Takfiris exploiting religion in Iraq: Analyst

Press TV has conducted an interview with Franklin Lamb, international lawyer from Beirut, about the recent terrorist attacks in Iraq and how cooperation between the regional countries can defuse the crisis.

What follows is an approximate transcription of the interview.

Press TV: With focus on those parts of the remarks Mr. Rouhani made on the issue of terrorism in the region, now he referred to those countries that support terrorists and he also said that if America discontinues its current policy, then Iran will consider cooperating with America even, against the ISIL. What do you think about the role that these countries are playing in the spread of terrorism?

Lamb: I think it’s intriguing and I think his statement was moderate which is what we’ve come to expect of him and his government. I found it a little bit intriguing that he used the phrase and I quote, “regional countries contributing to terrorism,” he could have accused France, they are doing it, and the UK and the US.

But he chose not to and I think he did that for a reason that he sees as we are making progress both sides with the nuclear file that there is every reason for the two powers, the two main powers in the Middle East – Iran and the US – I think we have to admit that every reason for them to try to cooperate on this problem that affects them both and I think the Iranians, like the rest of us, were shocked by what happened in Mosul and the bravado of some of these groups like Daash.

So, I think the Iranian position seems to be at the moment a little bit similar to the American position. Maybe their policy is clear, but I think they are studying it. I know that the White House is claimed to be studying it. They are not exactly sure what to do, so again, every reason to cooperate.

Press TV: Looking at the situation inside of Iraq, what can be done for it right now? We know that Maliki has been clearly pointing the finger at Saudi Arabia, naming Riyadh as one of the supporters, the major supporters of these groups. What do you think is behind this sudden rise in terrorism in the country? What’s the objective?

Lamb: I think they are good at planning. ISIS and a couple of other groups, al-Nusra, and I think they have been planning this for a while. I think we have to admit that there is some disappointment, I think, across the region in Maliki. What has he done in Fallujah after pledging that he was going to liberate it six months ago? I know it’s a tough problem. It could be that the Americans left too early that they didn’t train the Iraqis well enough or it may be that this Shia-Sunni thing is getting deeper and deeper and broader and it’s infecting the army that remarkably now apparently wear civilian clothes underneath the uniforms in case they have to take them on. That’s not encouraging.

So I think the regime, the Maliki government has got to create some credibility among its own people and ease up on some of its practices. I think if they do that they’ll have the cooperation of the Americans and the Iranians.

But obviously something got to be done and I would not rule out some form of American force or some form of Iranian force. But, we will see what happens now in Samara and other areas in the next few days which way this goes because Maliki could still, could launch counteroffensive and regain a lot of that territory.

Press TV: Do you recognize, however that the current circumstance is, this is no longer a Shia-Sunni battle. It’s basically the terrorists against the entire Iraqi population?

Lamb: Honestly, I would like to say that, but look at their language. Look at that inciteful hateful language that Daash has been using and some of their religious leaders. So, it may be not felt on the other side or broadly in the two communities, the Shia and the Sunnis. But these guys are obviously using that, to excite and to create fear among the Sunni population hoping to neutralize them if not gain their supports. So, I have to say, I think that issue is still there and they are going to try to exploit it.