SABAH AL-KHAZ’ALI/IRAQI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE Iraq’s Center for Military Values and Principles, a section of the University of Defense for Military Studies, organized a course on international humanitarian law for a number of officers in the Iraqi Armed Forces in 2015. Staff Brig. Gen. Khalid al-Bayyati, commander of the Center for Military Values and Principles, talked about the importance of this course. “In accordance with its commitment to international treaties and conventions, Iraq has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Committee of the Red Cross to promote the culture of international humanitarian law in Iraq, especially within the…
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SOF school promotes professionalism, loyalty and tolerance Maj. Gen. Falah Hasan Kadhim Al-Mohamedawi, Director, Special Operations Academy The Iraqi Counter-terrorism Service invests in developing well-educated fighters who respect humanity, reject ethno-sectarian discrimination and pledge loyalty only to Iraq. Before thinking of weapons and technologies, we focus on building fighters’ capacity. It was for this reason that the Iraqi Special Operations Forces Academy was founded as a cornerstone institution to build professional forces capable of deterring security threats. The academy was established in 2009 and played a big role in standardizing all tactics and trainings of the Special Operations Forces. The academy consists…
The coalition can’t overlook the psychology that drives extremism Professor Qassim Hussein Salih/Founder and Head of the Iraqi Psychological Association It does not concern us here whether the Da’ish is an Arab, regional or international creation that led to the fall of Mosul. Strategists have addressed the issue of Da’ish from military, security and political points of views. Parliamentarian committees could not decipher its behavior. Besides, we are hardly concerned with the opinions of politicians because they focus on the terrorists’ intent to overthrow government and seize authority. Their views constitute a passive opinion regarding the reasons that drove Da’ish…
Iraqi women fight with honor and courage against Da’ish UNIPATH STAFF Iraqi women are characterized by their dedication, patience and ability to withstand suffering despite disastrous waves of wars, blockades, violence and terrorism. They are still struggling against crises and have joined hands with men for the sake of making bright futures amid difficult conditions. They do this to achieve security, safety, peace and tranquility in their home of Iraq. There are women across Iraq who have become extraordinary symbols of valor and sacrifice, encountering an enemy that knows no mercy or compassion — an enemy that strives for bloodshed and the…
Iraqi Special Operations Forces are fierce in battle and show compassion and respect for civilians UNIPATH STAFF The elite Iraqi Special Operations Forces score victories every day against Da’ish. Iraqis know these Soldiers as the “Golden Brigade.” When their convoys travel through Iraqi cities, all eyes gravitate to them and the children smile and wave with innocent hands. Their suntanned skin reveals the deep roots of Sumerian warriors rich in love and loyalty to Mesopotamia. Among them are men from Zakho, Basra, Omara, Anbar, Salah al-Din, Kut, Nasiriya and Mosul; they are men of different origins but unified in their love…
Adm. Ali Hussein Ali Led the Navy and Coastal Defense Force with Professionalism and Pride UNIPATH STAFF Listening to Adm. Ali Hussein Ali, commander of the Iraqi Navy and Coastal Defense Force, brings to mind the words of the great Iraqi poet Mudhafar Al-Nawab in his masterpiece Chief of Sailors. His words echo confidence and deep faith in Iraq’s naval forces: “I know the Chief of Sailors, he never leaves the deck of his warship; The Chief has no limits, beyond the limits of other ships; He selects the most loyal sailors of the good old days Who can predict a…
Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamed Amin Shares His Insight on Success, Leadership and the Future UNIPATH STAFF The history of the Iraqi Air Force is rich in heroism and glory. Iraqi pilots enjoy special treatment and respect in the region because of their professionalism and performance. One of those elite hawks is Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamed Amin, commander of the Iraqi Air Force. His legacy reveals a brave man who participated in many honorable battles. He was born in Kirkuk province, which, because of its diversity of ethnicities, is a mini version of the nation as a whole. His childhood friends…
Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq Describes Unity of Force Against Terrorism UNIPATH STAFF Despite his busy schedule of meeting with staff officers and visiting front line units, Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq, Iraq’s commander of ground forces, generously provided time to talk with Unipath. The general gained wide popularity after assuming the command of Ninawa operations in 2008. Gen. Riyadh became popular after commanding the 9th Armored Division and the Rasafah operation. His star shone among the citizens of Mosul after the Umm Al-Rabi’ain operation for the discipline of his forces and their good treatment of Mosul residents. The province experienced noticeable…
UNIPATH STAFF Iraqi Minister of Defense Khaled al-Obeidi recently spoke to the Iraqi Ground Forces. The following is his powerful speech that exemplifies the enormous responsibility the military holds in bringing security and stability to the people of Iraq: “My sons and brothers in the Iraqi military: You are the focal point, and anything that happens, good or bad, will be accounted for by the military. The military is the dignity of the nation. The strength of the military is the strength of the nation; therefore, Iraqi citizens have the right to criticize the military when security is breached or…
Haider Shaghati/Iraq Counter Terrorism Office/Director of Public Relations Although often mistaken for one another, terrorists and insurgency groups are not the same. Each group has a different agenda and goals. Insurgency groups are typically open to reconciliation and negotiation, whereas terrorist groups commit mass murders in the population to undermine governments. Insurgent groups usually avoid attacking innocents and seek popular support. Terrorists use intimidation and murder to frighten people and use them as human shields. Unlike insurgents, terrorists have little or no remorse for claiming innocent lives and misinterpret religion to justify their crimes. Therefore, the government must have a plan to…