And we are grateful to the American young men and women who are risking their lives to give the Iraqi people this chance, this dream of democracy in Iraq now.
AHMED CHALABIAnd we are grateful to the American young men and women who are risking their lives to give the Iraqi people this chance, this dream of democracy in Iraq now.
AHMED CHALABIAlready, 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 CHALABIIf 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.
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.
AHMED CHALABIAmerica betrays its friends. It sets them up and betrays them. I’d rather be America’s enemy.
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 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 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 CHALABIAll Iraqis can unite to defeat terrorism and can unite to rebuild the country.
AHMED CHALABIWe want to be the masters of ourselves and to carry our responsibilities in this region.
AHMED CHALABIWe are not panicking because we know that Islamic State cannot conquer the capital.
AHMED CHALABINot because Iraq will be an aggressive state against them, but rather by the example that will be set by a successful federal democratic state in Iraq.
AHMED CHALABIThe Kurds’ achievement was outstanding, both militarily and diplomatically.
AHMED CHALABIThe 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.
AHMED CHALABIThe view that we hold in Iraq now is this – that democracy is associated with elections. I believe that elections are possible.
AHMED CHALABI