FM Spokesman Blasts US Officials’ Remarks on Disintegration of Iraq

Iraqi Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmad Jamal lashed out at the US intelligence officials for their comments about disintegration of Iraq and Syria.

“The US officials’ remarks on the possible disintegration of Iraq and the zero chance for the country’s return to its past conditions are strongly rejected,” Jamal told FNA on Sunday.

Noting that the terrorists active in Iraq today have come from 80 different world states, he said, “The westerners had better prevent the flow of terrorists from their countries to Iraq instead of raising doubt about Iraq’s unity.”

His remarks came after General Vincent Stewart, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, claimed on Thursday that Iraq and Syria are unlikely to emerge intact from years of war and sectarian violence.

In Iraq, the Defense Intelligence Agency boss indicated that he believes it unlikely that a government in Baghdad could hold authority over the disparate regions within the country’s official borders;

Stewart claimed that he is “wrestling with the idea that the Kurds will come back to a central government of Iraq”.

Also on Thursday, CIA Director John Brennan echoed Stewart’s idea that the borders of the Middle-Eastern countries have irreparably broken down as a result of war and sectarianism.

“I think the Middle East is going to be seeing change over the coming decade or two that is going to make it look unlike it did,” said Brennan, remarking that Iraqis and Syrians now identify themselves more by their tribe or religious sect, than by nationality.