Iraq capable of defeating ISIL terrorists: Academic

Press TV has conducted an interview with Nabil Mikhail, a professor at George Washington University in Washington, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Iraq.

The following is a rough transcription of the interview.

Press TV: How devastating has the presence of ISIL been in Iraq?

Mikhail: Very much devastating. But thank goodness the Iraqi people are strong, so it did not basically replace the government. It did not cause a major sectarian strife. Both Muslim Sunnis and Muslim Shias recognize especially during the holy month of Ramadan the viciousness of ISIL. It also raised questions about the inefficiency of  … fighting ISIL. So in fact, yes, it contributed to a great deal of damage but on the other side the paradox happened.

Iraq is still unified. Iraq is still strong. Iraq has a prime minster. He can lead the fight against ISIL. The problem is that it is a process. You have to organize the effort to fight ISIL. I am quite sure that the Iraqi armed forces are being trained, are being organized and re-organized, but a decision has to be made. Someone has to give the order to fight ISIL. It is a big logistical operation. Inevitably and regrettably there will be losses, do not count out losses, there will be losses. There could be some people kidnapped and tortured, but ISIL could be defeated because geographically it is sandwiched between Iran and Turkey.

Iraq is much stronger than ISIL but definitely it contributed negatively to the image of Iraq. It also led to a serious Iraqi-American rift. Why is Obama silent on many actions by ISIL? But debates do not resolve wars or end the crises. As I said a decision has to be made and the Iraqi leadership will make that decision.

Press TV: What is the main solution to defeat this terrorist group? Does it require a political solution, an economic one or a military one? Which one is more efficient to defeating this terrorist group?

Mikhail: This could be the subject of long seminars, but just let me try to be brief. A military action is needed because the will to execute that military action is lacking. Second, the economy can improve, I mean I hope that all these refugees could be resettled, and it is not as big like the Syrian crisis but I think a military action should be initiated by a political resolve, meaning that there should be a consensus, a minimum degree of consensus among Iraq’s political factions. There has to be a leader because the leader will take a decision and he will bear responsibility and I am quite sure that the current Prime Minister Mr. al-Abadi will do that because he can shoulder responsibility.

Press TV: Can this terrorist group be defeated through stop funding it?

Mikhail: Yes it can be defeated through funding and the problem is that the Obama administration is basically tiptoeing on how to fight ISIL. We hear about all these routes leading to an ISIL location. The problem is the mix with the population.  So you have to initiate some bold steps. You have to land troops. You have to cordon off areas. You have to fight like a basketball game, man-to-man. Only this will defeat ISIL. All this financial support could be ending but just let us confront them physically and ISIL could be defeated.

AHK/HSN

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