The Report
of the Iraq Inquiry
753.
Clashes
between the ISF and a Shia group called the Soldiers of Heaven
resulted
in “dozens”
of deaths.359
754.
Maj Gen Binns
observed that the ISF had handled both situations
effectively,
demonstrating
evidence of enhanced capability and strength of resolve. MNF
support
to the ISF
in both cities was “measured, successful and appreciated by the
ISF”.360
JAM distanced
themselves from the uprising and, Maj Gen Binns reported, “in
some
cases moved
actively to assist the IPS restoring order in Basra”.
755.
On 20 January,
Lt Gen Rollo included “two initial observations … to help frame
the
debate”
about the future of the UK’s role in MND(SE) in his weekly
report:
“First,
before we go too far down the road of developing bilateral
relations, we
should not
forget that we still have to help the Iraqi Government establish
law and
order in
their country (in the face of a significant continuing threat from,
amongst
others,
AQ-I, insurgent Sunni terrorist groups and various Shia militias.
Second,
as the
campaign develops the route to success will increasingly be along
the non-
military
lines of operation – especially the economic one. If we choose we
could let
the US take
most of that burden, but in the South at least, they will be
looking to us
to drive
it. And therefore, our reputation with the US (as well as the
Iraqis) will be
informed as
much by our non-military contribution as our force numbers. And
our
contribution
in 2008 will set the conditions for what we can achieve there in
future
years.
As the Iraq Strategy work moves forward we would do well
to keep this in the
forefront
of our minds.”361
756.
On 24 January,
Mr Prentice reported a further meeting of the Executive
Council
which had
taken place on the previous day.362
The Council
agreed a set of principles for
moving the
political process forward, including:
•
proposals
for a “slimmer” government – abolishing at least 14 Ministries,
leaving
between 17
and 22 Cabinet positions;
•
further
discussions between Prime Minister Maliki and Vice-President
Tariq
al‑Hashemi
with a view to a Tawafuq return to government;
•
the
establishment of separate political and technical committees to
discuss the
long-term
security agreement, chaired respectively by Foreign Minister
Zebari
and Deputy
Foreign Minister Mohammed Hamoud;
•
the
establishment of a standing secretariat for the Political Council
for National
Security;
and
359
BBC
News, 19
January 2008, Iraqi Shia
pilgrims mark holy day.
360
Minute
Binns to CJO, 24 January 2008, ‘GOC MND(SE) Weekly Letter – 24
January 2008’.
361
Minute
Rollo to CDS, 20 January 2008, ‘SBMR-I’s Weekly Report (284) 20 Jan
08’.
362
eGram
2673/08 Baghdad to FCO London, 24 January 2008, ‘Iraq: Internal
Political Progress?’
320