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Ambassadors Roundtable Series- Iraq Event Summary As part of the Ambassador Roundtable Series on International Collaboration to Combat Terrorism and Insurgencies, The Homeland Security Policy Institute hosted Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie of Iraq on July 23, 2008.
Ambassador Sumaida’ie noted that at the crux of the struggle within Iraq are two competing ideologies—that of individual choice and freedom, or that of intimidation and submission to those who would deny individual freedom. Unless Iraq and the coalition forces understand these two philosophies and the minds of those who would usurp the power of the state of Iraq, they will not be defeated. Moreover, this is the foundation of the monumental struggle that is going on worldwide—whether on the border of Pakistan or covertly in Western Europe. As Homeland Security Policy Institute Director Frank Cilluffo stated, “We are fighting an ideology, and need to recalibrate our thinking past the kinetic fight. We need to address the underlying issue.” Iraq became susceptible to the ideologies of groups such as al-Qa’ida when the security vacuum following the collapse of the state was not filled. As the fabric of society frayed, the environment ripened for these extremist groups to thrive—they offered a promise of safety, security and welfare. Elements of Iraqi society recruited as foot soldiers for these organizations have little in the way of education and job prospects, and thus are ready to die. Further breakdown in law and order resulted in violence and terrorism becoming prevalent as counter-movements fought for supremacy. Al-Qa’ida, Jaysh al Mahdi, and others were determined, organized, well-funded and able to wreak havoc on Iraqi society. However, it is Iraqis that have the hope of investment in their future and families that are opposed to the extremists, and which ultimately rejected these groups.
According to the ambassador, these measures will enable the Iraqi people to have a vested interest in stability, and thus will support the state. It is those who have no stake in stability, or who have been on the receiving end of social injustice, that are taken by the ideologies of al Qa’ida and other extremists. The recruiters have honed in on these people to promise them subsistence, meaning and relevance—Iraq needs to build up equal skills to recruit these people back to the state and mainstream society, beginning with addressing their fundamental needs. Finally, Ambassador Sumaida’ie had words of wisdom for U.S. leaders: “The U.S. has had some influence on the political evolution of Iraq, but unfortunately that was not always based on sufficient understanding of the local situation.” In other words, policymakers should have an understanding of the complexities of the areas they are working in as they work to defeat terrorism or create counterinsurgency programs. He believes, however, that in the end, the defeat of al Qa’ida in Iraq is the genesis of its defeat worldwide, noting that “al Qa’ida has an ideology of oppression and darkness, and it will not succeed.”
The Ambassador Roundtable Series is designed to provide Ambassadors to the United States and their key diplomatic staff with a forum to discuss current and future counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts on a regional or country-specific basis. In an effort to draw upon various insights and experiences, the Ambassadors Roundtable Series builds upon and institutionalizes efforts over the past two years to engage in a dialogue with members of the international community, policy makers, and practitioners. For further inquries, please email hspi1@gwumc.edu with the subject Ambassadors Roundtable Series Inquiries |
Since the invasion of Iraq by U.S. and coalition forces in 2003, and the resulting scourge of insurgency, Iraq has struggled through what Ambassador Sumaida’ie termed “its darkest days.” Though its society was besieged and threatened, Iraq’s social cohesion did not break down and has now “turned the corner” necessary to defeat the insurgency. In his remarks and the discussion following, the ambassador outlined the context of the current insurgency, its underlying causes and solutions arising from within Iraqi society that have occurred over the past two years. 
Going forward, Ambassador Sumaida’ie explained that the government of Iraq will exploit lessons it has learned. For example, most reports of terrorist activity occur at the local law enforcement level. This highlights the need to continue rebuilding of the Iraqi National Police, which contains personnel from and serves the local community. Iraq has also taken diplomatic initiative with its neighbors to prevent measures that would further exacerbate instability within Iraq. Additionally, the government is increasing the number of people it employs. Employment in turn provides an avenue to build infrastructure that will create a high quality of life that is sustainable, as well as more security as recruits to extremist organizations decrease and goods and services are restored to more of the Iraqi population. These tools of statecraft—such as policing and security, diplomacy and good governance—are paramount for success in Iraq. |