurs du Kurdistan (PKK, interdit), Ôcalan a personnes. ble dégradation de l'état mental du chef

37 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

TURQUIE: 7 MORTS DANS DES AFFRONTEMENTS AVEC DES REBELLES KURDES DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 19 nov 2008 (AFP) - rapporté l'agence de presse Anatolie. Les combats ont éclaté entre des soldats de l'armée turque qui patrouillaient dans une zone rurale de la province d'Agri, près de la frontière iranienne, et TROIS SOLDATS turcs et quatre rebelles kurdes ont été tués mercredi au des membres du PKK, selon l'agence turque qui cite le gouverneur de la cours de deux affrontements séparés dans l'est et le sud-est de la Turquie, ont province, Mehmet Cetin. annoncé des responsables et les médias. Le PKK est un mouvement séparatiste basé principalement dans le sud-est de Quatre militants et deux soldats ont été tués au cours de combats entre les la Turquie à majorité kurde et dans le nord de l'Irak, et qui mène une lutte forces de sécurité et des rebelles du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) armée contre Ankara depuis 1984. près de la localité de Lice, dans la province de Diyarbakir, (sud-est) ont an¬ noncé des sources sécuritaires locales. Quatre membres de forces de sécuri¬ Les autorités d'Ankara accusent les rebelles kurdes d'utiliser les régions du té ont été blessés. nord de l'Irak comme bases arrières pour commettre des attentats en terri¬ toire turc, et mènent régulièrement des raids aériens contre ces positions Par ailleurs un soldat a été tué et cinq autres blessés au cours d'affrontements situées dans des régions montagneuses et peu peuplées. avec des rebelles kurdes dans une région montagneuse de l'est du pays, a

MILICES TRIBALES EN IRAK: POLEMIQUE ENTRE LA PRÉSIDENCE ET M. MALIKI BAGDAD, 21 nov 2008 (AFP) comités que par la presse (...) Ils ne ressemblent pas aux initiatives lancées par les tribus de (la province sunnite) Al-Anbar avec la formation des Sahwas et des +comités de soutien+ qui ont combattu Al-Qaïda et seulement Al- LE CONSEIL présidentiel irakien a demandé solennellement vendredi au Qaïda", ajoute la communiqué. Premier ministre Nouri al-Maliki de cesser de constituer des milices tribales Fin 2006, les tribus de la province occidentale d'AI-Anbar avaient constitué, pro-gouvernementales appelées "comités de soutien" à travers le pays. avec la bénédiction des Américains, des milices armées pour chasser al- "Notre responsabilités constitutionnelle nous contraint à vous demander d'in¬ Qaïda de cette région. Fort de ce succès, des milices du même type avaient tervenir afin d'arrêter l'action de ces comités jusqu'à ce qu'il y ait un accord été constituées dans d'autres régions où l'insurrection était présente, notam¬ (entre les institutions constitutionnelles) et que leur action soit régie par une ment Salaheddine, Diyala et dans la capitale. loi", affirme un communiqué publié vendredi sur le site du Conseil présiden¬ tiels "Mais pour nous, commencer aujourd'hui à créer des +conseils+ payés par le budget et leur demander de jouer un rôle alors qu'ils n'ont aucune base légale, Le Conseil présidentiel est composé du Kurde Jalal Talabani, du chiite Adel est une affaire importante. Il faut faire une pause car c'est une responsabilité Abdel Mahdi et du sunnite Tarek al-Hachémi. Les rivaux du Premier ministre que nous partageons", assure le Conseil. soupçonnent ce dernier de constituer ces "comités de soutien" pour élargir son Inscrit dans la Constitution, le Conseil présidentiel est une instance collective pouvoir avant les élections provinciales du 31 janvier. où les principales communautés sont représentées et qui a droit de veto sur les à Ces derniers jours, "comités de soutien" ont été l'initiative dans plusieurs les lois votées par le Parlement. villes sunnites et chiites de manifestations de chef tribaux en faveur du Pre¬ "Il n'y a aucune justification à créer de tels comités alors que le pays connaît mier ministre et de l'accord de sécurité avec les Etats-Unis sur le retrait des une énorme amélioration de la situation. Si nous en avons besoin dans cer¬ troupes américaines. tains endroits où la sécurité est menacée, alors nous devons nous mettre Le Parlement irakien doit se prononcer lundi sur l'accord de sécurité, déjà d'accord sur leur tâche, leur avenir afin que nous puissions les défendre en¬ approuvé par le gouvernement. semble", souligne le Conseil. "Les institutions officielles n'ont été informées sur les véritables buts de ces

Défilé à Bagdad contre l'accord de sécurité REUTERS j irako-américain 21 novembre 2008 - Aous Koussaï - Reuters

DES MILLIERS DE partisans de l'imam radical chiite Moktada Sadr ont défilé vendredi à Bagdad pour dénoncer le pacte de sécurité ira¬ ko-américain qui prévoit le maintien de l'US Army dans le pays jus¬ qu'à la fin 2011. Lire la suite l'article Place Firdous, à l'endroit même où l'imposante statue de l'ancien raïs Saddam Hussein, haute de 12 mètres, avait été mise à bas par les GI's victorieux le 9 avril 2003, les manifestants, hurlant des slogans et agitant des drapeaux irakiens, ont érigé une effigie du président américain George W. Bush qu'ils ont à leur tour renversée. Le mannequin portait une mallette sur laquelle était écrit "Pacte de l'asservissement et de la honte". Les sadristes ont bombardé de bouteilles l'effigie, l'ont renversée, mise en lambeaux pour finalement y mettre le feu. "Je suis avec vous pour chasser l'occupant, de quelque façon que vous jugiez appropriée", a assuré Moktada Sadr à la foule dans un message lu par un dirigeant religieux enturbanné. Les manifestants ont salué ce message de leur leader aux cris de "Dieu est grand". Des tireurs d'élite de l'armée irakienne étaient postés sur les toits des Après s'est mis à genoux, tournés vers La Mecque, pour la prière, les maisons environnantes pour surveiller le cortège et parer à tout dé¬ manifestants ont défilé à travers les rues en criant leur refus de l'ac¬ bordement. cord conclu la semaine dernière avec les Américains et actuellement "JOUR D'UNITÉ" en discussion au Parlement irakien.

38 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

"Aujourd'hui marque un jour d'unité pour toutes les communautés Le texte prévoit qu'à partir de la mi-2009, les troupes américaines ne d'Irak, Arabes, Kurdes, qui rejettent ce pacte de sécurité. Les gens patrouilleront plus dans les rues des villes et villages. sortent pour dire que cet accord ne vaut rien", a déclaré à Reuters Les forces américaines restitueront leurs bases à l'Etat irakien dans le Hazim al Aradji, l'un des collaborateurs de l'imam Sadr. courant de 2009 et ne pourront plus décider elles-mêmes de mener La police irakienne a fait savoir que la manifestation n'avait donné des raids contre des habitations sans en avoir reçu l'ordre d'un ma¬ lieu à aucun incident majeur. gistrat irakien ou sans avoir obtenu l'autorisation du gouvernement. En vertu de l'accord conclu après dix mois de difficiles négociations, les forces américaines d'Irak seront placées pour la première fois sous l'autorité du gouvernement irakien.

LA REBELLION KURDE DE TURQUIE REVENDIQUE L'ATTAQUE D'UN OLEODUC ANKARA, 22 nov 2008 (AFP) - Le gouverneur local avait indiqué que l'explosion avait provoqué une fuite de pétrole. Le PKK, considéré comme une organisation terroriste par la Turquie, les LES REBELLES séparatistes kurdes de Turquie ont revendiqué samedi l'ex¬ Etats-Unis et l'Union européenne, a déjà saboté dans le passé des gazoducs et plosion qui a provoqué vendredi un incendie dans un oléoduc reliant l'Irak au des oléoducs. sud de la Turquie, a rapporté une agence proche de la rébellion. L'oléoduc Kirkouk-Ceyhan, dont la capacité de transport est de 70 millions de Le Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) a déclaré que l'explosion était "un tonnes de pétrole par an, a aussi été saboté sur la partie irakienne de son acte de sabotage", dans un communiqué cité par l'agence de presse pro-PKK parcours par des insurgés irakiens. Firat sur son site internet. En août, le PKK avait revendiqué le sabotage de l'oléoduc Bakou-Tbilissi- L'oléoduc reliant Kirkouk, dans le nord de l'Irak, au port turc de Ceyhan, sur la Ceyhan (BTC), coupé par une explosion dans la station de pompage de Refa- Méditerranée, est toujours en proie aux flammes, selon Firat. De leur côté, hiye (est de la Turquie), et avait menacé de poursuivre les attaques contre les des responsables locaux cités par l'agence turque Anatolie ont assuré que intérêts économiques de la Turquie. L'acheminement du pétrole avait été l'incendie était circonscrit samedi. interrompu pendant trois semaines. L'explosion s'est produite à 20h30 (18h30 GMT) vendredi sur un tronçon de Le PKK mène une rébellion armée contre la Turquie depuis 1984, un conflit qui l'oléoduc situé près de Midyat, dans la province turque à majorité kurde de a fait plus de 44.000 morts. Mardin (sud-est), provoquant un incendie.

TODAYS ZAMAN 23 November 2008 Kurdistan PM and Turkish MPs attend the opening of Ishik University in Erbil By KRG

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, several Turkish Members of Parliament, and Turkey's Consul General to Mosul along with Kurdistan Regional Government and other officials attended the opening of Ishik Uni¬ versity, a private Turkish university in Erbil. Prime Minister Barzani said that he consid¬ ers the university, which is affiliated with the Fezalar Education Consortium, to be of great importance to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. "I hope that Ishik University will be¬ come a centre where both the academic as¬ pirations of our students and the aspirations of our government for a strong relationship with Turkey are realised." The Prime Minister's administration has stressed education as a strategic aspect of Turkey's Consul General Mr Ahmed Yildiz evening classes will be available for courses in English, and business capacity development in the Kurdistan Re¬ read a congratulatory letter from Turkey's computer science gion. "Today we are preparing the estab¬ Foreign Minister marking the inauguration of administration. lishment of a progressive and advanced so¬ Ishik. Mr. Yildiz said he is hopeful about the Preparations are underway to open a hu¬ as stu¬ ciety. Therefore we are trying hard to pre¬ future relationship, and explained the value manities college well. Currently 450 is pare thousands of our young people in the of cooperation in educational and commer¬ dents have been accepted, and enrolment fields of foreign language, engineering, cial fields. continuing. medicine, technical and computer sciences Ishik University President Salih Hoshoglu Mr Huseyin Chalik, Turkey's General Di¬ and other scientific fields, while also creating opened the ceremony. "Ishik University will rector of Higher Education, and these Mem¬ a new focus on the increase in skills which promote a culture of tolerance and peaceful bers of Turkey's Parliament attended the will support private sector development." coexistence. We can work together in our ceremony: Vahit Kirishchi, Selahattin Aydin, The Prime Minister also commented on study of scientific programmes." He ex¬ Ibrahim Hasgur, Halil Mazicioglu and Abdul- hadi Kahya. MPs Cavit Torun, the good progress being made in relations plained that there would be four principle Former Galip between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and colleges in the university, all taught in Eng¬ Ensarioglu and Hashim Hashimi were also Turkey, noting that the relationship is being lish: an IT college, a college of administra¬ present. built on a strong foundation of understand¬ tion and economics, and a college for ing, cooperation and growing trust. mathematics and education. In addition,

39 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

HcralS&ibltM November 21, 2008 Iran said to have material for atom bomb

By William J. Broad Its core, he added, would be about the and David E. Sanger But several obstacles size of a grapefruit. He said a cruder design would require about twice as Iran has now produced roughly remain, experts say much weapon-grade fuel. enough nuclear material to make, with "It's a virtual milestone," Cochran added purification, a single atomic Europe and the United States break said of the Iranian stockpile. It is not an bomb, according to nuclear experts down. imminent threat, he added, because the analyzing the latest report from global American intelligence agencies have further technical work required to atomic inspectors. said Iran could make a nuclear weapon make fuel for a bomb would tip off in¬ The figures detailing Iran's progress sometime between 2009 and 2015. spectors, the United States and other were contained in a routine updaté Wed¬ A U.S. national intelligence estimate powers about "where they're going." nesday from the International Atomic made public late last year concluded The agency's report made no men¬ Energy Agency, which has been con¬ that around the end of 2003, after long tion of the possible military implica¬ ducting inspections of the main Iranian effort, Iran had halted work on an actual tions ofthe size ofthe Iranian stockpile, nuclear facility at Natanz. The report weapon. But enriching uranium and ob¬ and some experts said the one-bomb concluded that as of early this month taining enough material to build a milestone was still months away. Iran had made 630 kilograms, or about weapon are considered the most diffi¬ In an analysis of the report, the Insti¬ 1,390 pounds, of low-enriched uranium. cult parts of the process. tute for Science and International Secu¬ Several experts said that was enough Siegfried Hecker of Stanford Univer¬ rity, a private group in Washington, esti¬ for a bomb, but they stressed that the sity, a former director ofthe Los Alamos mated that Iran had not yet reached the milestone was mostly symbolic, be¬ weapons laboratory in New Mexico, mark but would do so "within a few cause Iran would have to take addition¬ said the growing size of the Iranian months." It added that other analysts al steps. Not only would it have to stockpile "underscored that they are estimated it might take as much as a breach its international agreements and marching down the path to developing year. kick out the inspectors, it would have to the nuclear weapons option." Whatever the exact date, it added, further purify the fuel and put it into a In the report to its board, the atomic "Iran is progressing" toward the ability warhead design a technical advance agency said the main Iranian enrich¬ to quickly make enough weapon-grade that Western experts are unsure wheth¬ ment plant was now feeding uranium uranium for a warhead. er Iran has yet achieved. into about 3,800 centrifuges, machines Peter Zimmerman, a physicist and "They clearly have enough material that spin extremely fast to enrich the former U.S. government arms scientist, for a bomb," said Richard Garwin, a top element into nuclear fuel. That count is said the Iranian stockpile fell slightly nuclear physicist who helped invent the the same as in the agency's last short of what international officials hydrogen bomb and who has advised quarterly report, in September. Iran conservatively estimate as the minim¬ Washington for decades. "They know began installing the centrifuges in early um threatening amount of nuclear fuel. how to do the enrichment. Whether 2007. "They're very close," he said. "If it they know how to design a bomb, well, The reported total of 630 kilograms, isn't tomorrow, it's soon," probably a that's another matter." an increase of about 150 kilograms, matter of months. Iran insists that it wants only to fuel shows that Iran has been making pro¬ reactors for nuclear power, but many gress in accumulating material to make Western nations, led by the United fuel, the agency said. States, suspect its real goal is to gain the That uranium has been enriched to ability to make nuclear weapons. the low levels needed to fuel a nuclear While some Iranian officials have reactor. To further purify it to the threatened to bar inspectors, the coun¬ highly enriched state needed to fuel a try has made no such moves, and many nuclear warhead, Iran would have to re¬ experts in the Bush administration and configure its centrifuges and do a few at the international atomic agency be¬ months' worth ofadditional processing, lieve it will avoid the risk of attempting nuclear experts said. "nuclear breakout" until it possesses a "They have a weapon's worth," said larger uranium supply. Thomas Cochran, a senior scientist in Even so, for President-elect Barack the nuclear program of the Natural Re¬ Obama, the report underscores the sources Defense Council, a private magnitude of the problem that he will group in Washington that tracks atomic inherit Jan. 20: an Iran that not only has arsenals. solved many technical problems of He said the amount was suitable for a uranium enrichment but also can cred¬ relatively advanced implosion-type ibly claim to possess enough material to weapon like the one dropped on Naga¬ make a weapon if negotiations with saki, Japan, at the end of World War II.

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November 22, 2008 Aswatit al-lraq Pn i i i : -LJ. Kurdish legislator says SOFA necessary for Iraq's future

BAGHDAD / Aswat al-lraq: A Kurdish lawmaker on Saturday said that the security pact "There should be deliberations among the blocs to get to know the remarks in order to between Baghdad and Washington is necessary for the future of Iraq now that Iraqi forces study them and reach for solutions," said Shawani, who is also a member of the parlia¬ are not yet ready to take care of security. ment's Legal Committee. "Some blocs do not have fundamental reservations but fears for the period after the Shawani's bloc, headed by Fouad Maasoum, is the second largest with 53 out of a total agreement," Khaled Shawani, a member of parliament from the Kurdistan Alliance (KA), 275 seats. told Aswat al-lraq. SOFA had drawn wide-scale local popular and political controversy after the cabinet The Iraqi cabinet on Sunday had approved with an overwhelming majority of 27 votes to endorsed it on Sunday, particularly from the Sadrist bloc of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr. one the security deal between Iraq and the United States, also known as the status of In accordance with the Iraqi constitution, SOFA cannot be effective before the parliament forces agreement (SOFA), and was referred to parliament for voting. approves it. SOFA should legalize the presence of U.S. forces on Iraqi territories after the end of this Iraqi President Jalal Talabani had agreed on Friday evening with the representatives of year, when the deadline given for a UN Security Council mandate for the U.S. army to political blocs on a call to reach consensus over the deal in a way serving Iraq's higher intervene in Iraq is scheduled to expire. interests.

StarTribune November J_2^2008 Iraq's al-Maliki, president in public quarrel over tribal councils, Kurdish region By HAMZA HENDAWI , Associated Press

BAGHDAD - Iraq's presidential council has taken the unusual step of publicly criticiz¬ ing the Shiite prime minister after he berated them for their opposition to councils of loyal tribesmen in several Iraqi provinces. The quarrel is the latest in a series of politi¬ cal setbacks that underline enduring rivalries between Iraq's political factions as the country struggles to find its footing after years of brutal violence. The dispute between Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani and Tala- bani's two deputies comes with Iraqis already polarized by a proposed security agreement with the United States that would allow Ameri¬ can troops to stay in Iraq for three more years. Groups opposed to the pact say it en¬ shrines what they see as Iraq's occupation. letter. sign contracts with foreign oil companies with¬ Proponents, like al-Maliki, say it is the only Al-Maliki did not specifically mention that out the knowledge of the central government, to viable way for Iraq to regain its full sovereignty letter in his televised news conference on set up diplomatic representation offices in for¬ by 201 2. Thursday. But he said Talabani and his two eign capitals and to offer to host U.S. military At the center of the new dispute between al- deputies were picking on the support councils bases on its territory. Maliki and Talabani are the "support councils" while ignoring what he said was a long list of The Kurds have faced persecution under made up of pro-government tribesmen that constitutional violations by the self-rule Kurdish successive Arab governments in Iraq. But many began to spring up earlier this year when the region government in northern Iraq. Iraqis now complain the Kurds are flexing their prime minister took charge of military opera¬ In response, Talabani, a Sunni Kurd, and muscles too much, running their region as an tions against Shiite militias in southern Iraq. his two deputies vice presidents Tariq al- independent nation and insisting on a represen¬ The councils were seen by many as an at¬ Hashemi, a Sunni Arab, and Adel Abdul-Mahdi, tation in government that's disproportionate to tempt by the prime minister ahead of Jan. 31 a Shiite issued a statement late Friday the size of their community, which is about 20 provincial elections to create a support base in criticizing al-Maliki for airing their differences in percent of the population. areas where his Shiite rivals dominate or, in public. Massoud Barzani, the nationalist president Sunni areas, to counter the weight of U.S.- The statement said the presidential council of the self-rule Kurdish region, has complained backed groups made up of tribesmen and for¬ had decided to publicize its letter to al-Maliki "to that creating support councils in disputed areas, mer insurgents. avoid misunderstandings among members of like the oil rich northern Kirkuk region claimed Al-Maliki has said the councils are needed the public about an issue (the support councils) by the Kurds, has stoked conflict. The Supreme as a backup for official security forces similar on which it is exercising its right, indeed its Islamic Iraqi Council, the country's largest Shiite to the Sunni groups that joined forces with the duty, to supervise the workings of the state and party and a close ally of the Kurds, has ordered Americans against al-Qaida in Iraq. its concern that the constitution and the law the provincial governments it dominates in the But Talabani's office disagrees. In a letter to must be implemented." Shiite south not to cooperate with the support al-Maliki dated Nov. 18 and issued late Friday If al-Maliki felt strongly about organizing councils. after al-Maliki made their quarrel public, the pro-government tribesmen into groups, they Al-Maliki, like Sunni Arabs, objects to that presidential council said the resources being should be part of civil society and not involved plan and has recently called for amendments to tunneled to the councils would be better used to in security, it said. the constitution to give the central government bolster Iraq's security forces. Al-Maliki has for months been at logger¬ more powers. "It is our constitutional duty to demand that heads with Kurdish authorities. He said the The call riled the Kurds as well as their you intervene and order the relevant authorities presidential council should respond to Kurdish friends in the Supreme Council. to suspend the work of these councils until we "violations" instead of criticizing the support "We believe al-Maliki is trying to impose a arrive at an agreement that provides them with councils. tyranny of a sort," said Kurdish lawmaker Ab- legal and administrative cover," according to the He cited a decision by Kurdish authorities to dul-Khaleq Zangana.

41 Revue de Presse-Press Revieio-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

ÏI)C UhV5t)imitCm jJOSt November 23. 2008 Kurds in N. Iraq Receive Arms From Bulgaria 3 Planeloads of Munitions Worry Officials in Baghdad By Ernesto Londoiio Washineton Post Foreign Service

BAGHDAD - Kurdish officials this fall took delivery of three planeloads of TURKEY small arms and ammunition imported from Kurdistan Regional Government Bulgaria, three U.S. militant' officials said, an boundary acquisition that occurred outside the weapons (appro*. 10 percent procurement procedures of Iraq's central __ of Iraq's Mal area) government. Area of expanded The large quantity of weapons and the mit Kurdish control timing of the shipment alarmed U.S. offi¬ (approx. 7 percent Irbï of Iraq s total ana) cials, who have grown concerned about the prospect of an armed confrontation between Iraqi Kurds and the government at a time when the Kurds are attempting to expand their control over parts of northern Iraq. The weapons arrived in the northern city of Sulaymaniyah in September on three C- 130 cargo planes, according to the three offi¬ cials, who spoke on the condition of anonym¬ ity because of the sensitivity of the informa¬ tion. Kurdish officials declined to answer questions about the shipments but released the following statement: "The Kurdistan Re¬ gional Government continues to be on the forefront of the war on terrorism in Iraq. With that continued threat, nothing in the constitution prevents the KRG from obtain¬ ing defense materials for its regional de¬ fense." Iraq's ethnic Kurds maintain an autono¬ mous region that comprises three of the country's 18 provinces. In recent months, the Shiite-led central government in Baghdad, which includes some Kurds in prominent They first learned of the shipments from a positions, has accused Kurdish leaders of Iraqi law because only the Ministries of Inte¬ and Defense are authorized to import source in Bulgaria, the officials said. attempting to expand their territory by de¬ rior weapons. The three said they not whether ploying their militia, known as pesh merga. did know U.S. had confronted Kurdish leaders to areas south of the autonomous region. Experts on Iraq's constitution said the officials Among other things, the Kurds and Iraq's document does not clearly say whether pro¬ about the shipments or alerted Prime Minis¬ government are at odds over control of the vincial officials have the authority to import ter Nouri al-Maliki's government. oil-rich city of Kirkuk. which lies outside the weapons. However. Iraqi and U.S. officials "Yes. the Kurds have this autonomous autonomous region, and over how Iraq's oil said the Ministries of Interior and Defense region and they're authorized to keep the revenue ought to be distributed. are the only entities authorized to import pesh," one of the officials said, referring to The Kurds of northern Iraq have run their weapons. The Defense Ministry provides the militia. "But arming themselves and affairs with increasing autonomy since 1991. weapons to the Iraqi army, and the Interior bringing in weapons stealthily like that -- if I were the be con¬ when U.S. and British forces began enforcing Ministry procures arms for the country's po¬ Iraqi government, I'd pretty a no-fly zone in northern Iraq to protect the lice forces. cerned." region from President Saddam Hussein's The Iraqi government has acquired the While violence in Iraq has decreased military. The U.S. -led invasion in 2003 vast majority of its weapons through the For¬ markedly in recent months, political tension sparked concern that Iraqi Kurds would seek eign Military Sales program, a U.S. -run pro¬ is rising as Iraqi leaders gear up for provin¬ independence, but the Kurds have insisted curement system. Brig. Gen. Charles D. cial and national elections scheduled to take Luckey. who assists the Iraqi government place next year, and as they prepare for an that they wish to remain part of a federal Iraq. with weapons purchases, said Saturday. He era in which the U.S. military will have a Neighboring countries with large Kurd¬ said he knew of no instances in which pro¬ smaller presence there. the -- in¬ ish minorities, including Turkey and Iran, vincial authorities had independently pur¬ Of primary fault lines which between and and have said they would oppose the emergence chased weapons from abroad. clude tension Sunnis Shiites of¬ rivalry among Shiite political parties -- the of an independent Kurdistan, as the autono¬ With thousands of American military mous region is known. ficials involved in the training of Iraq's secu¬ rift between Kurds and the Arab-dominated Iraq's interior minister, Jawad al-Bolani, rity forces, there is little the U.S. government Iraqi government has become a top concern in recent months. Senior government offi¬ said in an interview that central government does not know about weapons that are legally cials have engaged in a war words, and officials did not authorize the purchase of imported to Iraq. The shipments from Bul¬ of Iraqi army and pesh merga units have come weapons from Bulgaria. He said such an ac¬ garia in September caught the American guard, the three said. close to clashing. quisition would constitute a "violation" of military off officials

42 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

"You could easily have a huge eruption In recent weeks, Maliki and Kurdish rising, and others were dispatched to Bagh¬ of violence in the north," said Kenneth B. leaders have exchanged sharp words over dad as part of the 2007 buildup of U.S. Katzman, a Middle East specialist at the Maliki's creation of so-called support troops. Congressional Research Service in Washing¬ councils. Maliki has said the councils, which Recently, the Iraqi government has re¬ ton. "Nothing having to do with the Kurds is are made up of pro-government tribal frained from using pesh merga forces outside resolved." leaders, are the central government's eyes of the Kurdish region and has taken steps to Because Arab Sunnis largely boycotted and ears in provinces. But Kurdistan replace predominantly Kurdish forces with the 2005 election, Kurds obtained dispropor¬ Regional Government President Massoud Sunni and Shiite soldiers in Nineveh, one of tionate political power in key provinces such Barzani and other Iraqi leaders have accused the most violent areas in Iraq. as Tamim, which includes Kirkuk, and the prime minister of using the councils to Central government officials recently Nineveh. Both abut the Kurdish autonomous bolster Maliki's influence in areas where he bristled at Barzani's offer to allow U.S. region. Kurds also control 75 of the 275 seats has little political support. In a recent news troops to establish bases in the Kurdish in parliament. conference, Barzani said Maliki was "playing autonomous region, saying the regional gov¬ This year, violence broke out in Kirkuk withlrJirp.'President Jalal Talabani, who is a ernment had no authority to make such an amid political squabbling over an Arab pro¬ Kurd, recently sent Maliki a letter saying the overture, especially as Iraqi officials are call¬ posal that seats on the Tamim provincial money being spent on councils should go to ing for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops. council should be divided evenly among eth¬ the country's armed forces. "There is a lot of tension," Kurdish par¬ nic Arabs, Kurds and Turkmens. In the end, The pesh merga, which began as a militia liament member Mahmoud Othman said. Iraqi lawmakers had to shelve plans to hold controlled by powerful Kurdish families, "Maliki and his administration are accusing provincial elections in Tamim because the fought Iraqi troops when Hussein was in the Kurdish authorities of violating the con¬ sides were unable to reach a deal. power. Since the 2003 invasion, its primary stitution. And the Kurds are accusing Maliki In August, U.S. officials narrowly role has been to patrol predominantly Kurd¬ of violating the constitution." averted an armed confrontation between an ish areas in the north. However, pesh merga Iraqi army unit and pesh merga fighters in units were deployed to the northern city of the town of Khanaqin, in Diyala province. Mosul in 2004 to help quell an insurgent up

Chicago Sribuite November23'2008 In Mosul, a battle for Christians Small community has a long history in Iraq, but many wonder what the future can hold here after coming under a spate of violence recently By Gary Marx Tribune correspondent officials to end the bloodshed. He ordered an investiga¬ First Lt. John Nimmons of the 3rd Armored Calvary A month after thousands of Christians fled this tion into the killings and sent a special envoy to Mosul to Regiment, whose platoon operates in areas with a northern Iraqi city in terror, many of the refugees meet with Christian leaders. significant number of Christian families, said the recent have returned home, but some fear a new wave of Rumors and theories about who targeted the Chris¬ wave of violence began after a car drove around, sectarian violence, church leaders say. tians range from Islamic extremists bent on extinguish¬ warning Christians to leave or die. Iraqi police now guard churches throughout this ing Christianity in Iraq to Kurds conspiring to control the The attackers also approached individuals and or¬ tense, battle-scarred city, where once-dominant insur¬ Christians in a bid to expand Kurdistan, an autonomous dered them to hand over their Iraqi identification cards, gents have lost ground in the face of a large-scale region in northern Iraq. Kurdish officials vehemently which contain information about religious affiliation. offensive by U.S. and Iraqi security forces. deny any involvement in the violence. Mosul Mayor "After they saw they were Christians, they killed them," While parts of Mosul appear normal-men dine out¬ Zuhairal-Aaraji blamed the attacks on Al Qaeda. Nimmons said. Maj. Adam Boyd, an intelligence doors at a kebab restaurant, shoppers browse for fruit "Their goal is to make Iraq unstable," he said. Also officer with the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, esti¬ and vegetables at a market and children playfully stroll in dispute is the exact number of dead. This month, a mated that 1,400 Christian families fled the city after the home from school-a few miles away, multistory build¬ U.S. military officer in Mosul said that only four or five attacks. About 70 percent of the refugees have re¬ ings lie in ruins, the streets are empty and most stores Christians had been killed, but one church leader put turned, the two priests said. are shuttered, their twisted metal facades riddled with the death toll at 16, including two women who were shot Standing in the parking lot of his walled-in church bullet holes. dead Nov. 12. In addition to the two women, those compound, Gethea pointed to three tidy homes within But the battle in Mosul, a city of 1.8 million, is not just slain include two physicians, a pharmacist, a construc¬ view. against Al Qaeda and other extremists who continue to tion worker and a blacksmith, said Rev. Rony Bakos, a "That family now lives in Turkey," he said. lay deadly mines and carry out car bombings. It also is a priest at Mosul's St. George Chaldean Catholic Monas¬ "That family went to Jordan. And that family went to conflict among the nation's religious and ethnic groups tery. Qaraqosh," one of several predominantly Christian for dominance as provincial elections, scheduled for The violence comes as Iraq's government this month villages just east of Mosul where many took refuge. January, approach. A small but ancient community, approved an election law that reserves only six of 440 One member of Gethea's congregation who returned Iraq's Christians appear powerless against greater seats on provincial councils for Christians and three to Mosul is Yousif Khalil, a 21-year-old university forces, and the community in Mosul is divided between smaller minority groups. The legislation angered Chris¬ student who fled the city with his parents, brother and those who believe they still have a place in Iraq and tian leaders, who said it failed to give their community sister after the attacks began in October. Khalil said those who fear their days here may be numbered. sufficient representation. his family returned to Mosul two weeks after Muslim Even those Christians who returned home to Mosul Iraqi Christians have a long and difficult history, and neighbors guaranteed their safety. after the latest attacks are keeping a low profile. hundreds of thousands of them have fled to neighboring "My neighbors are very good. I grew up with them," "We normally have about 200 to 300 people attend countries and the West since the Persian Gulf War in Khalil said. "They said that if you need anything, we will mass," said Rev. Peter Gethea, a priest at the Seda al- 1991. Experts say the outflow of Iraqi Christians has help you." Bashara Assyrian Catholic Church in Mosul. "Last accelerated in recent years as the insurgency gained But Gethea is less sanguine. Fearing for his life, he Sunday we only had about 20 people. People are still strength. Iraqi Christians now make up about 3 percent now removes his clerical collar whenever he leaves the scared." Neither Christian leaders nor U.S. military of the country's 28 million people, and most live in church grounds. officials in Mosul are certain who is behind the attacks, northern Iraq. "I can't wear it," he said. "They would do this to me." which received widespread international attention and In February, Paulos Faraj Rahho, the archbishop of were condemned by the Vatican. Mosul's Chaldean Catholic community, was kidnapped; The outcry from abroad has put pressure on Iraqi his body was found weeks later. Bakos said eight Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, and other Christian priests have been slain in Mosul since 2003.

43 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

REUTERS 1 Iraq in breakthrough to link Kurd oilfields to export November 24. ,2008 - By Shamal Aarawi (Reuters) ARBIL, Iraq - Iraq's oil minister and officials from its largely autonomous "There are differences not only between the federal government and the (Kurd¬ Kurdistan region agreed on Monday to link two Kurdish oilfields to the main ish) region on some articles in this law, but also among various political northern export pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, the minister said. blocs," Shahristani said. "Concerning this issue, we have agreed to prepare and link the pipeline to the Iraq has the world's third largest proven reserves at around 115 billion barrels. Iraqi strategic pipeline, but regarding the exporting process there are still some In the absence of an oil law, Baghdad has been negotiating contracts with oil unresolved points which will be discussed ... in coming days," Oil Minister majors under old laws. Hussain al-Shahristani said. He had been asked by reporters in the Kurdish capital Arbil when the Oil Ministry would grant an export license for Kurdistan's Tawke oilfield, on which Norwegian firm DNO has the concession, and for its Shiwashuk field. DNO shares surged on the news and last traded up 18 percent. Disputes between the Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have held up development of oilfields for export in Kurdistan. DNO pumps oil from Tawke but has not managed to gain a license to export it. Without a license, it has to sell oil on the domestic market at a fraction of the world price. Analysts said the news was an unexpected breakthrough. "It's a big step as far as the KRG is concerned," said Muhammad-ali Zainy of the Center for Global Energy Studies in London. "It's a surprise given that he (Shahristani) was adamant these contracts were illegal ... We don't know what's going on behind the scenes." ONGOING DISPUTE Dr. Hussein Al Shahristani, the Iraqi minister of oil (L), Shahristani was in Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials aimed at resolving and Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdis¬ the disputes over contracts the KRG signed with foreign oil firms on its tan region, speak to reporters after a meeting in Erbil, own initiative. Baghdad has said such contracts are illegal, without central on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008. government consent. The KRG says the constitution gives it the right to also do deals in its territory, "We have agreed on the principle that oil remains for all Iraqi people," Shahris¬ but the dispute has kept the majors away. tani said at a joint news conference with KRG Prime Minister Masoud Bar¬ zani. "We still believe that all differences can be resolved through dialogue and consultation," Barzani told the joint conference. Iraq's cabinet agreed a draft oil law in February last year, but it has failed to get it through parliament partly because of rows between the KRG and Baghdad Shahristani said a top priority was the development of Kurdistan's Khurmala over control of oil contracts. field to supply an Arbil refinery.

(ll)C U)USt)imiluU P0S\ November 24, 20QS As Kurdish North Grows, Some Are Left Out UNSEEN IRAQ 1U Andrcn Unuc paved. Walking back to his apartment, above a row of mechanic shops. Water Hyder Hassan Aziz, 46, walks the damp Hyder steps over a red carpet, swollen with drips disturbingly close to generator wires. streets of Irbil with his hands thrust in rain, rolled out to greet customers at the The landlord wants Hyder and his family to his coat pockets and his shoulders tense, new Bijan Plaza hotel. There are many new move out in a week. They say the building close to his ears. His clothes are faded hotels in the Kurdish areas, Hyder says. will become a hotel. gray, like the overcast early-morning sky, Most are designed for foreigners. The city no longer has room for his fam¬ and he looks at the ground when he walks, An empty plot sits like a missing tooth ily, he says. And he doesn't have a plan. He kicking small stones with every step. next to his apartment where an apartment says this without emotion, beyond worry. The bakery is a block from the apart¬ building once was and a hotel will be. The He slips off his shoes before entering ment building where Hyder has lived with new sidewalks, flagged and marked, should his apartment. Rainwater spreads like an his family for 12 years. His morning rou¬ be finished soon. Jackhammers echo ink stain on the ceiling. It forms a drip and tine, buying fresh bread for breakfast, has around the corner. Hyder's vegetable cart falls, missing a bowl. The family is quiet changed very little in that time. But in the sits idle at the construction site, its and busy with the bedding that is rolled out past five years, the street has become wooden wheels deep in mud. He won't be every night and folded away every morn¬ barely recognizable. Although most peo¬ using it today, he says. The rain keeps ing. ple in Iraq have been suffering because of people from shopping. When the smell of bread enters their the war, the Kurdish region in the country's Selling vegetables is Hyder's second home, the family members gather around north has been growing, becoming unaf- job. He is also a police officer. Hyder, half-awake and hungry. Avoiding fordable for the working class. His apartment stands at the end of the the wet areas, they sit on the floor, in a Here in Irbil, the storefront windows are block, the only site that doesn't suggest quiet circle, and eat bread with yogurt and new and the treeless street looks freshly growth. It is weathered and crumbling. tea.

44 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

REUTERS f Iraq says Kurds can seek arms, but must inform govt November 24,2008 -By Michael Christie Relations between Kurds and the government of mainly Arab Iraq have BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi government has no objection to semi- been especially strained over Kirkuk, a city that sits on potentially vast oil autonomous Kurdish authorities purchasing weapons and ammunition to fields outside of Kurdistan, but which Kurds consider their ancestral home. arm their security forces, but it wants to be informed, a government In August, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and government troops almost spokesman said Monday. came to blows over the ethnically mixed town of Khanaqin in the restive The Washington Post reported that the Kurdistan Regional Government northern province of Diyala. (KRG) had quietly shipped in three C-130 cargo planes loaded with guns Dabbagh said regional governments did not have the authority to arm and bullets from Bulgaria, stirring concerns among U.S. officials over pos¬ themselves, but the law was unavoidably fuzzy while Iraq was in the sible armed confrontation between the Kurds and the government. process of building a federal system in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S. -led The newspaper quoted federal Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani as saying invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. such a purchase of weapons by the ethnic Kurdish authorities in northern The Kurds, who have enjoyed virtual autonomy in the north since the first Iraq would be a violation of the law. Gulf War in 1991, should have asked the central authorities for equipment. Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh, however, said the government "Either that or they should be informing the federal government," Dabbagh would not oppose the Kurds arming their police if it were aimed at strength¬ said. ening national or regional security. "We understand there is a threat ... and they need to have equipment and "I don't deny there is some tension between the KRG and the federal gov¬ weapons for their own police. I don't think the federal government will ob¬ ernment due to many issues," Dabbagh said. "It won't reach to a level of ject to it so long as this comes in those circumstances." conflict." Kurds, who make up less than a fifth of Iraq's population, were killed by the The reported arms purchase which a Kurdish official denied and Dab¬ thousands under Saddam. Kurds became partners in the U.S. -backed bagh said he knew nothing concrete about came as tensions between the Baghdad government after the invasion. KRG and the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad appear to be on the rise. Jabbar Yawer, undersecretary for Peshmerga affairs in the Kurdish Re¬ That has stoked fears of a resurgence of bloodshed at a time when anti- gional Government, denied the Washington Post story. American attacks and conflict between Shi'ites and Sunnis have dropped to "As a region we don't have the right to buy any weapons without the consent their lowest level in four years. of the central government, and they haven't allocated any amount in the FUZZY LAW budget for buying weapons," he said. "All our weapons come from old Iraqi army warehouses."

Sunni bloc demands referendum on Iraq-US Ap Associated Press pact, other concessions, in exchange for support November 25, 2008 By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA - AP long way," White House press secretary Dana Perino told reporters. "But BAGHDAD (AP) A key Sunni bloc demanded Tuesday a national referen¬ they're not quite there yet to be able to take care of all their security needs on dum on the Iraqi-US security pact and other concessions in exchange for its their own, and they continue to need our support." support for the agreement, something the government keenly wants to give the At least 22 people were killed Monday in three bombings in Baghdad, accord¬ plan a broad victory in an upcoming parliamentary vote. ing to Iraqi officials. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Cabinet has already approved the agreement If the agreement passes with a narrow majority, it could prompt country's that would allow American troops to stay in Iraq through the end of 2011. most influential Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to publicly express But the ruling coalition's main Shiite and Kurdish partners would only muster a his dissatisfaction. That would likely sink the deal. slight majority in the 275-seat legislature if the largest Sunni Arab group, also Al-Sistani is revered by Iraq's majority Shiites. He has indicated that the represented in the ruling coalition, remains opposed to the agreement. The agreement was less than ideal but would not object to it if it passes by a com¬ vote is scheduled for Wednesday. fortable majority. Two hard-line Iranian newspapers urged Iraq's parliament Tuesday to reject The 44-seat Sunni bloc, the Iraqi Accordance Front, says it would only support the pact, a stand that indicates opposition to the pact remains strong among the agreement if the government meets its demand to put the same deal to a key circles in the Iranian government. vote in a nationwide referendum in 2009. Iran, Washington's longtime adversary, had for months harshly denounced the It also wants the government to accept a package of reforms designed to give pact but toned down its opposition last week after the Iraqi Cabinet approved it. the minority Sunni Arabs a bigger say in the running of the country and better But the daily Jomhuri-e-Eslami warned in an editorial that a popular uprising representation in the security forces. would erupt in Iraq if parliament approved the deal, while Kayhan, which is run by a representative of Iran's top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the agreement as a "sellout of Iraq." "The national division over the agreement is very clear," said Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, a Sunni Arab who leads the Iraqi Islamic Party, the largest Al-Maliki's two deputies warned that alternatives to the deal requesting the of three groups in the Accordance Front. "Consensus appears to be very immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops or extending the expiring U.N. mandate difficult, if not impossible." governing their presence posed a danger to Iraq's security and interests. U.S. State Department adviser David Satterfield, who led the American team "The alternatives are dangerous," Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said. that negotiated the deal, was at parliament Tuesday to meet Deputy Speaker "They will push Iraq and its young political experiment into the unknown. ... Let Khalid al-Attiyah, a senior Shiite lawmaker who is a key figure in negotiations us not play with the future of this country." with the Sunni bloc. The deal provides a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi, a Shiite, met with U.S. Ambassador Ryan cities by June 30 and from the entire country by Jan. 1, 2012 and places Crocker and Gen. Ray Odierno, the top American soldier in Iraq. If parliament them under strict Iraqi oversight. It also gives Iraq limited judicial rights over passes the deal, the three-man presidency must then ratify it. U.S. soldiers and civilian Pentagon employees in the case of serious crimes off-duty and off-base. It bars U.S. forces from using Iraqi territory from attack¬ The White House expressed hope parliament would approve the pact. ing neighboring nations. "If you look at the violence that took place there yesterday that was indis¬ Thirty lawmakers loyal to anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have criminate and killed many people it reminds us that the Iraqis have come a rejected the deal outright.

'45 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Iraqi Shiites, Kurds agree to referendum A? Associated Press on U.S. pact November 26, 2008 - By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA -AP Under the deal, U.S. forces will withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30 and BAGHDAD Iraq's ruling Shiite and Kurdish blocs have made a key the entire country by Jan. 1, 2012. Iraq will also have strict oversight over concession to a large group of Sunni Arab legislators in hopes of securing a U.S. forces. The U.N. mandate that currently governs the conduct of big majority in a parliamentary vote on a U.S.-lraqi security pact, a senior American troops gives them freer rein, leading to Iraqi complaints that they Shiite lawmaker and a close aide to the prime m inister said today. are an occupying force intent on preserving U.S. interests in the Middle East. The proposed deal would let American troops stay in Iraq through 2011, meeting a longtime Iraqi demand for a clear timetable for their exit. The vote count will be as important as the overall result because the coun¬ try's most influential Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has indi¬ But the intensity of political maneuvering among Iraqi factions contributed to cated that the deal would be acceptable only if it's passed by a big margin. deep uncertainty about the outcome of a vote scheduled for today that will He could scuttle the deal if he speaks against it. determine the status of 150,000 troops in Iraq after years of war. If parliament approves the pact, it must be ratified by the three members of Lawmakers planned to vote in a session beginning at 6 a.m. CST, but past the Presidential Council, each of whom has veto power. Two members meetings have often been delayed. support the deal. The third, Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, is a Sunni Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's ruling coalition appears to be assured of Arab who could support it if he believes that parliament's biggest Sunni at least a slim majority in the 275-seat legislature. But the prime minister bloc, the Iraqi Accordance Front, has secured enough political gains in pré¬ seeks a bigger win that transcends Iraq's factionalism and sectarian divi¬ vôté dealmaking. sions and reinforces the legitimacy of the pact, which could lead to full Iraqi The Presidency Council, which also includes President Jalal Talabani, a sovereignty and close the bloody chapter that began with the U.S. -led inva¬ Kurd, and Adel Abdul-Mahdi, a Shiite, has led a flurry of contacts with po¬ sion in 2003. litical leaders over the past week to fashion a compromise that would push Shiite Lawmaker Ridha Jawad Taqi said the government's Shiite and Kurd¬ through the security pact. ish blocs, which account for about 140 seats, or a slight majority in the leg¬ A lot of the negotiations barely relate to the security pact because political islature, were willing to hold a national referendum on the deal in 2009. That groups are seizing the opportunity to trade their support for concessions on amounts to a concession to many Sunni Arab legislators, who have said other issues. they would support the security pact Wednesday if it was put to a nation¬ wide vote next year. In addition to the referendum issue, the Sunni Arabs and smaller groups in parliament have made their agreement to the pact conditional on a package So the deal, if approved in the parliamentary vote, could still be rescinded if of sweeping political reforms for a more equitable power-sharing formula it fails in the popular referendum. between the country's Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni Arab communities. A referendum would give the Iraqi people a chance to evaluate "whether Violence has dropped sharply in Iraq since last year, but attacks continue. their interests have been achieved," said Alaa Makki, a member of parlia¬ On Wednesday, hours before the scheduled vote in parliament, a roadside ment's biggest Sunni Arab bloc, the 44-seat Iraqi Accordance Front. bomb killed two civilians and wounded four others wounded in central A senior al-Maliki aide confirmed the concession by the Kurdish and Shiite Baghdad, Iraqi officials said. blocs. Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the Police and hospital officials said the blast targeted a minibus and those subject, he said a draft bill containing provisions for the referendum and a killed were passengers. They spoke on condition of anonymity because package of political reforms demanded by the Sunnis would be voted on they weren't authorized to release the information. separately in parliament, also on Wednesday.

C|f toaS|W|t01l JJOSt November 26. 2008 IRAQI KURDS TO BEGIN SOLO EXPORTS OF CRUDE OIL By SINAN SALAHEDDIN -(AP)

BAGHDAD - Iraq's self-ruled Kurd¬ An "export license has not yet been rently produces about 2.4 million bar¬ ish regional government will granted, and is still under discussion," rels per day. The overwhelming major¬ export crude oil for the first time by Assem Jihad told The Associated Press ity is exported through its southern early next year, a Kurdish official said in a phone interview. "Only a techni¬ port. on Wednesday. cal agreement has been reached on how The Kurds, whose territory sits atop Ashti Hawrami, the natural resources to link these two fields to the Iraqi vast reserves, argue the Iraqi constitu¬ minister in the Kurdistan region, said strategical export pipeline." tion gives them the right to unilater¬ an initial 100,000 barrels per day of The distribution of Iraq's vast oil ally negotiate and sign oil deals, crude oil from two northern Iraqi fields reserves has been a major sticking without consulting with the central would be sent through a pipeline to the point in the ratification of a national government in Baghdad. Since the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. hydrocarbons law, which has been U.S. -led invasion, they have signed Exports would eventually be ramped up stalled in parliament since February nearly two dozen production-sharing to 250,000 bpd by the end of 2009, he 2007. contracts with international oil com¬ said in a statement. That delay has drastically slowed panies. Hawrami did not say when the ex¬ the pace of investments in the coun¬ The oil ministry, however, consid¬ ports would begin, but noted they try's battered oil sector, hampering ers those agreements illegal, and has would be coordinated with the Iraqi Oil Iraq's ability to ramp up production of threatened to exclude and blacklist Ministry. a resource whose export revenues ac¬ companies that sign deals with the The announcement appeared to take count for upward of 90 percent of the Kurds. the national government by surprise, government's budget. To ease the dispute, Baghdad has with a ministry spokesman saying the Iraq, which sits atop the world's proposed granting export licenses re¬ Kurds had not yet received approval to third-largest proven oil reserves with lating to only four deals struck before unilaterally begin exports. more than 115 billion barrels, cur February 2007. The Kurds, however,

46^ Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

have yet to agree to this compromise. The announcement Wednesday tails on the export mechanism, which The government's relatively hard¬ comes two days after Oil Minister Hus¬ Baghdad has insisted previously be line stance stems from concerns that sein al-Shahristani and the Kurds handled by SOMO, the state's oil mar¬ affording the Kurds too much inde¬ agreed to link the Tawke and Taq Taq keting arm. pendence in the oil sector could further oil fields to the main export pipeline Tawke is being developed by inde¬ stoke unrest among the Sunni Muslim in the north that feeds crude to Cey- pendent Norwegian oil company DNO, population in resource poor central han. while Turkey's Genel Enerji and Can¬ Iraq _ a region which had once been At a press conference after the meet¬ ada's Addax Petroleum Corp. are the epicenter of the insurgency. ing, al-Shahristani did not provide de jointly operating Taq Taq.

REUTERS f Iraq central gov't, Kurdistan agree oil exports

November 27. 2008 By Mohammed Abbas BAGHDAD (Reuters)

The right to sign oil deals with foreign oil firms has been a sore point between the KRG and the central IRAQ'S oil ministry and the country's largely autono¬ government. Baghdad does not recognize deals the mous northern Kurdish region have agreed to export oil KRG signed without its consent. from Kurdistan to Turkey, an Oil Ministry spokesman said on Thursday. " J \. |««4^*^*" Earlier on Thursday, South Korea's SK Energy (096770.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) The initial agreement represents a breakthrough in a said it would not raise investment in Kurdistan dispute between the two Iraqi authorities. Disagree¬ without central government approval. ment between the Baghdad central government and "".-' An oil law, which could help ease the passage of Exports of 100,000 barrels per day are expected to '<¥> '"?' «* foreign deals, has been held up by its link to other begin from the Tawke oil field, where Norwegian oil firm legislation contended by the KRG and the central DNO (DNO.OL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has a concession at the government. Tensions have appeared to rise between the two authorities in recent beginning of next year, KRG Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami said. months as they struggle to assert their authority. Tawke is expected to be connected to Iraq's main northern export pipeline, which Iraq's oil minister met with KRG officials on Monday to discuss the disputed foreign reaches the Turkish port of Ceyhan, by the end of this year. A second Kurdistan oil contracts and they agreed to link the Ceyhan pipeline to two Kurdish oil fields. field, Taq Taq, is due to be linked to the pipeline three to four months later, Harami said. Iraq has the world's third-largest proven reserves, at around 115 billion barrels. In the absence of an oil law, Baghdad has been negotiating contracts with oil majors Exports from Tawke and Taq Taq combined are expected to reach 250,000 barrels per day by the end of next year, he added. under old laws. rWtërsIS Iraq says Kurdish contracts not legal CAIRO, November 28,2008 (Reuters) - But Shahristani said the revenues from oil produced anywhere in Iraq belonged to central government for redistribution around the country. Oil contracts signed by the Kurdish regional government (KRG) with foreign oil companies are not recognised by central government in Baghdad, Iraqi Oil Minister "Those contracts have not been reviewed by the ministry of oil and have not been Hussain Shahristani said on Friday. recognised by the federal government," he told reporters in Cairo.

The comments come despite an initial agreement on Thursday between the central "The decision is that any oil that is produced in any part of the country has to be Iraqi oil ministry and the largely autonomous Kurdish authorities to allow exports handed over to the federal government and the ministry of oil will export it. The from Kurdistan to Turkey. revenues will go to the central budget for distribution inside the country."

Norwegian oil company DNO (DNO.OL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has a Shahristani was speaking to reporters before a Saturday OPEC meeting. concession with the KRG from which i hopes to start exports of 100,000 barrels daily in the first quarter of next year.

47 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

£tMmèt Turquie Recep Tayyip Erdogan paye sa proximité 22 novembre 2008 avec les militaires et sa gestion du dossier kurde Fin de l'état de grâce pour le premier ministre turc

ISTANBUL CORRESPONDANCE, Assiste-t-on à la fin de l'état de grâce du premier ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan ? Bousculé par les critiques, M. Erdogan se raidit depuis quelques jours. « Il est arrivé au pouvoir comme Obama. Il est devenu comme Bush », a lancé Fehmi Koru, éditorialiste du journal pro-gouvernemental Yeni Safak, au cours d'un débat télévisé. La formule, venue d'un habituel sup- porteur de la politique du parti au pou¬ voir, le parti de lajustice et du développe¬ ment (AKP), a fait mouche. « Ce que j'ai voulu dire, précise Fehmi Koru, c'est que Tayyip Erdogan, qui avaitgagné les législa¬ tives en 2002, n'a pas pu être élu député les obstacles avant2003. L'Etata multiplié Manifestation contre M. Erdogan (voilé sur la pancarte) de défenseurs de la laïcité sur sa route, comme pour les Noirs aux Etats-Unis. Il est donc arrivé comme un à Ankara, le 9 novembre, adem altan/afp Obama turc. Maintenant, il conduit par¬ fois le style de politique que Bush a mené en gauche Tara/Ta même accusé d'être deve¬ pas. » Son parler des faubourgs d'Is¬ Irak. Notamment sur la question kurde. » nu « lepremier ministre des généraux ». tanbul et ses manières parfois rustres Cette critique a rendu M. Erdogan bousculent souvent les usages du milieu furieux. Car Fehmi Koru est aussi l'ami Penchant autoritariste politique. « En Turquie, celaplaîtà un cer¬ d'enfance du président de la République Comme à son habitude, M. Erdogan tain nombre de gens qui ont besoin d'un Abdullah Gui, dont il est resté très proche, répond à ses détracteurs par le rapport berger, quitte à ce qu'il les mène à l'abat¬ et cette petite phrase semble illustrer un de force. Début novembre, septjournalis¬ toir », ajoute Mehmet Dùlger. profond désaccord entre les deux têtes de tes turcs se sont vus retirer leur accrédita¬ Le triomphe électoral de l'AKP, en l'Etat, notamment sur la question kurde. tion par ses services, au motif qu'ils juillet 2007, a renforcé le premier minis¬ Au momentoù leprésidentlance un rap¬ publiaient « des mensonges ». En 2007, tre et son emprise sur le parti au pouvoir. prochement diplomatique avec les Kurdes représenté en chat empêtré dans une Et la décision de la Cour constitutionnel¬ d'Irak, le premier ministre, lui, radicalise pelote de laine par unjournal satirique, il le, cet été, de ne pas dissoudre le parti, son discours, reprenant à son compte les avait fait condamner le caricaturiste à n'a pas provoqué l'électrochoc espéré. habituels slogans nationalistes. « Nous une lourde amende. Certains de ses Selon certains analystes, un compromis disons : "une nation, un drapeau, unepatrie anciens collaborateurs soulignent volon¬ pourrait même avoir été trouvé avec l'ar¬ et un Etat". Ceux qui ne sont pas d'accord tiers son penchant autoritaire pour expli¬ mée. avec ça devraient partir », a-t-il lancé, le quer ce virage. L'AKP est aux ordres Depuis cette élection, le gouverne¬ 3 novembre, à Hakkari, un fief kurde pro¬ depuis 2002 et ceux qui n'ont pas pris le ment a fait peu de concessions sur les che de la frontière irakienne. A mille lieues pli ont été priés de prendre du recul. réformes à mener dans le cadre des négo¬ du discours historique qu'il avait prononcé « Il a une gestion très personnelle du ciations d'adhésion à l'Union européen¬ en 2005, à Diyarbakir, reconnaissant l'exis¬ ne, achevant de décourager les intellec¬ pouvoir mais nous l'acceptons comme il tence d'un « problème kurde [qui] nepeutse tuels libéraux qui, jusqu'alors, soute¬ est », hésite Yasar Yakis, député et mem¬ résoudre queparplus de démocratie ». naient son action. «J'avais critiqué son bre de la commission des affaires euro¬ manque de sincéritéau moment de la réfor¬ Récemment, il s'est aussi illustré pour péennes. « Au cours du premier mandat, me de l'article 301 du code pénal [article avoir pris la défense d'un forcené qui un duo avec Gûl, qui est un peu ilformait qui limitait la liberté d'expression en venait d'ouvrir le feu, en plein centre d'Is¬ plus âgé que lui et qui a toujours essayé de réprimant le "dénigrement de l'identité tanbul, en direction d'un groupe de mani¬ le tempérer, témoigne Mehmet Diilger, turque"] », glisse Fehmi koru. La refon¬ festants kurdes... Ce changement de ton a ancien député AKP qui a quitté le mouve¬ te de la Constitution et le sort des minori¬ ,;valu à M. Erdogan un accueil glacial lors de ment en 2007. Erdogan est bouillant, il a tés kurdes ou alévis, par exemple, demeu¬ sa dernière tournée régionale dans le Sud- peu depatience, veut toujours avoir le der¬ il rent en suspens. Est alors que son parti se prépare à une nier mot et il a cet air de donner des ser¬ GUILLAUME PERRIER rude bataille pour les élections municipa¬ mons. Il fait des bêtises parce qu'il dit ce les, prévues en mars 2009. Le quotidien de qu'il pense. Mais aussi ce qu'il ne pense

48 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

22 novembre 2008

Les limites de la diplomatie des « bons offices » pratiquée par Ankara

ISTANBUL ouvrant les espoirs, le chef du gou¬ ment sa propre dépendance au CORRESPONDANCE vernement turc, Recep Tayyip gaz russe, mais aussi à terme celle Depuis deux ou trois ans, il y a Erdogan, a relancé, en marge de de l'Europe. peu de conflits au Moyen-Orient son invitation au sommet du G20 Les handicaps ne manquent et à ses confins qui n'aient fait le 15 novembre, une offre de média¬ pourtant pas aux ambitions de la l'objet de bons offices turcs. tion turque dans le dossier iranien, Turquie. Elle a déployé des efforts Contentieux syro-israélien, inter¬ à laquelle Téhéran s'est déclaré coûteux pour devenir, en octobre, palestiniens, indo-pakistanais, « non opposé ». Mais d'autres membre non permanent du afghano-pakistanais ou cauca¬ déclarations de M. Erdogan lors Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU. Ce siens, tous ont eu droit à des de cette visite ont brouillé son mes¬ qui devrait l'obliger, lors des efforts publics de médiation des sage. Il a appelé « lespays quipres¬ votes, à indisposer soit les Etats- dirigeants « post-islamistes » sent l'Iran d'abandonnersonpro¬ Unis, soit la Russie, alors qu'elle d'Ankara. Ceux-ci, tout en démen¬ gramme nucléaire militaire » à en dépend et veut les ménager tant vouloir ainsi compenser leurs renoncer d'abord à ces armes eux- pareillement. La Turquie aurait- déboires avec l'Union européen¬ mêmes. Ce qui n'est pas « " elle voulu ce siège par ne, se sont activement tournés la position de son pays, « simplefierté nationa¬ M. Erdogan a vers leurs « profondeurs stratégi¬ membre de l'OTAN. le », comme le dit l'ex¬ relancé une offre ques » orientales, oubliées à la chu¬ Gaffe ? Inexpérien¬ pert GarethJenkins ? de médiation te de l'Empire ottoman. Mais on ce ? Ses opposants ont Son déploiement tous dans le dossier ne leur a pas - ou pas encore - mis cela au compte de azimuts, avec l'ouvertu¬ iranien, à laquelle décerné des lauriers pour autant. ses emportements habi¬ re de multiples ambas¬ Téhéran s'est Leur contribution au dégel des tuels, pouvant mettre à sades en Afrique et en déclaré «non relations entre la Syrie et Israël fut mal toute bonne initiati¬ Asie, dépasse ses capaci¬ opposé » certes applaudie, mais leurs invita¬ ve de la Turquie. tés, ne fut-ce qu'en tions lancées à des « parias », Car son nouvel acti- - expertise. comme le chef du Hamas, Khaled visme diplomatique est vu avec Mais cette recherche d'un poids Meshaal, ou le président souda¬ espoir, surtout dans le monde ara¬ international découle aussi de nais, Omar Hassan Al-Bachir, ont be et musulman. Le principal deux impératifs : le besoin écono¬ fait grincer bien des dents. Les atout de ce pays hybride qu'est la mique de voir se stabiliser son espoirs d'Ankara de voir ces deux Turquie - sa capacité à traiter environnement régional et, plus hommes assouplir en retour leurs avec « tout le monde » - se renfor¬ encore, son désir de s'assurer le positions furent déçus ; il en fut de ce avec Péclaircie attendue de l'ar¬ maximum d'appuis diplomati¬ même pour le président iranien, rivée de M. Obama. ques sur la question kurde, son Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, invité Signe des temps, alors que problème crucial. C'est une compli¬ en Turquie en août et qui en a sur¬ Washington s'était fermement cité tacite contre tous les Kurdes tout profité pour consolider ses opposé au partenariat gazier Tur¬ indépendantistes qui cimente son positions chez lui. quie-Iran, ces deuxpays l'ont enco¬ rapprochement avec la Syrie et Mais les dirigeants turcs persé¬ re renforcé par un nouvel accord l'Iran. De même que celui qu'elle vèrent, non sans admettre que signé lundi 17 novembre. Ankara vient d'opérer, sous pression des tout succès dépend de Washing¬ faisant maintenant valoir qu'il Etats-Unis, avec l'Irak. ton. L'arrivée de Barack Obama pourra ainsi réduire non seule- Mercredi 19 novembre, a été créé à Bagdad un « comité anti- LES TENTATIVES DE MEDIATION TURQUES rebelles kurdes du PKK (Parti des travailleurs kurdes) » entre Améri¬ Israël-Palestine. round de négociations indirec¬ cains, Turcs et Irakiens, compre¬ En février 2006, visite à Ankara tes sous l'égide de diplomates nant pour la première fois un du dirigeant du Hamas Khaled turcs, qui ont aussi uvré au représentant de la région autono¬ Meshaal. rapprochement syro-libanais me du Kurdistan d'Irak, ostracisée En qui permettra la visite du prési¬ novembre 2007, le président jusque-là par Ankara. Ce qui laisse français Nicolas Sarkozy à israélien Shimon Pérès et dent espérer que les dirigeants turcs celui de l'Autorité palestinienne Damas. sauront un jour traiter leurs pro¬ Mahmoud Abbas s'adressent Russie-Géorgie. pres conflits internes, avec les Kur¬ En août 2008, la Turquie propo¬ ensemble au Parlement des avant tout, en usant de la se une « plate-forme de stabilité d'Ankara. même sagesse que celle qu'ils et de coopération pourle Cauca¬ Israël-Syrie-Liban. apprennent à déployer hors de En mai 2008, Syriens et Israé¬ se » et son président fait une visi¬ leurs frontières, m liens annoncent un premier te historique en Arménie. . -Vf, ,. SOPHIE SHIHAB

49 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

fe Dion de IRAK MANIFESTATIONS À BAGDAD CONTRE LE MAINTIEN DES 24 novembre 2008 TROUPES AMÉRICAINES JUSQU'EN 2011

MOHAMMEDKHALID/AP Des milliers d'Irakiens, la plupart chiites, protes¬ fé qui fait de l'Irak un prisonnier sans souveraineté » ou tent dans les rues de Bagdad, vendredi 21 novembre, « Les forces d'occupation doivent quitter l'Irak mainte¬ contre l'accord de sécurité avec les Etats-Unis, qui doit être ratifié par le Parlement. Ils ont répondu à l'appel du nant ». Place Ferdaous, au centre de Bagdad, des manifes¬ dirigeant radical chiite Moqtada Sadr, hostile à un accord tants ont suspendu un mannequin à l'effigie du président américain George Bush à la statue qui a remplacé celle de qui ne prévoit un départ de toutes les troupes américaines Saddam Hussein et qui avait été renversée à l'arrivée de que d'ici à la fin 2011. Des banderoles, parfois en anglais, l'armée américaine dans Bagdad, en avril 2003. - (AFP.) parfois en arabe, proclamaient : « Non à l'accord de sécuri-

BAGDAD SOUHAITE EXPORTER LE PETROLE KURDE EN UTILISANT DES OLÉODUCS IRAKIENS ERBIL (Irak). 24 nov 2008 (AFP) à cause d'interminable disputes entre les communautés (chiite, sunnite, kurde) sur le partage des revenus du pétrole entre les 18 provinces LE MINISTRE irakien du Pétrole, Hussein al-Chahristani, a affirmé lundi que son gouvernement était d'accord pour développer les forages dans la Les débats se sont envenimés après que la signature par le Kurdistan de province autonome du Kurdistan mais souhaitait que l'exportation se fasse contrats avec des firmes étrangères pour doper la production de pétrole par le biais du réseau national d'oléoducs. dans le nord, kurde, qui avec le sud chiite concentre la grande majorité des réserves de pétrole irakienne, les 3e plus importantes au monde (115 mds "Nous avons étudié la question du développement du champ pétrolier de de barils estimés). Khorman, sa connexion avec le réseau national irakien et son exportation par le biais des principaux oléoducs", a affirmé aux journalistes M. Cha- M. Chahristani a assuré lundi que ses discussions avec les responsables hristani qui effectuait une visite à Erbil (nord). kurdes n'avaient pas concerné les contrats. Il a ajouté que le gouvernement central était intéressé par le développe¬ Pour sa part, Nechirvan Barzani, le Premier ministre de la région auto¬ ment de deux champs pétroliers supplémentaires au Kurdistan mais a nome, a indiqué lors de la même conférence de presse que "les deux insisté sur la nécessité d'exporter le brut par les oléoducs existant, pour parties ont étudié les moyens de connecter les oléoducs et d'exporter le une redistribution équitable des revenus pétroliers pétrole du Kurdistan par les principaux oléoducs" existant. L'Irak n'arrive pas à se mettre d'accord sur une loi nationale sur le Pétrole Il a précise qu'un comité avait été créé à cet effet.

DEUX POLICIERS TURCS TUÉS LORS D'UNE ATTAQUE DE REBELLES KURDES (AGENCE) ANKARA, 27 nov 2008 (AFP) - DEUX POLICIERS turcs ont été tués jeudi et quatre autres ont été blessés dans le sud-est de la Turquie par des rebelles kurdes du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), a rapporté l'agence de presse Anatolie. Trois assaillants ont ouvert le feu contre une équipe de policiers régulant le trafic sur une autoroute près de la ville d'Iskenderun, tuant un officier sur le coup, ont affirmé des sources policières à Ana¬ tolie. Trois civils dont un enfant en bas âge et un policier ont été blessés. Les rebelles se sont emparés d'un véhicule et se sont enfuis, mais ont été pris en chasse par la police, selon les mêmes sources. Une fusillade s'est produite lors de la course-poursuite dans une zone montagneuse proche, au cours de laquelle un second policier a été blessé. Celui-ci a succombé à ses blessures à l'hôpital. L'opération pour arrêter les assaillants se poursuivait. Considéré comme une organisation terroriste par la Turquie, l'Union européenne et les Etats-Unis, le PKK mène depuis 1984 une lutte armée pour l'autonomie du sud-est de la Turquie, peuplé en majorité de Kurdes Le conflit a fait environ 44.000 morts, selon des chiffres officiels

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HcralC&eribunc November 26> 20m Turkey's liberals fear drift to right Erdogan has promised work and bet¬ Hopes for reform ter services in his speeches, Tan said, but has said nothing about ethnic rights, lose momentum an approach that has given Kurds the impression that they must give up their By Sabrina Tavernise cultural demands for economic ones. Although the majority of Kurds do ISTANBUL: When Recep Tayyip Er¬ not want a separate state, jobs alone dogan was first elected prime minister will not be enough to make a real ofTurkey six years ago, his policy moves change, he said. were brave and new, and this country's liberals quickly lent him their support. "Kurds sincerely want to be a part ot the country as equal citizens with He started accession talks with the democratic rights," he said. European Union, stopped aggressive Erdogan has not had it easy. For al¬ rhetoric on age-old disputes like the is¬ most two years his Islamic-inspired land of Cyprus, and told Turkey's op¬ party, Justice and Development, or pressed Kurdish minority, in a ground¬ AKP, has been tossed from one political breaking speech, that it existed. crisis to another as Turkey's secular es¬ And while liberals had grown tablishment has fought it over power. anxious in recent years, waiting for re¬ After his party narrowly missed being forms that kept being deferred, in part Lèvent Harman/Anatolian, via Reuters abolished in the summer, many liberals because Erdogan's party was tied up in A Kurdish protest in eastern Turkey. The believe that Erdogan struck a compro¬ legal battles for survival, they suppor¬ prime minister's tough talk about the mise with the military a powerful in¬ ted him, hoping he would return to his Kurds has disillusioned many liberals. agenda stitution that has pressed elected govern¬ ments for decades calculating that to Now, that seems to be changing. Lib¬ which led to a war in the 1980s between stay in power meant dropping reforms. eral columnists and intellectuals have a separatist group, the Kurdistan Work¬ "He probably thinks, they catch me begun criticizing Erdogan for what they 'If ers' Party, or PKK, and the military. again, they will ban me,' " Congar said. say is a shift away from his reformist The violence quieted over the years, "He can't lead with this fear. He has to ways toward a more nationalist line, but Kurds' basic demands like recog¬ be brave reforms." closer to Turkey's powerful military. with Mehmet Altan, a columnist for the "Erdogan changed the whole dis¬ nition as an ethnic group were never daily Star, was more pessimistic about course," said Hasan Cemal, a columnist met. Liberals say they threw their sup¬ AKP, saying, "Now Ankara's status quo for the daily newspaper Milliyet. "This port behind Erdogan because they be¬ has it by the neck, and a change is al¬ is the kind of disillusionment we have lieved that he would be the one with the most impossible." been having." courage to change that, but six years The result, Baydar argued, is "a new, One of the most glaring examples of after his election, little has been done. sort of confused, aimless, AKP." the shift, liberals say, is a speech Er¬ "People expected him to come up Perhaps the most bitter disappoint¬ dogan gave this month in the predomin¬ with some major political promises," ment has been over the accession talks antly Kurdish city of Hakkari in the said Altan Tan, a Kurdish intellectual the European Union, which have southeast. His language there, liberals from Diyarbakir, the largest city in the with southeast, drifted. Plans for rewriting the Consti¬ said, resembled the tone of Turkey's na¬ Kurdish "but his tution, a central requirement, were tionalists, hard-line patriots whose strengthened rhetoric was the straw that broke the camel's back. People are shelved this spring after a court struck message to Kurds, nearly a fifth of Tur¬ down Parliament's repeal of a head¬ key's population, is accept Turkish still in shock." identity or get out. The speech was particularly painful scarf ban in universities. Some liberals described Erdogan's push to allow the "These were not the words of a re¬ for liberals because they compared it former," said Yasemin Congar, deputy with one he gave in August 2005, when head scarf as an early break, because it left the impression that he was putting editor in chief of Taraf, a liberal news¬ he acknowledged that Turkey had a religious freedoms over issues like free¬ paper. "Kurdish problem" and that the state dom of expression. Turkey's dismal relationship with its was partly responsible, shattering many When asked about plans for the Con¬ Kurdish population has been at the taboos. stitution in an interview in Today's Za¬ heart of politics in this country ever "This is a different Erdogan from the man, Cemil Cicek, a top AKP official, since the state was founded in 1923, and Erdogan of 2005," said Yavuz Baydar, a said, "Desire is one thing, and reality is liberals argue that Turkey will be never columnist for the daily Today's Zaman. one issues one does another." become a truly free democracy if it is "This threats. This not improved. not sound conciliatory." Cemal, of Milliyet, said: "The impor¬ tant thing is whether Erdogan is still An adviser to Erdogan said that the But his language needs to be seen in sincere about Turkey's membership ac¬ contents ofthe speech were not new, and the context of what happened on the day cession to EU. I started having doubts that the liberals' frustration came more he made it, Erdogan's adviser argues. Lo¬ cal elections are scheduled March, about that." from their high expectations for a solu¬ for Tan said some believed that the tion to the Kurdish problem than from and the PKK is applying pressure. still party would get back on the European any change in direction by Erdogan. The Erdogan said in an interview this Union track, "like a final jump from a problem has existed for decades, he ar¬ month that when he reached Hakkari on dying man." gued, and untangling it will take time. the day of the speech, "it was absolutely "He's banking on the fact that there's "They want the government to create silent," because PKK supporters warned residents to engines. no alternative to him right now," Con¬ a miracle," said the adviser, who was turn off their car gar said. "If he creates a vacuum, some¬ not authorized to speak publicly on the Protesters had broken shop windows body is going to issue. and set cars on fire before his arrival to fill it." But liberals use the argument in re¬ give the appearance of chaos. Sebnem Arsu contributed reporting. verse, saying that the Turkish state has "I have no problems with my citizens spent years dragging its feet on the issue, of Kurdish origin," Erdogan said. "The thing to be questioned is violence."

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McxaV*Sm®nhnm Novmber 26' 200l Q OPINION Oi LETTERS Facing high stakes, Iraqis

The pullout battle over U.S. exit pact

Kagan By Alissa J. Rubin powers to the Iraqis for American mili¬ Frederick W and Campbell Robertson tary maneuvers. In practice, however, this may not BAGHDAD: Intensive last-minute ne¬ make an enormous difference. While gotiations were under way Tuesday to such arrangements are indeed rare for. Iraq corral votes in the Iraqi Parliament for a status-of-forces agreements, they are historic security and strategic-frame¬ common in other types ofinternational work agreement that, if approved, agreements that the United States has would provide a road map for the com¬ negotiated, and, in recent months of the winds plete withdrawal of American troops war, many combat operations have been from Iraq in three years. jointly planned and executed anyway. The stakes are high for the country, "I don't share the concern that we are which in a number of hot spots still de¬ constrained by this agreement," said down pend on American forces to fight the Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow in remnants of the insurgency, but they defense strategy at the Brookings Insti¬ WASHINGTON are especially high for Prime Minister tution, a Washington think tank. "We Iraq offers the Obama adminis¬ Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, who spent eight always have constraints in our agree¬ tration an extraordinary oppor¬ months negotiating the pact with the ments with our allies." tunity. Overall violence and Americans and has waged a strong lob¬ bying campaign for its passage. American casualties have Sunni bloc seeks referendum dropped remarkably since the surge Under Iraqi law, the Parliament must began last year. approve the agreement. For the Ameri¬ Iraqi security forces have grown in cans as well, parliamentary approval is A key Sunni bloc demanded on Tues¬ size and effectiveness. U.S. and Iraqi critical to ending a war that has been day a national referendum on the Iraqi- troops have inflicted a series of de¬ unpopular at home and abroad. US. security pact and other conces¬ feats on insurgents and militias. The During the long negotiations over the sions in exchange for its support for the slow but steady construction of a new pact's provisions, Iraqis often worried agreement, The Associated Press re¬ post-Saddam Hussein state structure that they would get the short end of the ported from Baghdad. will lift the burden of securing Iraq deal, but even they admit that the final Though Maliki's cabinet has ap¬ against internal disorder from U.S. version gives them more than they ex¬ proved the agreement, the ruling coali-, forces in the next couple of years, if pected from a superpower. They said tion's main Shiite and Kurdish partners current trends continue. that hard bargaining, and the damage would only muster a slight majority in The situation remains delicate, the war has done to the United States' the 275-seat legislature if the largest however, as Iraq moves into provin¬ reputation, forced the Americans to Sunni Arab group, also represented in cial elections in January and parlia¬ give ground on several of the most im¬ the ruling coalition, remains opposed mentary elections at the end of 2009. portant points. to the agreement. The 44-seat Sunni "Because of the mistakes of the Bush bloc, the Iraqi Accordance Front, says it Although Iraqi . forces increasingly bear the burden of fighting (and, in¬ administration, the situation in of the would only support the agreement if creasingly, peacekeeping), they will U.S. in Iraq became very weak," said the government meets its demand to need continuing American support. Mohammed al-Daini, a Sunni law¬ put the same deal to a vote in a nation¬ The government of Iraq has recog¬ maker. "That meant that we could deal wide referendum in 2009. nized all these facts by forging the with them." It also wants the government to accept status of forces agreement with Both Iraqis and Western analysts say a package ofreforms designed to give the Washington, which was endorsed by that the pact being discussed goes far minority Sunni Arabs a bigger say in the the Iraq Cabinet a week ago and sent beyond a typical status-of-forces agree¬ running of the country and better rep¬ to the Council of Representatives for ment in giving significant oversight resentation in the security forces. approval. The agreement encapsulates the basic reality in Iraq today: Iraq is an independent, sovereign state able to against Al Qaeda, Iraqis are our most negotiate on an equal basis with the ingly pride themselves on being the natural and eager partners. United States; Iraqis and Americans first Arab state to reject the terror¬ ists. America and Iraq also have com¬ both want U.S. troops to leave Iraq as mon interests vis-à-vis Iran. Iraqis quickly as possible and believe that a This summer, leading members of Awakening, want to remain independent of withdrawal will be feasible by 2011. Anbar Tehran, as they have now demon¬ Above all, the agreement highlights a group of Sunni leaders have strated by signing the agreement with Iraq's desire to become a strategic who joined forces the United States over Iran's vigorous partner with the United States, an op¬ with objections. They want to avoid mili¬ portunity the Obama administration the United States tary with Iran, and so does can seize. and the Shiite-led conflict America. Iraqis share our fear that Leaving aside the debate in Amer¬ Baghdad govern¬ a may acquire nuclear weapons, ica about what ties global Al Qaeda ment, circulated Iran which would threaten their indepen¬ has to Al Qaeda in Iraq, Iraqis over¬ memo about how dence. And they resent Iran's efforts to whelmingly think that they have in¬ they could help maintain insurgent and terrorist cells deed been fighting an arm of Osama Afghans develop own that undermine their government. bin Laden's organizatioa Every ma¬ their course, the Iraqis recognize, as jor political grouping in Iraq rejects "awakenings" to Of Qaeda on As we do, that Iraq and Iran are natural Al Qaeda and supports the fight fight Al their territory. and have a against its ideology. Iraqis increas- wa look for allies in the struggle trading, partners religious

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bond as majority Shiites. This may be Iraq also knows that Syria has al¬ through during its year of elections, to our benefit: The millions of Irani¬ lowed Al Qaeda fighters free passage and avoid the temptation to "front- an pilgrims who will visit Iraqi holy across their common border for load" the withdrawal in 2009. It is sites at Najaf and Karbala over the years, and has served as a staging equally vital that we develop a broad¬ coming years will take home a vision base for Iranian support to Hezbollah er strategic relationship with Iraq us¬ of a flourishing, peaceful, secular, re¬ in Lebanon. Washington and Bagh¬ ing all elements of our national ligiously tolerant and democratic dad have a common interest in per¬ power in tandem with Iraq's to pur¬ Muslim state. suading the Syrian regime to abandon sue our common interests. President The reintegration of Iraq into the its support of terror groups. Obama has the chance to do more in Arab World is also under way. America will withdraw its forces ' Iraq than win the war. He can win the Many Arab states have already be¬ from patrolling in Iraq and will sig¬ peace. gun to open embassies in Baghdad. nificantly reduce the number of sol¬ We should keep in mind that Iraq also diers there over the coming years Frederick W. Kagan is a residentfel¬ shares interests with America regard¬ that is not and never has been in ques¬ low at the American Enterprise Insti-' ing Saudi Arabia and Syria. Increas¬ tion. The timing and nature of that tute and a former professor ofmilitary ingly, Iraqi leaders speak quietly of withdrawal, however, is extremely history at the U.S. Military Academy. replacing the Saudi kingdom as the delicate. dominant Arab state. It is vital that we help see Iraq

INTERNATIONAL Hcralbafe SribltnC November 28, 2008 Parliament in Baghdad backs pact on troops American forces must withdraw by 2011 under deal

By Alissa Rubin Ali Yussef/Agence France-Presse and Campbell Robertson Iraqis watched the parliamentary proceedings live on television Thursday at a café in Baghdad. "This is the day of our sovereignty," the prime minister said. BAGHDAD: With a substantial ma¬ jority, the Iraqi Parliament on Thursday ratified a sweeping secu¬ rity agreement with the United "This is the day of our sover¬ robes and turbans and women in States that sets a course for the end eignty," said Prime Minister Nuri long black abayas huddled in con¬ of the war and marks the beginning Kamal al-Maliki. sultation with secular Sunnis and of a new relationship between the "Together we will go forward to¬ Kurds in tailored suits. There was two countries. ward a free, prosperous and glorious far less of the mutual distrust that The pact, which still must be ap¬ Iraq, where Iraqis can live with pride marked discussions three years ago. proved by the three-person Iraqi and dignity and can be proud that Ambassador Ryan Crocker and presidential council, a move expect¬ they are sons of this beloved coun¬ General Ray Odierno, the top U.S. ed in the next few days, sets the end try," he said. military commander in Iraq, issued of 2011 as the date by which all Since the cabinet approved the fi¬ a statement congratulating the Par¬ American troops must be out of the nal version of the security agree¬ liament on the vote. country. ment Nov. 16, the government has President George W. Bush said the Its passage in Parliament, with 149 waged an intense effort to urge ap¬ approval of the accord "affirms the out of roughly 200 members who proval of the measure, which goes growth" of democracy in Iraq, The were present, was a victory for the into effect Jan. 1, 2009, when the Associated Press reported. Iraqi government as well as for the United Nations mandate that now "Two years ago, this day seemed often-fractious legislative body, governs U.S. troop operations in the unlikely," Bush said in a statement which hammered out a political country expires. from the presidential retreat at compromise in an intensive 10-day In a sharp contrast with the at¬ Camp David, Maryland. "But the negotiation. mosphere during the drafting of the success of the surge and the courage The accord on the pact and ac¬ Iraqi Constitution in 2005, there was of the Iraqi people set the conditions companying measures was a coming relatively little violence on the street for these two agreements to be nego¬ of age for the Parliament, a body during the parliamentary negoti¬ tiated and approved by the Iraqi Par¬ born only in the last three years with ations despite intense disagree¬ liament." the support of the United States, but ments among political leaders. The security agreement and an which now has the wherewithal to Within the halls of Parliament, accompanying document that out¬ ratify America's departure. Shiite religious clerics in swirling lines America's relationship with

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Iraq in areas such as economics, companying measures to bring on edged that their objections were not to health care and education, would board a number of wary Sunnis. the pact itself, but the likelihood that its grant Iraq considerable authority The measures approved Thursday passage would bolster Maliki's govern¬ over American troop operations, re¬ along with the pact were a nonbinding ment. quiring court orders to search build¬ resolution that included a commitment Throughout the government's nego¬ ings and detain suspects. to address longstanding grievances of tiations on the pact, which officially The timetable set out in the docu¬ minority blocs in the Parliament as well began Aug. 26, 2007, but were renewed as a law requiring a referendum on the in earnest last spring, neighboring ment requires U.S. troops to withdraw pact to be held in July, 2009. Many Sun¬ countries, especially Iran, have been in¬ from cities and towns by June 30, 2009, nis and independents in Parliament visible but influential players. As re¬ and for all troops to leave by the end of cited the referendum as a reason for cently as Wednesday night, lawmakers 2011 unless the Iraqis and Americans said messages had come from Iran ex¬ negotiate a separate pact to govern an their decision to support the agreement. pressing disapproval and saying that extension of the American military With provincial council elections Iran no longer approved of the political presence. coming at the end of January, none of deal that would be essential to the Amidst the broad support for the the political parties wanted to be ac¬ pact's ratification. agreement, however, there remained cused of making an agreement against But they nevertheless pushed on with vocal opposition from followers of the the will of the Iraqi people with the the negotiations, and the final compro¬ anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al United States, which is viewed here as mise, arrived at less than an hour before Sadr, who banged on their desks and an occupier. the Parliament vote, differed little from held aloft handwritten signs con¬ The referendum was seen as a way to the version rejected by the Iranians. demning the pact during the vote ensure that the Americans respected Over the past few days Iraqi law¬ Thursday. Also opposing the pact were the pact's terms at least in the coming makers had been a tense, chain¬ some hard-line Sunni Arabs who dis¬ months, said Adnan Pachachi, a senior smoking, and sleep-deprived group. But agree vehemently with the idea of strik¬ member of the secular Iraqiya party. on Thursday afternoon as they pre¬ ing a deal with the United States, a The referendum will make the Ameri¬ pared to vote, they appeared relieved country that they view as having waged cans "more careful and they will not and even exhibited a measure pride an illegal war. make mistakes that will cause the Iraqi of that they had come together, and, de¬ "America couldn't gain international people to reject the agreement." spite accusations that they lacked patri¬ legitimacy before the war," said Mo¬ Although Sunni lawmakers were the otism, decided to approve the pact that hamed al-Dayni, a member of the Na¬ most vocal about their concerns, many they have come to call "The Withdraw¬ tional Dialogue Front, one of the Sunni parties, even some of the early support¬ al Agreement." parties. "And they didn't have it until a ers of the pact, submitted lists of de¬ "In 2003 we didn't have a right to de¬ few seconds before the vote, but unfor¬ mands to the government exposing a cide, but now we have a chance to deal tunately they got it from the Iraqi Par¬ chasm between Maliki's circle and liament." most of the political blocs. with reality and to deal with the occu¬ pation forces," said Dhi'aa al Deen al- Nevertheless, the agreement enjoyed While the final political document Fayeh, a member of the Shiite majority broad support across sectarian lines, was in large part a general commitment bloc in Parliament. due in large part to the insistence of the to carry out existing laws and adhere to "Now we can regain our sovereignty preeminent Iraqi religious leader, the Constitution, in the preceding days, gradually and now we have a timetable Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who lawmakers drew up several laundry and the whole world is a witness to this from his modest office in Najaf has lists of specifics. Sunnis called for the agreement." reached out to leaders from every fac¬ enforcement of an amnesty law for tion. The ayatollah told members of the thousands of detainees in Iraqi custody Reporting was contributed Stephen Iraqi government and legislators that and for a greater sectarian balance in Farrell, Suadad Salhy, Atheer Kakan and they needed a broad consensus on a the security forces, two of several con¬ Riyadh Muhammed. measure of such national significance. cerns that were explicitly addressed in That meant that the Shiite and Kurdish the resolution. lawmakers who supported the deal Throughout the negotiations, even from the outset had to craft several ac some of the toughest holdouts acknowl

Qassem Zein/Getty Images-AFP Iraqi supporters of the cleric Moktada al-Sadr in Najaf on Friday protesting the pact that sets 2011 as the date for a LIS. troop pullout.

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Nov 27th 2008 The Economist Turkey The worrying Tayyip Erdogan ANKARA - Turkey's prime minister once promised big reforms to bring his country closer to the European Union. He seems no longer to be pushing them speech Mr Erdogan made in Diyarbakir three years ago, when he admitted that the Turkish state had made mistakes with the Kurds. Now he is giving the army much freer rein in its 34-year campaign against the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). When Tarai, a liberal Turkish newspaper, exposed army negligence in a recent PKK attack that killed 17 soldiers at an outpost in Hakkari, he chose not to order an investigation and attacked the newspaper instead. His aides are reported to have blamed leaks of the intelligence reports cited by Tarât on Israel and the CIA. Meanwhile EU-inspired work on drawing up a new constitution to replace the current one, drawn up by the generals after a military coup in 1980, has stalled. Reports of police torture and extra-judicial killings are on the rise. Turkey's liberal intelligentsia, long among Mr Erdogan's stalwart supporters, is grumbling, as is the European Commission. Mr Erdogan's response has been to rescind the press accreditation of several journalists who cover the prime ministry. All of this is giving more ammunition to those EU mem¬ Turkey's assistance over Iraq since 2003 bers that have never wanted Turkey to join WHEN Turkey's prime minister, Recep (some 70% of non-combat materiel for Ame¬ their club. Tayyip Erdogan, and his Justice and rican troops goes through Turkey) and in Mr Erdogan owes much of his electoral

Development (AK) Party narrowly escaped Afghanistan (where Turkey has 1 ,200 troops), success to the unprecedented economic sta¬ banning by the constitutional court in July, the America is asking new questions about Tur¬ bility of his time in office. By sticking firmly to big question was which Erdogan would then kish dependability as a Western ally. IMF prescriptions Turkey helped foreign in¬ come to the fore. Would it be the non- Another thundercloud is gathering over vestment to soar, tamed inflation and narro¬ ideological pragmatist, whose bold reforms demands by the Armenian diaspora in Ameri¬ wed the budget deficit. But the IMF standby had helped Turkey to secure the start of ca, most of whom strongly supported Barack arrangement expired in May. And although membership talks with the European Union in Obama's election as president, that he stick Mehmet Simsek, the economy minister, has 2005? Or would it be the dogmatic and erratic to the view he expressed as a senator that repeatedly hinted that it should be extended, leader who had provoked Turkey's meddle¬ the massacre of Ottoman Armenians in 1915 a deal remains elusive. Foreign investors, some generals, always anxious to undermine should be seen as "genocide". Turkey's re¬ who hold as much as 70% of the Istanbul the AK Party because of its Islamist roots, by cent efforts at reconciliation with Armenia, Stock Exchange, have been pulling out, and seeking soon after his election victory in July motivated in part by hopes of staving off a the lira has tumbled by more than a third 2007 to ease the ban on the Islamic-style formal recognition of genocide by the Obama against the dollar this year. Growth of GDP headscarf in universities? administration, seem to be making little pro¬ has dipped sharply, to below 2%. Turkey's The question of which version of Mr Erdo¬ gress. Some Western diplomats ascribe this huge current-account deficit makes it more gan is in charge has gained extra urgency to the pressure hawks in the diaspora have vulnerable than many other emerging mar¬ because Turkey is grappling with mounting applied to the Armenian president, Serzh kets. Although it has so far been relatively violence in the mainly Kurdish south-east. It Sargsyan. unaffected by the world financial malady, it is also matters to the financial markets as the But it is at home that Mr Erdogan is cau¬ only a matter of time "before it catches the government tries to protect its fragile econo¬ sing the most concern. The hope was that, bug", says one Istanbul-based banker. my from the global financial typhoon. Wor- with his legal travails behind him, the prime Mr Erdogan's supporters insist that the ryingly, the answer seems to be: the second minister would resume much-delayed political government's inertia is mainly to do with mu¬ version. Mr Erdogan appears increasingly and economic reforms. Instead he has adop¬ nicipal elections being held next March. An autocratic and out of touch. And because he ted an increasingly strident nationalist line. IMF deal would preclude a pre-electoral lacks any credible political opponents, either There is talk of his having struck a deal with spending spree. Being too nice to the Kurds within or beyond the AK Party, this is making Turkey's new, hardline chief of staff, llker might strengthen the nationalist opposition in Turkey look stagnant and adrift and further Basbug, according to which Mr Erdogan has the face of spiralling PKK terrorism. "Once away from EU membership than ever. promised to freeze reforms that dilute the the elections are over, you'll see the old AK," Mr Erdogan's odd behaviour was on dis¬ army's power in exchange for his party's not promises Abdurrahman Kurt, an AK deputy play during his most recent trip to America. being attacked in court again. from Diyarbakir. When asked in Washington for his view about Mr Erdogan's new approach was most But such promises are beginning to ring Iran's nuclear ambitions he retorted that evident in a speech he gave earlier this hollow. When Mr Erdogan won power a se¬ "those who possess nuclear weapons do not month in the predominantly Kurdish town of cond time, with an even bigger share of the have the right to tell others to not acquire Hakkari. Responding to a wave of bloody vote, in July 2007, he promised to reach out them too." This comment did not go down protests that has racked the Kurdish region, to all Turks "including those of you who didn't well with American officials, whose memories he invited those who were not happy to "go vote for me." He seems now to be alienating are seared by Turkey's refusal in March 2003 wherever they please". Ibrahim Guclu, an such voters. And as corruption also starts to to let America use its soil to launch a second independent Kurdish politician, says that "in infect the AK's ranks, it is beginning to re¬ front against Iraq. A recent gas deal struck by other words, he was telling the Kurds to get semble many of the tired old parties that it the Turks with Iran has not helped. For all of out." This is a far cry from a ground-breaking buried at the polls

55 Revue de Presse-Press Revieio-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti The Nov 27th 2008 Economist Iraq Is it really coming right?

BAGHDAD, ERBIL AND MOSUL - In most of Iraq, violence has plummeted and the Americans under a new president look set gradually to withdraw. But will the battered country hold together?

Kurds, who control most of the east and north of Nineveh, and account for about one-third of its population. Most of the Sunni Arabs, the province's largest group, boycotted the last elections in 2005, so the Kurds ended up with a disproportionately large chunk of the provin¬ cial government (31 out of 41 seats in the council) and hold sway over the hapless Mr Kashmoula and the council chairman, whom the insurgents curse as puppets and traitors. But this may soon change dramatically because the Sunnis are set to contest provin¬ cial elections due on January 31st, when they may well oust the Kurds from local power. To minimise their expected losses, the Kurds are bent on ensuring that all the non-Sunni minori¬ ties, such as the Christians, Yazidis and Sha¬ baks, vote for a Kurdish-led list of candidates. Many people from these small minorities, together perhaps more than a tenth of the long-established Sunni outfit which heads the province's people, say that the Kurds, who IT SHOULD be momentous. In Baghdad in main Sunni block in the national parliament control the territory where most of them live, the middle of this week, after fierce debate and is led by one of the country's two vice- are trying to intimidate them into voting their and protests on the streets, Iraq's fractious presidents, Tariq al-Hashemi, says that 420 of way. The Kurds, they say, are even attemp¬ parliament at last voted to approve a withdra¬ his party members in Mosul have been killed ting to frighten them into fleeing east into wal agreement with the United States, under in the past two years. Nineveh's deputy go¬ areas more firmly controlled by the Kurdish which all American troops will leave the coun¬ vernor, a Kurd, says that 1,600 of his people Democratic Party (KDP) from its headquarters

try by the end of 201 1 . And yet the mood of in Mosul have died at the hands of insurgents in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Regional Go¬ this exhausted country is far from jubilant. since the American invasion as have "many vernment. In Mosul, 320km (200 miles) north of more Arabs". In Sinjar, west of Mosul, some Yazidis, Baghdad up the Tigris river, the governor of Nobody knows how many insurgents ope¬ who predominate there, say the Kurds want to Nineveh province, Doraid Kashmoula, furrows rate in the area. Maybe 5,000, says the coun¬ force them to vote for the Kurdish list. Not only his brow, fiddles with his worry-beads in one cil chairman, describing a spectrum from al- would that mean increasing the Kurds' chan¬ hand, stubs out yet another cigarette with the Qaeda fanatics to secular Baathists. "Plus a ces of holding on to the provincial council. It other and reels off a litany of woe in his dankly million supporters," he adds, with a mirthless would also strengthen their case to have such curtained office. The scion of a prominent laugh. As the Americans and their Iraqi army places as Sinjar, which are technically part of Sunni Arab family, he took the job two years allies successfully hunt them down elsewhere Nineveh, eventually transferred formally to ago after his predecessor, his cousin, was in Iraq, many have gravitated to Mosul. It is Iraq's Kurdistan region, whose area the Kurds assassinated. close to Syria, from which foreign jihadists still seek to widen as much as possible. Since then he has survived half a dozen infiltrate. The city has a history of Baathist The Christians have been hammered, in murder attempts His son, a brother and four loyalty to Saddam Hussein and hostility to the Nineveh as in the rest of Iraq: their numbers cousins have been killed by insurgents. His Shias, who count for barely 5% of its people. throughout the country are said to be down house has been burnt down. He is protected Iraq's multiple fault-lines are especially vi¬ from 800,000 in 2003 to around 250,000 to¬ both by the Kurdish guerrillas, who control the sibleand occasionally bloody in Nineveh day. Earlier this year the archbishop of the eastern half of the city and a clutch of fortified and Mosul. Some towns in the province have ancient Chaldean church was abducted in government buildings in the western half, and a record of Shia-Sunni enmity. Nineveh has Mosul and murdered. In October, some by the Iraqi army and police, with American Iraq's largest minority of Christians, themsel¬ 10,000 Christians fled into Kurdish-held areas forces at their shoulder, when he ventures ves divided into various sects, some speaking from close to Mosul after a dozen of them had farther afield. Aramaic, the language of Christ. In a northern been killed. No one is certain who the culprits "Security is slowly getting better," he says, arc dwell the Yazidis, more than 500.000- were. without much conviction. At present the insur¬ strong they claim, who follow an ancient reli¬ In any event, tension is rising across the gents carry out about ten attacks a day in his gion that reveres a Peacock Angel; many Mu¬ ethno-sectarian board: between Kurds and province, including car bombs and ambushes, slims damn them as devil-worshippers. Then Arabs; between Sunnis who have co-operated mostly in the vicinity of Mosul. In each of the there are the Shabaks, who claim descent with government and the larger number who past four months, more than 100 civilians and from Persians and follow various brands of have not; between Kurds and minorities; and about a score of army and police have been religion, including Islam. There are also the within the minorities themselves. "If we [Chris¬ killed, according to official figures. Turkomens, stay-behinds from the days when tians] had guns we'd kill each other too," says The provincial council's chairman, another Mosul was the capital of one of the three Ot¬ a prominent Chaldean Christian. "If Mosul was Sunni Arab, tells a similar tale. From a drawer toman vilayets (administrative regions) that peaceful, we'd want to stay in Nineveh," says in his desk he takes a sheet of paper dis¬ were crudely lumped together to form Iraq a leading Christian businessman in the town playing 12 coloured photographs of "martyrs": when the Turkish empire collapsed after the of Bartulla, just east of Mosul. "But if it isn't, four brothers and eight cousins, all murdered first world war. we'd like to be part of Kurdistan." because of their kinship to himself. A council¬ Perhaps the biggest and currently the But there is a gleam of hope that in Nine¬ lor representing the Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP), a scratchiest division is between Arabs and veh, as elsewhere in Iraq, the coming provin-

56 Revue de Presse-Press Reviezv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

cial elections may shift the dynamic of Iraqi "You smell like a dictator." No one knows what the new electoral pic¬ politics, pave the way for more genuinely re¬ And he is rattling a lot of fellow Shias with ture will be like. Some say that Mr Maliki's presentative government and make it harder his powers of patronage and purse His own Dawa will do badly, whatever the advantages for the insurgents to hold the loyalty of the Dawa party has split, with his predecessor as of incumbency. The Sadrist movement, inter¬ disgruntled. The key is that, unlike last time, prime minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, promoting nally divided like so many others, is widely the Sunni Arabs are expected to vote en himself as a stalking horse for the Sadrists, thought to have lost ground yet still com¬ masse If Nineveh's council took on a Sunni whose party has been barred from the lists. mands the sympathy of hordes of poor Shias nationalist hue, the insurgents might be in The other leading Shia party, the Islamic Su¬ in such places as Sadr City and in the sou¬ trouble. preme Council of Iraq, led by the ailing Abdel thern provinces. The tribal parties have never Aziz al-Hakim, is equally worried by what it been tested. Shaking the political kaleidoscope sees as the prime minister's authoritarian Nuri al-Maliki, Iraq's Shia prime minister, bent. In particular, Mr Maliki's assorted rivals Back to independence is said to be reaching out to Sunni politicians, have complained about his setting up of "sup¬ Mr Maliki will naturally take as much credit military men and tribal leaders in the hope of port councils" among various tribes, both as he can from the withdrawal agreement with widening his narrow base in the Islamic Dawa Sunni and Shia, to help his party get out the the Americans. He, or so it will be claimed, party. But Iraq is entering an even more frene¬ tic political phase than usual. The provincial elections should point, for the first time in three years, to whom the Iraqis want to run their country. The poll will also serve as a dry run for a general election due at the end of next year Moreover, under the tutelage of an energetic UN team in Baghdad, the system for the pro¬ vincial elections provides for open lists, whe¬ reas last time they were closed. This time par¬ ties will win representation on a proportional basis in each of the 18 provinces (bar the three Kurdish ones and the disputed Kirkuk province, where elections will not take place), but voters will also be able to mark their order of preference for individual candidates on their chosen party list. Some 400-plus parties have been registered, more than 150 in Baghdad alone, with more than 14,600 candidates and 36-odd coalitions. The main shift will be towards much stronger representation for Sunni Arabs, who have been sorely under-represented since Saddam's demise. A battle is brewing bet¬ ween the established Sunni parties and an array of groups emerging out of the tribal councils that have played so crucial a part in beating back the insurgency, including al- Qaeda, especially in the western province of Anbar and along the Euphrates valley north¬ west of Baghdad. A fight for supremacy within the new Shia establishment has also begun. A striking de¬ velopment is the emergence of Mr Maliki as a would-be strongman. Despite his wooden per¬ Iraqi territories: sona on the dais and on television, he has surprised everyone by his increasingly ru¬ ED Kurdish [~1 Sunni Arab | Shia Ar-jb thless determination to tighten his grip. He was boosted by his success, earlier this year, Mixed Kurdish/ | Mixed Sunni/ [Sparsely when he personally directed the Iraqi army to Sunni Arab Shia Arab populated sweep the Shia militias loyal to Muqtada al- Source: CLA. The Economist Sadr, a radical cleric, out of Iraq's then chaotic second city, Basra. The army promptly repli¬ cated that success in the hitherto lawless Shia vote by means of bribery and intimidation, has nailed down the occupiers and made slums of Baghdad, known as Sadr City. Mr according to his detractors. them promise to leave within three years. Un¬ Maliki is also interfering with senior appoint¬ Competition among the Sunnis is no less der the agreement, American forces, now ments in the armed forces: the new divisional fierce, especially in the tribal movement about 146,000-strong in Iraq, will withdraw army commander in Mosul, for instance, is known as the Sahwa (Awakening) and the from the cities by the middle of next year. All said to be a brother-in-law. Salvation Front, which are bidding to oust military operations will require the assent of He has also gained ground, even among candidates tied to the largest Sunni block in Iraqis. Americans will be barred from using Sunnis, by his increasingly acerbic attitude parliament, the National Accord Front, or Iraq as a launch pad to attack other countries. towards the Kurds, who many Arabs think Tawafuq, whose leading party is the IIP. Here There is, in fact, considerable wiggle-room have overreached themselves in the past few too Mr Maliki has been weaving controversial in the agreement. The timing can be extended years. In August he sent Iraqi army units into alliances, backing one group against another. by mutual consent. Even the requirement for Khanaqin, a mainly Kurdish district that is The political emergence of the tribes, many of American troops to withdraw from city centres controlled by the Kurdish authorities but falls which had previously supported the insur¬ may be open to an elastic interpretation. The within Diyala province. He and Massoud Bar¬ gents, is part of a new dynamic that has seen Joint Security Stations, where American zani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Go¬ al-Qaeda and other rebel groups beaten back troops are entrenched in mini-forts scattered vernment, who heads the KDP, one of two if not completely defeated. Mr Maliki has also across the cities, have been an essential part rival parties that jointly run Iraqi Kurdistan, are been accused of having hundreds of IIP of the military surge which, since early last increasingly rude to each other. Mr Barzani is members arrested, especially in the mixed- year, has stanched the terrible sectarian bloo¬ said to have recently told Mr Maliki to his face: sect Diyala province. dletting, especially in Baghdad. Already they

57 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

are jointly manned by Americans and Iraqis. the road to the airport, by one of the main represent more than 50% of the total popula¬ Iraq's generals may well be loth to remove the bridges and outside the Ministry of Trade, tion, seem prepared to reach out to the Sun¬ Americans, perhaps relabelling them as "advi¬ where eight female employees were killed. nis, especially the biddable tribal sheikhs, sers". The country still offers nothing approaching a provided they accept their new position as The Iraqi army and national police (a kind secure environment where foreigners can second fiddlers. But most Shias still regard the of gendarmerie) have improved out of all re¬ come and do business. A number of foreign Sunnis with suspicion. "Maliki's worst nigh¬ cognition in the past two years and at last companies, especially in the oil sector, have tmare is still waking up to find a Sunni general count numbered 266,000, alongside 257,000 signed big deals. But no major foreign banks in charge of the country again," says a seaso¬ local police, 36,000 border guards and more or businesses have thought it feasible to set ned Western observer in Baghdad. than 100,000 "Sons of Iraq", the militias for¬ up shop in the open in Baghdad. Though safer med by the mainly Sunni tribal councils. But than it was, Baghdad is still the most dange¬ No national harmony yet even their best units still rely heavily on the rous capital in the world. The Kurds are enjoying a golden age of Americans for air support, not least the heli¬ In any event, as the recently departed near-independence that they have never had copters that are crucial in counter-insurgency, American mastermind of the surge, General before. Their region still feels the perkiest and and for other technical skills, including com¬ David Petraeus, repeatedly said, the gains safest in Iraq, though its leaders have yet to munications, intelligence and logistics. remain "fragile and reversible". The coming acquire truly democratic instincts. But the Despite the continuing horrors in Nineveh, elections at the beginning and end of next Kurds remain loth to make the sort of com¬ bitter fighting in parts of Diyala, rising tension year will give a vivid picture of Iraq's political promise over the bitterly disputed mixed Arab- between Arabs and Kurds, and a continuing if balance of power. But a potentially devasta¬ Kurdish-Turkomen city of Kirkuk and the sur¬ less frequent cycle of bombs in Baghdad, the ting lack of consensus among the main politi¬ rounding province which might in turn allow violence overall has greatly subsided from its cal groups and their leaders still prevails. Cor¬ them to have more say over the oil in the area level of two years ago. In the second half of ruption is rife. Many ministries are still fiefs of they control. Both Shia and Sunni Arabs habi¬ 2006, violent civilian deaths, mostly in Bagh¬ patronage. Family and tribal ties are what tually refer to the Kurds with ill-disguised dad, amounted to around 20,000, counted in count in getting jobs. Intrigue and deceit seem contempt. American and UN diplomats fear morgues and hospitals. The latest estimates to dog the management of just about every that the Kurdish leaders, wary of being out¬ put the monthly figure at under 500 a month, political party. No culture of tolerance or plura¬ flanked by each other on such issues as Kir¬ still a shocking number, but an eighth of what lism has yet emerged. kuk, are in danger of overplaying their hand it was. Fewer than 50 Iraqi soldiers and police A fundamental three-way split still pre¬ at a risk of losing much that they have already were killed in October compared with 300-plus vents Iraq from coming together as a country. achieved. in April last year. The American military death Though it is hopeful that the Sunni Arabs, pro¬ In short, the new establishment of Shias, toll has dived from 126 in May last year to 14 bably some 20% of the population, seem set Sunnis and Kurds sorely needs to build a last month; the total since the invasion in 2003 to be drawn back into the heart of parlia¬ sense of nationhood. The withdrawal agree¬ is nearing 4,200. mentary and provincial politics next year, few ment means that it will soon be for the Iraqis But 20,000 out of Iraq's 34,000 doctors of their leaders seem willing yet to ackno¬ alone to define their destiny. For the next few have left (after 2,000 were murdered) and few wledge that they have lost the power that they years the Americans may yet find themselves of the 2m-plus Iraqis now living abroad (many had always held. holding the ring. But once the occupiers have of them middle-class professionals) are yet A former deputy prime minister, a Sunni, left, the chances that the Iraqis will entrench willing to return. In the past few weeks, sui¬ insisted last week that his fellow Sunnis re¬ and cherish a stable, federal, pluralist demo¬ cide-bombers have killed people at the check¬ present "at least 50% of Iraqis, by God!" Some cracy must still be rated at less than even. points into Baghdad's international zone, on of the leading Shias, who by most calculations

INTERVIEW. REUTERS # UN delays report on Kirkuk to avoid tensions November 29. 2008 By Michael Christie BAGHDAD. (Reuters) Kurds say Kirkuk was heavily repopulated by Arabs moved there by Saddam to try to The United Nations has delayed a report on disputed areas in Iraq, including the oil-rich invalidate Kurdish claims to the city. Turkmen residents there also oppose Kurdish efforts city of Kirkuk, until after local elections next year because it might have stirred tensions, to have Kirkuk included in Kurdistan. the U.N. envoy to Iraq said on Saturday. Tensions between the increasingly assertive Shi'ite-led coalition of Prime Minister Nuri al- "The U.N. is there to pour water on fire and not oil on fire," Staffan de Mistura, head of the Maliki and its Kurdish partners are viewed as one possible roadblock to stability. U.N. mission in Iraq, told Reuters in an interview. The dispute stalled efforts to hold provincial elections in Kirkuk. The rest of the country will He said the U.N. analysis of Kirkuk, a city contested by Kurds, Turkmen and Arabs, might vote in January but Kirkuk will have to wait for its own ballot. have been used before the January 31 election to stoke discord, rather than as the tool for Iraq's constitution calls for a referendum on Kirkuk's fate, but that has been postponed. finding a resolution that it was meant to be. The U.N. report on Kirkuk and 30-to-40 other disputed areas consists of analyses of "And therefore the water will come after the election," de Mistura added. demographics, histories, geographies, ethnic makeup, politics and economies. It published its findings on the first four, less-contested districts in June. The fate of cities claimed by different ethnic and sectarian groups remains a powderkeg issue that could trigger a resurgence of the bloodshed that tore through Iraq after the 2003 De Mistura had said earlier this year that one report on Kirkuk would be published by U.S.-led invasion and ousting of former dictator Saddam Hussein. October in a bid for a "grand deal" to end tensions. The date was then moved to end- November. Bodies piled up by the hundreds as majority Shi'ites battled minority Sunni Arabs who had dominated Iraq under Saddam and who initially sided with al Qaeda in confronting the March now seemed a more logical date, after the elections that will determine the political invaders. makeup of Iraq on the ground, in its cities, towns and governorships, de Mistura said. While car bombs and suicide bombings remain common, the violence has fallen to four- "The timing of the presentation of the report before elections take place could have been year lows, feeding hopes that Iraq has begun to tread a path of increasing stability ahead interpreted, or used, instead of as ... part of the road map for a political calm, as an oppor¬ of the local elections and also a general election next year. But disputes over cities like tunity for some tensions," de Mistura said. Kirkuk are far from resolved. He said the U.N.'s aim was to continue working on the reports so they can be handed to Sitting over potentially rich oil fields, Kirkuk is claimed by ethnic Kurds as their ancestral Iraqi officials when they are ready to sit down and negotiate the destiny of the areas. home although it lies outside the semi-autonomous region run by the Kurdistan Regional "In other words, the reports are an ingredient which should be feeding the political dia¬ Government in northern Iraq. logue, and the time that you feed the political dialogue needs to be well-timed," he said. That position might frustrate Kurdish authorities, eager for a decision. The United Nations was taking too long, the Kurdish Regional Government said on Saturday.

58 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

HmllSftibuiie ^ember29-30.2008 Mixed feelings on security pact

ion on the pact is the view of Grand Iraq ponders future Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the enormously influential Shiite cleric who has condi¬ Bomber hits after ratification tioned his support for the agreement on several issues, including support across Shiite mosque By Campbell Robertson sectarian lines. A number of Sunni lawmakers voted BAGHDAD: In the 36 hours after the for the so-called status of forces agree¬ south of Baghdad Iraqi Parliament's decision to ratify a ment in Parliament on Thursday, but security agreement that sets a 2011 one ofthe most pressing questions being By Alissa J. Rubin deadline for the presence of U.S. troops, asked by the pact's mostly Shiite and Iraqis across the country were still try¬ Kurdish supporters has been exactly BAGHDAD: A suicide bomber ing to absorb the meaning of the ratifi¬ how much Sunni support was needed for wearing an explosive vest blew cation, for the country and their own the ayatollahs approval. That remained himself up just inside the court¬ near future. -unclear on Friday, as a representative of yard of a Shiite mosque in a town Some were elated that a date for the Sistani's offered only vague statements. south of Baghdad on Friday, killing American departure had officially been "Iraq's sovereignty remains incom¬ 12 people and wounding 19, accord¬ set; others were angered that the Iraqi plete with the presence of the foreign ing to eyewitnesses and officials. government had been, in their view, forces," said Ahmed Saafi in a sermon The attack took place in Mussa- bullied into an deal by an occupying in Karbala. "But supporters of the yib, a town about 80 kilometers, or force; others worried that the agree¬ agreement are optimistic that it will 50 miles, south of Baghdad, as ment would leave the central govern¬ give Iraq eventually the full sovereignty. about 700 people were attending ment with too much power, and still Some are pessimistic, for our previous Friday prayers and preparing to others were not at all convinced that a experience proves the opposite." hold a peaceful march in protest at superpower would voluntarily with¬ Opposition to the agreement was by the ratification in the Iraqi Parlia¬ draw from a much weaker country. no means universal. Even among the in¬ ment on Thursday of a new securi¬ Opposition to the pact was most viru¬ habitants of Sadr City opinion was ty agreement with the United lent from senior leaders loyal to the mixed, with some quietly celebrating States. anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al- what they saw as a display of Iraq's Mussayib, a predominantly Sadr, who issued a statement Friday de¬ strength in the face of American pres¬ Shiite town, has many Sunni vil¬ claring three days of mourning to mark sure. lages nearby and has been struck the pact's ratification. "God willing it will be good for Iraq several times in the past by suicide At Friday prayers in Sadr City, the and Maliki," said Ayad Mohammed, 27, bombings and attacks on local gov¬ sprawling Shiite district in northeast¬ a grocer in Sadr City, referring to Presi¬ ernment officials. ern Baghdad, Sayyid Hassan al-Hus- dent Nuri Kamal al-Maliki. "We are not The mosque, the Sadrist Hussain- seini thundered against the pact's sup¬ interested in politics; we are simple iya, was a Sunni mosque under Sad¬ porters, delivering specific critiques of people, and that's why we are counting dam Hussein. But after he was ous¬ the agreement's provisions and critici¬ on him and the representatives to make ted supporters ofthe anti-American zing the fact that it was made with the decisions." cleric Moktada al-Sadr took it over Bush administration rather than with More surprising were the words of and turned it into a Shiite mosque President-elect Barack Obama, who has approval from Iran, which many law¬ and an office for the local Sadrists. proposed a shorter timetable than the makers said had interfered in Parlia¬ The bomber made it past the one outlined in the agreement. ment deliberations and almost derailed main checkpoints where wor¬ "Obama might change his opinion the pact's ratification the night before shipers were searched, said an Iraqi because of the signing of the agree¬ the vote. Army officer, who said he could not ment," Husseini said. "But now the Iraqi "This was a very good decision by the be quoted because he was not au¬ Parliament has signed on; they want the Iraqi Parliament," said Ahmad Jannati, thorized to speak to the media. American forces to stay, to give them a senior Iranian official, during Friday "I was standing inside the Hus- three more years." prayers at Tehran University, specifi¬ sainiya and do not remember any¬ But in interviews with Iraqis in cities cally citing the Parliament's decision to thing except feeling something like around the country, there was less con¬ put the agreement up for a nationwide the blast of a storm," said Nema Ad- cern about the agreement itself than a referendum in July. nan, 18, a day laborer. widespread skepticism that the Ameri¬ "Then the ball would be in the court On Thursday, Parliament rati¬ cans would actually adhere to it, of the Americans who claim that they fied a sweeping security agreement Iraq has a long history of foreign oc¬ are after democracy," he said. that sets the course for an end to cupation, by the Persians, Ottomans and But some Iraqis who support the pact the United States' role in the war British, all ofwhich lasted for decades if were so disillusioned by the spectacle and marks the beginning of a new not centuries. To many in Iraq, a coun¬ of lawmakers brawling, shouting and relationship between the coun¬ try where the past is durably present, it grandstanding during the 10 days of de¬ tries. is simply unimaginable that a foreign liberations that they were beginning to occupation would last only eight years. have second thoughts. "In the security agreement much has "Frankly speaking, the agreement is feel I want the forces to stay longer, be¬ been achieved," said Khadum al- very clear," Alaa Mohammed, a 29-year- cause without these forces we will eat Quraishi, 40, a teacher from Diyala old journalist from the southern city of each other." Province. "But as to ending the occupa¬ Basra, said Thursday, shortly after see¬ tion in three years, that's implausible. ing the ratification vote on television. Nazila Fathi contributed reporting America occupied Iraq for its interests, "But some members of Parliament dis¬ from Tehran, Tariq Mahir, Anwar J. Ali and it would not leave Iraq after so agreed with it just to attract attention. and Mohammed Husseinfrom Baghdad, many enormous losses." They have no idea about what benefits and Iraqi employees of The New York Far more important than Sadr's opin the people. What I saw today made me Times from Basra, Karbala and Diyala.

59 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

de l'accord, sept mois après felîîonde son coup d'envoi, s'est consolé 29 novembre 2008 un conseiller de M. Maliki pour qui <' l'essentiel est la date de départ des sol¬ dats ». En réalité, les concessions acceptées par Les députés irakiens M. Maliki, comme d'ailleurs celles qui ont été agréées par les Américains, ne consti¬ tuent pas, a priori, « une remise en causefon¬ approuvent l'accord damentale de l'accord », a bien noté Condo- leezza Rice, la secrétaire d'Etat de l'admi¬ nistration Bush. D'autant qu'il n'est pas du tout certain que ce référendum ait vrai¬ sur le départ de l'armée ment lieu - d'autres sujets, notamment des points constitutionnels controversés, avaient été promis à révision et approba¬ américaine d'ici fin 2011 tion « populaire » en 2005 sans voir lejour. Intitulé « Status ofForces Agreement » L'Assemblée nationale irakienne se de grandir depuis la guerre qu'il avait par les Américains, sur le modèle de ceux osé lancer - et remporter - en mars conclus avec le Japon ou l'Allemagne a approuvé le texte négocié contre les milices de ses adversaires chii¬ après la deuxième guerre mondiale, et par le gouvernement avec les tes. Il a été approuvé jeudi par les trois « Accord sur le retrait des troupes étrangè¬ quarts des 220 élus irakiens - sur 275 - res » par le pouvoir irakien de manière à Etats-Unis. Il devrait cependant présents ce jour-là au Conseil représenta¬ mieux le « vendre » à son opinion publi¬ être soumis à un référendum tif (l'Assemblée nationale) et prévoit le que, ce texte de 31 articles fait déjà l'objet avant fin juillet 2009 départ des troupes américaines de com¬ d'interprétations différentes selon qu'il bat de « toutes les localités irakiennes » est lu en arabe ou en anglais. Le suspense a duré jusqu'à la derniè¬ d'ici au 30 juin 2009. Il prévoit aussi le Les Américains qui n'ont ren¬ re minute. L'histoire retiendra que retrait total « de tous » les soldats du du publique leur propre version Le texte le jeudi 27 novembre 2008, après corps expéditionnaire (146 000) d'ici au qu'après le vote dejeudi -«pour de 31 articles une dizaine de mois de récriminations 31 décembre 2011, étant entendu que les éviter de rajouter des divergences fait déjà l'objet deux parties peuvent se mettre d'accord possibles », selon un diplomate - réciproques, l'Irak et les Etats-Unis ont d'interprétations décidé à du 1" pour accélérer le calendrier. estiment par exemple que l'arti¬ d'ouvrir, partir janvier différentes 2009, une ère nouvelle dans leurs rela¬ Salué comme un succès « de la démo¬ cle qui les obligera à informer les selon qu'il est lu tions, plus équilibrées que jamais depuis cratie grandissante » en Irak par le prési¬ Irakiens « avant » toute opéra¬ en arabe l'invasion de mars-avril 2003. D'ici à cinq dent George Bush - qui ne voulait pas tion militaire sur leur territoire ou en anglais semaines, l'Irak aura recouvré l'essentiel entendre parler d'un calendrier de départ ne les contraint pas à prévenir de de sa souveraineté nationale et ne sera des troupes avant une « victoire militai¬ << .m la date ou du lieu exact d'une plus sous la coupe du Conseil de sécurité re » complète -, le vote très majoritaire offensive. « Sachantque les autorités irakien¬ des Nations unies dont la résolution des élus irakiens, qui doit encore être enté¬ nes sont infiltrées par toutes sortes de gens, y concernant son occupation par les Etats- riné par le Conseil présidentiel composé compris des Iraniens, ce serait suicidaire », Unis depuis près de six ans arrive à son du président de la République et de ses confiait mercredi un officier à un journa¬ terme le 31 décembre 2008. deux vice-présidents, n'a pu être obtenu liste du groupe américain McClatchy. L'accord a été obtenu à l'arraché par le qu'au prix d'une ultime concession. A En définitive, aux termes de l'accord chef chiite du gouvernement, Nouri savoir l'engagement du gouvernement approuvé, le seul point indiscutable est Al-Maliki, dont la stature nationale ne ces- de soumettre le texte à un référendum qu'à partir du 1" janvier 2009 le gouverne¬ national avant fin juillet 2009. ment irakien peut exiger le départ des Réclamé par le principal par¬ troupes étrangères de son territoire sans ti politique sunnite qui dispose être automatiquement contredit ou corri¬ LES POINTS FORTS DE L'ACCORD notamment d'une des deux gé par le Conseil de sécurité des Nations vice-présidences de l'Etat et de unies. Pour Bagdad, c'est une victoire Voici les principaux points de l'accord 44 élus, cet exercice « permet¬ politique majeure. irako-américain voté, jeudi 27 novem¬ tra de faire le point » sur les PATRICE CLAUDE bre, par les députés irakiens. conditions de mise en uvre Etapes du retrait : « Toutes les forces de combat américaines devront se reti¬ rer des villes, villages et localités d'Irak (...) au plus tard le 30juin 2009 ».« Tou¬ tes les forces américaines devront avoir quitté le territoire irakien le 31 décembre 2011 au plus tard. » Souveraineté : « Le territoire irakien, ses espaces aérien et maritime ne pour¬ ront être utilisés comme point de départ ou de passage pour des attaques contre d'autres pays (...). En cas de menace ou d'agression interne ou externe contre l'Irak (...), les Etats-Unis prendront tou¬ tes les mesures, diplomatiques ou militai¬ res nécessaires, poury faire échec. » Coordination : « Toutes les opérations militaires (américaines en Irak) devront être entreprises en pleine coordination Les à « Non à » avec les autorités irakiennes. » députés fidèles l'imam chiite Moqtada Al-Sadr disent l'accord lors de la séance parlementaire du jeudi 27 novembre, ap

60 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti leinonde 30 novembre 2008 Un rapport de l'AIEA trois autres sites dans le pays, qui pour¬ raient être liés à Dair Alzour. Il s'agit en met la Syrie sous pression l'occurrence, pour les inspecteurs, d'éta¬ blir si Damas a cherché à se doter d'instal¬ lations de retraitement, ce qui représente¬ rait un fort élément de preuve de desseins pour ses activités nucléaires militaires. Sur les trois sites concernés, après que l'AIEA eût formulé sa demande de visite, des travaux de ter¬ rassement ont eu lieu et des grands conte¬ nucléaires présumées neurs ont été évacués. Des images satelli¬ taires obtenues par l'AIEA ont mis en évi- L'Agence internationale L'enquête porte sur le site de Dair "'"- dence divers efforts de dissimu¬ Alzour, près de la localité d'Al-Kibar, sur lation. de l'énergie atomique confirme Le dossier du les rives de PEuphrate. Selon les services L'enquête porte aussi sur les nucléaire syrien des soupçons pesant sur Damas de renseignement de plusieurs pays occi¬ efforts syriens d'acquisition à pourrait dentaux, qui ont fourni des données à l'étranger d'équipements pou¬ à propos d'un programme compliquer l'AIEA, la Syrie construisait là, depuis vant entrer dans la construc¬ les efforts de nucléaire clandestin mené 2001, un réacteur nucléaire, avec l'aide tion ou le fonctionnement d'un rapprochement jusqu'en 2007 avec la clandestine de la Corée du Nord. Le site, réacteur nucléaire. Damas, qui engagés par un bâtiment isolé, a été bombardé le 6 sep¬ répète que Dair Alzour était coopération de la Corée du Nord Damas auprès tembre 2007 par l'aviation israélienne, une simple structure militaire des Occidentaux qui l'a réduit à l'état de gravats. sans dimension nucléaire, n'a Alors que la Syrie s'efforce de norma¬ Dans son rapport, qui met Damas sous pas apporté de réponse. liser ses relations avec les Occiden¬ pression, l'AIEA note que les « caractéris¬ Les discussions sur la Syrie à Vienne taux tout en guettant l'installation, tiques » du bâtiment de DairAlzour, ajou¬ ont donné lieu à des échanges très tendus en janvier, de la nouvelle administration tées aux capacités de pompage d'eau atte¬ entre le directeur de l'AIEA, Mohamed américaine, le dossier du nucléaire vient nantes, « sontsimilaires à ce que l'onpour¬ ElBaradei, et des pays occidentaux, en compliquer la donne, et de manière de rait trouver en relation avec un site de réac¬ premier lieu les Etats-Unis, qui le taxent plus en plus pesante, constatent des diplo¬ teur » nucléaire. de vouloir minimiser l'ampleur des soup¬ mates. L'Agence affirme par ailleurs que les çons pesant sur Damas. Enquêtant depuis plusieurs mois sur échantillons de sols prélevés sur place M. ElBaradei, comme il l'a déjà fait les activités nucléaires présumées de la par ses inspecteurs ont révélé « un grand par le passé à propos des activités nucléai¬ Syrie, l'Agence internationale de l'éner¬ nombre de particules d'uranium artifi¬ res de l'Iran, craint la manipulation des gie atomique (AIEA) à, pour la première ciel», issus d'un traitement chimique données issues du renseignement - en fois, rendu un rapport sur ses recherches (mais pas de l'uranium enrichi). La Syrie, invoquant le cas irakien - et s'insurge qui a été discuté, jeudi 27 et vendredi qui avait procédé après le bombarde¬ contre l'utilisation de l'option militaire 28 novembre, lors du Conseil ment israélien à divers travaux de par Israël. Il demande que l'Agence puis¬ des gouverneurs de l'Agence, à se recevoir plus d'informations des Etats Vienne. L'existence d'un tel maquillage du site - et construit sur le même emplacement un autre édifice - a qui en disposent. Contre l'avis des Occi¬ rapport (que réclamaient les dentaux, mais avec le soutien des pays Occidentaux avec insistance) affirmé que cet uranium provenait des missiles israéliens qui se sont abattus sur non alignés, il a en outre obtenu que la ainsi que les éléments qu'il Syrie puisse bénéficier d'une « coopéra¬ contient inscrivent désormais l'installation. L'AIEA a demandé à Israël de des éléments de réponse à ce tion technique » de l'AIEA dans le domai¬ la Syrie, et sans doute pour fournir sujet. ne du nucléaire civil, en dépit de l'enquê¬ longtemps, à l'ordre dujour de La Syrie a refusé de communiquer les te qui la vise. l'AIEA, le bras d'inspection de plans du bâtiment détruit. Elle n'a pas, Natalie Nougayrède l'ONU pour les questions de prolifération. non plus, autorisé l'AIEA à inspecter

IRAK: LES KURDES CRITIQUENT VERTEMENT LE CHEF DE L'ONU À BAGDAD d'options pour trouver un accord global sur les régions qui sont l'objet de 30 2008 (AFP) ERBIL (Irak). nov - contestations, notamment la riche ville pétrolière de Kirkouk, où un conflit LE GOUVERNEMENT autonome du Kurdistan irakien a accusé dimanche le oppose Kurdes, Arabes et Turcomans. représentant spécial du secrétaire général de l'Onu en Irak, Staffan di Mistura, "Nous allons proposer entre septembre et octobre des options pour un accord de poursuivre "la politique d'arabisation" initiée par l'ancien dictateur Saddam global sur les régions disputées, dont bien sûr Kirkouk, qui est le problème le Hussein. plus chaud actuellement en Irak", avait alors dit aux journalistes M. de Mistu¬ Dans un communiqué, le ministère kurde chargé des "régions disputées" ra. (entre différentes communautés, dans le nord de l'Irak) affirme que l'ONU Il s'agit de tractations sur douze secteurs qui se trouvent dans le nord de l'Irak, "avalise la politique d'arabisation mise en place par le précédent régime qui sont l'objet de conflits à la suite de mouvements de population ordonnés chauvin" et n'a "aucune feuille de route pour établir un plan d'assistance puis¬ par l'ancien dictateur Saddam Hussein, dans le cadre de sa politique "d'arabi¬ qu'elle devait remettre ses recommandations à l'automne et nous sommes sation" et de répression contre les populations qu'il jugeait hostiles. presque à la fin de l'année et rien n'est venu". Un différend sur la répartition du pouvoir entre les trois communautés de la Interrogé par l'AFP, M. di Mistura a affirmé "ne pas vouloir entrer dans une région de Kirkouk, à 250 km au nord de Bagdad, a repoussé les élections dans polémique avec les responsables kurdes" mais qu'il "avait effectivement cette province. Une commission réunissant toutes les parties doit se réunir décidé de reporter jusqu'à l'an prochain l'annonce de ses propositions afin sous les auspices de l'ONU en février et mars pour trouver le moyen d'orga¬ d'éviter de créer des tensions avant les élections provinciales" du 31 janvier. niser des élections et une répartition des sièges entres communautés. Le 20 août, l'ONU avait déclaré qu'elle proposerait à l'automne une série

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