Hali: There is no doubt that the increase in the number of displaced here has risks. Terrorists and bad guys could indeed infiltrate the region, pretending to be displaced. This has led to increased pressure on security and intelligence here. But that's only to be expected, not only in Iraqi Kurdistan but in any other part of the world where this happens. Happily I believe we have managed to ensure our security while taking into consideration the rights of the displaced.
NIQASH: People here often say that it's going to be impossible to eliminate the IS group completely over the next few years.
Hali: The IS group will exist until we can dry up it's financial resources and use air strikes to kill its leaders and influential members. I also believe we should be supporting Sunnis in Iraq and Syria to fight the IS group themselves.
It would make it easier to take back and control areas currently hosting the IS fighters in the long term. All of that would make the IS group disappear – although it may change its name and start fighting under a new name. The Middle East won't be free of extremism and terrorism for a long time - the war against these forces will last a long time.
NIQASH: How has the current security crisis impacted on the political mapping of the region – in, for instance, areas like Kirkuk?
Hali: I think that after the IS fighters attacked areas that fell outside the official jurisdiction of Iraqi Kurdistan and the areas were then defended or liberated by Iraqi Kurdish military, the people of these areas began to feel more than ever that they were actually part of the Iraqi Kurdish region.
NIQASH: There are now rumours that the Iraqi Kurdish military will be taking part in the upcoming campaign to free Mosul?
Hali: Before any other party, the task of freeing Ninawa must be shouldered by the people of Ninawa. It is not a role for Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdish could play a role in supporting Ninawa after it has been liberated from the IS group if the provincial leadership requests our help.
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