Maliki security consolidation prompts Kurdish outcry
The prime minister is increasing his direct control over security forces in Iraq's most sensitive disputed areas – straining tensions and gaining key leverage over Kurdistan.
An Iraqi Army soldier stands guard near a concrete blast wall in Kirkuk. (STAFF/Iraq Oil Report/Metrography)
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is drawing intense criticism for his attempts to consolidate control over security forces in Kirkuk, Salahuddin, and Diyala provinces – a show of strength that is straining tensions between Baghdad and the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Maliki has ordered a reorganization of security forces in those three provinces – including areas claimed by both Iraqi Arabs and Kurds, which contain billions of barrels of oil and gas prospects – under the unitary authority of the newly formed Tigris Operations Command.
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