Atheel al-Nujaifi: The recent violence is a natural reaction from anyone who’s angry about what happened in Hawija. Our priority here is to keep citizens safe and to protect state institutions and private property. We’d also like to see tensions eased and a reduction in the level of anger. We definitely do not want to see security forces clashing with civilians and repeating what happened in Hawija.
NIQASH: So do you think that government forces can maintain security here?
Al-Nujaifi: Most of the leaders of these forces, as well as those belonging to them, are from other places around Iraq because Baghdad doesn’t allow locals to take part in local security. That’s causing tensions and that’s why I’m not sure that the forces here can maintain security. Additionally the security staff is still taking orders from Baghdad and they won’t accept any advice or guidance from us, despite Ninawa’s unique social and ethnic mix.
NIQASH: So what is the solution, in your opinion?
Al-Nujaifi: The only thing that would work is the withdrawal of the army and federal police back to their barracks outside Ninawa. The security file should then be handed over to the local police, who are best suited to deal with the people here.
NIQASH: Some of your critics have accused you of being overly sympathetic to the protestors’ demands because one of these involves the withdrawal of federal security forces from the area. And you have already said you want locals to handle security here. But isn’t that risky?
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