Anyone who reads the article by Michael Knights, a researcher at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, titled “Watergate Scandal in Iraq and Its Implications for U.S.-Iraq Relations,” will find three main points: 1. Some research centers, supported by parties linked to the Israeli entity, aim to distort the image of governance and authority in the Middle East, including Iraq's democratic system. Despite facing significant challenges, Iraq now enjoys a stable phase that lays the groundwork for an effective and resilient state, capable of confronting crises with national capacities. These groups continue to fight against the Iraqi state - government and people alike. The false information attached to the Iraqi government by the writer is nothing new but is part of an ongoing effort to undermine Iraqi national efforts to build the armed forces and enhance the government's ability to resume work, productivity, and public service. 2. The writer's clear intention is to advocate for the breakdown of US-Iraq relations for his personal gain, not out of concern for the interests of both countries and their peoples. However, the strategic relationship between Iraq and the United States is not affected by such writings and opinions, which serve neither the Iraqi nor the American people but merely aim to stir events and connect incomplete information in an attempt to send negative messages to society. Moreover, much of the information was derived from personalities opposed to the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, which was formed during a difficult period in Iraq’s history through the State Administration Coalition, representing all components of Iraqi society across its political spectrum. 3. The author reinforces the fact that a lot of misleading information still reaches writers and researchers who seek to tarnish the image of stability and development in Iraq. Every country has its own set of crises and problems, but we've never seen them discussed in the manner that this article employs. Therefore, we would like to clarify the following: 1. What was stated in the author’s article is completely untrue. From the very first moments of the accusation against an employee in the prime minister’s office, the employee was removed from his position and referred to investigation in accordance with the amended State and Public Sector Employees Disciplinary Law. This was confirmed in a statement by the Iraqi government to the Iraqi people and public opinion. This governmental transparency played a role in issuing three statements to clarify the facts, prevent rumors, and establish a legal and administrative context for addressing such issues, as seen in every government system around the world. 2. The issue of wiretapping, which was raised, is untrue and exaggerated, as confirmed by many members of parliament from all political blocs. For the first time, these blocs have agreed on the challenge facing the government apparatus, as they have expressed on the X platform through their personal or media accounts. This level of consensus has not been seen in the 20 years of Iraq's democratic system. Hence, the wiretapping issue is rejected based on the principles of government work and the Civil Service Law. Any occurrence of wiretapping would be severely punished according to the amended Employee Disciplinary Law. The employee in question has been suspended for 60 days pending an investigation, in accordance with the legal provisions governing governmental conduct. The results of this investigation will be revealed once they are approved, as per the administrative and legal procedures to address any misuse of authority or personal messaging of members of parliament and political figures. 3. The relationship between the Republic of Iraq and the United States remains strong, based on mutual national interests and governed by the Iraqi constitution and the Strategic Framework Agreement signed between both countries, which was ratified by the Iraqi parliament. The joint committees between the two nations continue to work toward strengthening and expanding US-Iraq relations. 4. The issue of sovereign positions and security sector management is tied to governmental programs and public policies for the security and defense sector, especially in intelligence. The intelligence sector is fully governed by democratic values and the spirit of the Iraqi constitution. Under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, the Iraqi government confronted the wiretapping operations that were prevalent in the presidential palaces and successfully halted them in the early days of his government, at the end of October and November 2022. All employees in the prime minister's office witnessed this shift, as the surveillance devices were removed from key rooms in the palace. 5. The Iraqi prime minister is deeply committed to the Iraqi constitution, consistently ensuring its implementation. The constitution states that the government must preserve the image of the Iraqi state and the values of its ancient society. Any wiretapping operations must be conducted in accordance with the 2005 constitution, under a court order issued by specialized judges. Any authorization for wiretapping is subject to oversight and accountability by the leadership of the national intelligence apparatus. To date, no such operation has been officially recorded. 6. We hold the utmost respect for all those mentioned in the article who work within the Iraqi government apparatus, recognizing their efforts in facing the challenges of their assigned tasks. 7. Attempts to distort the image of Iraq's national intelligence agencies are not new and have become well-known to the Iraqi people, who stand alongside their security forces in the fight against terrorism and the support of law enforcement and stability. In conclusion, what was written by one of the research centers - centers that should focus on quality, impact, and factual information - does not reflect the true image of Iraq. The reality is that Iraq has made progress in services, established a strong economy capable of seizing opportunities and facing challenges, and has developed capable security forces that can transform military victory into comprehensive development and sustained stability. Finally, when research papers and websites rely on hearsay instead of hard facts, this becomes a challenge for public opinion, which is deprived of truth and evidence, relying instead on scattered rumors. Hussein Alawi is an advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
