The Kurds know that they won't achieve their own state by force of arms but through international recognition. And they have certainly heard what the German foreign minister said in connection with the arms deliveries: There is no Kurdish state. But that shouldn't prevent the Kurds from continuing to develop their own institutions. Still, the best thing for them would be to remain a part of Iraq, but in return we must treat them with respect - their nationality, their language and their culture.
Ahmed ChalabiThe Kurds' achievement was outstanding, both militarily and diplomatically. European governments recognized this and abandoned their resistance to weapons deliveries. Germany, too, acted correctly. Now, we need a joint military leadership so that the Kurds and the army can retake Mosul.
Ahmed ChalabiTo handle the economy and services in a country like Iraq requires delegation of authority and the choice of competent people.
Ahmed ChalabiMaliki saw Islamic State as a way to exert pressure. If I am not re-elected, terror will befall you - that was his message.
Ahmed ChalabiIraq will not allow any action on its soil that could harm the U.S. We don't want any action from our soil to target our neighbors.
Ahmed ChalabiThe battle against terrorism is not only a military fight but primarily a battle of information.
Ahmed ChalabiYou know the most important thing the Americans did for Iraq apart from liberating the country from Saddam was helping Iraq reduce its debt. The United States worked very hard to reduce 80 percent of Iraqi debt.
Ahmed ChalabiThe meeting is called by the U.S. to give their vision of the interim Iraqi authority. It will be a one-day meeting. And the U.S. will present its vision, and there will be a statement after the meeting.
Ahmed ChalabiIslamic State is following a clear strategy. First, it wants to solidify its power in Iraq and Syria. Then, their fighters will try to advance to Syria's Mediterranean coast. If they are successful, that will be seen as their next great triumph. And then, their target will be Jordan, where things will be easy for them. Already, Islamic State has broad support in many cities there. And when they get there, it will once again come as a great surprise to everybody.
Ahmed ChalabiAre Iraqis ready to carry the responsibility for their country? Is Iraq ready to be its own master? We want to be the masters of ourselves and to carry our responsibilities in this region.
Ahmed ChalabiWe need a united front against Islamic State and Assad happens to be the decisive power that can fight them. But the situation is preposterous because we also have to respect the calls for change. I would be in favor of a dignified change.
Ahmed ChalabiThe fight against corruption is not bound to high-profile arrests and high-profile investigations. The fight against corruption is successful if you prevent corruption taking place in the first place.
Ahmed ChalabiDo not seek to find a reason why elections are not possible. Seek to make them possible, and they will be possible.
Ahmed ChalabiThe Americans stabbed in the back the forces that worked to bring about the collapse of Saddam's regime and wanted to keep Iraq a sovereign country.
Ahmed ChalabiMany Sunnis joined Islamic State because they felt they were being treated poorly. Winning back their trust is the primary task of the new government. That will be difficult, but it is possible.
Ahmed Chalabi