Al-Hol 'timebomb'
Iraqi national security advisor identifies drugs as major threat
BAGHDAD — At the Baghdad Dialogue Conference on Saturday, National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji declared drugs the foremost threat to Iraq, surpassing ISIS, and described the Al-Hol camp as a “time bomb.”
Al-Araji underscored the necessity of trust-building on all fronts, noting the regained confidence of the Iraqi populace in their political system. He affirmed Iraq’s policy of non-interference and its expectation of reciprocal respect from other nations.
He advocated for unified support for the government’s policies, highlighting Iraq’s engagement with 20 countries through security memoranda in 2022 and 2023 to bolster cooperation and share expertise.
Al-Araji remarked on the preoccupation of Iraq’s political system with security since 2003, which has overshadowed its other responsibilities. He clarified that the threat posed by drugs now eclipses that of ISIS, dismissing the inflated figures regarding ISIS’s presence in Iraq. He commended the security forces for their progress and proficiency in counter-terrorism efforts.
Acknowledging the support of nations in Iraq’s battle against terrorism, Al-Araji noted NATO’s ongoing advisory role within the country, emphasizing that the future presence of international forces will be determined by Iraq’s needs and through a consensus on maintaining sovereignty without foreign military bases.
The advisor stressed that coalition forces were a temporary measure, with the Iraqi government now steering decisions regarding the end of their mission.
Highlighting the challenges inherited post-2003, including the management of armed factions, Al-Araji cited a security agreement with Iran in 2023 as yielding swift positive outcomes on longstanding issues. A meeting with Turkey is scheduled to discuss the PKK, with calls for expedited resolutions.
On the Al-Hol camp issue, Al-Araji called for international action, noting Iraq’s repatriation of 1,924 families (7,556 individuals) from the camp, with 1,200 families reintegrating without social difficulties. He urged other nations to repatriate their citizens, pointing out that only 24 of 60 countries have done so.
National security advisor calls for closure of Al-Hol camp
National security advisor calls for closure of Al-Hol camp
Yazidi girl liberated from Al-Hol camp
