AYAD ALLAWI

October 31st, 2007

Iraq's former Prime Minister, Dr Ayad Allawi, has accused British forces of giving up much too early in Basra.

Dr Allawi was speaking at a Doha Debates Special event, only days after Britain announced its handover to Iraqi forces in Basra in December. He described the decision as a 'gross failure of policy'.

Questioned by both Tim Sebastian and members of the audience, which included many Iraqis, Dr Allawi commented on US military policy, saying, 'Militarily the surge has slightly reduced the violence but politically it hasn't achieved any results'.

He called for the rebuilding of the Iraqi army and the greater involvement of the UN and the Security Council in the country's security.

Setting out a twin track approach to ending the violence in Iraq Dr Allawi said: "You have to use force, and you have to use dialogue - you can't just have a day-dream and ask for law and order". He said brutality was necessary to end the sectarian violence in the country.

"There is a need for a strong government to build the institutions of state, and martial law to get rid of the militias. It's about loyalty to the state, not to a party or individuals"

He also warned against any possible US strike on Iran, saying: "I don't think to attack Iran is the answer and would only bring negative results. We need to contain Iran and bring it to dialogue and to respect its neighbours."

The event was broadcast on BBC World on 3rd and 4th November 2007.

To watch this debate, click here

To download as a podcast, click here

To read the full transcript of the event, click here

For more information, please contact the Doha Debates team: thedohadebates@qf.org.qa