Conclusions and recommendations
1. We
are reassured that Operation Charge of the Knights has been broadly
successful, and has substantially weakened the power of the militias
in Basra. While some areas of the city are not yet fully under
the control of the ISF, a high degree of security has been restored
and the preconditions are in place for political progress and
economic recovery. There is no doubt that more remains to be done.
The UK Government must ensure that it continues to provide support
to the ISF to ensure that the progress which has been made is
not lost and that Basra does not slip back into instability. (Paragraph
16)
2. The UK MiTTs are
doing an excellent job in enhancing the capacity and self-sufficiency
of the Iraqi Army. Their work is vital to the future of the Iraqi
Security Forces and therefore to stability in southern Iraq. The
contrast with what we saw last year is stark and profound, and
the MoD must continue to support the MiTTs in what will inevitably
be a medium-to long-term project. The larger the military training
commitment we can maintain, the greater will be UK influence in
Iraq, and in the region as a whole, as Iraq recovers its position
as a wealthy and powerful Middle East nation. The UK has an opportunity
to maintain a substantial position of influence for the common
good in southern Iraq, if we can commit the military capacity
to do so. (Paragraph 24)
3. The UK Police Mission
is a small component of Coalition efforts in developing the IPS.
We were impressed by the work it is doing and by the systematic
and organised nature of its plans, and hope it can continue to
provide valuable support to the IPS. We also hope that the Police
Mission can extend its reach and enhance its training capacity
as the security situation in Basra becomes more stable. (Paragraph
30)
4. The UK-led Naval
Training Team is performing a vital role in training and mentoring
the Iraqi Navy, and we pay tribute to the excellent work which
UK Forces are doing at Umm Qasr. It is clear to us that the mission
of the NaTT is a long-term one, and, while we understand that
the UK Government may not wish to make public pronouncements on
future dispositions in Iraq, we encourage the MoD to consider
how a UK presence can be maintained in Umm Qasr beyond any drawdown
of forces in Basra. (Paragraph 37)
5. The work of UK
and Coalition maritime forces in the Northern Arabian Gulf is
crucial to the security and economic prosperity of Iraq, as well
as to wider regional stability. We pay tribute to the work that
UK Service personnel are doing and recognise the often difficult,
sometimes dangerous and always delicate nature of operations in
the area. (Paragraph 44)
6. It is important
that the 'civilianisation' of Basra International Airport continues,
and the UK Government must take account of this in any plans to
draw down UK Forces and to reorientate the COB. (Paragraph 51)
7. Economic prosperity
and increasing security and stability are inextricably linked.
The proper harnessing of oil revenues will provide the Iraqi government
with an invaluable source of income, which will in itself contribute
to the development of the ISF. At the same time, growing prosperity
and the reduction of unemployment in Basra will have a serious
impact on the popularity of the militias. Unemployment and poverty
are among their greatest recruiting sergeants. Iraq is not inherently
a poor country, and the UK Government has the opportunity to help
Iraq realise and reap the benefits of its potential wealth. (Paragraph
52)
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