It's customary when great events happen that the U.S. punishes its friends and rewards its enemies.

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.

We 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.

Maliki saw Islamic State as a way to exert pressure. If I am not re-elected, terror will befall you - that was his message.

Are 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.

To handle the economy and services in a country like Iraq requires delegation of authority and the choice of competent people.

All Iraqis can unite to defeat terrorism and can unite to rebuild the country.