Maliki: We will not allow for issues to be personalized. Mr. Barzani has been a friend of mine for decades, in light of the circumstances of the struggle against the Baath Party. The dispute here was based on the issue of building a new state, the constitution and the underdeveloped institutions. It was not a personal matter. What we have agreed upon is still in place, through committees that were formed for this purpose. Iraqis understand the need for a solution.
The federal government's relations with the [Kurdistan] Region [of Iraq] are good, and we hope that they grow and develop in the framework of the constitution.
Al-Monitor: Is Iraq on the path toward a sound democracy? How do you assess the recent youth protests on Aug. 31 and the position of the security forces toward them?
Maliki: Yes, certainly, Iraq is on the road to democracy. But we are still at the beginning of that road, and there is a need for efforts and practice when it comes to institution-building, the legislation of laws and deepening a culture of respect for the law at the levels of the state and society. But the steps we have taken are considered good when compared to the difficulties and problems that surrounded our experience and blocked our path. We have succeeded in organizing more than five election cycles — including parliamentary elections and others — since the fall of the [Saddam Hussein] regime.
As for the youth demonstrations, this is a natural thing and we consider it a sign of activity, effectiveness and participation, as long as it takes place within the framework of the law. Let me tell you frankly that these demonstrations were dealt with seriously, whether the youth demonstrations that were focused on [revoking] the privileges of members of parliament or the sit-ins that sometimes bordered on sectarian incitement and defying the law, in addition to including legitimate demands.
Iraq's method of dealing with these demonstrations serves as a civilized, humanitarian model for dealing [with such events]. Everyone can see how demonstrations, with normal demands, are dealt with in regional countries, and the number of victims. I see no need to provide examples — there are many, and this has been covered in the press.
Maliki: Terrorism ‘Directly Related’ to Syria | Iraq Business News http://t.co/AhNkasexpW
Terrorism in Iraq is directly related to Al-Malik's incompetence, corruption and failure to deliver. There is only one realistic option for him, step down and let the better candidates run the country.
Do not point your one finger to others as your other four fingers are pointing at you. Do fool others, Iraq have never been ruled by democracy but a strong dictator from the time 400 B.C.