Since 2003, Basra has seen huge political and social transformation and conflict. In March 2008, the government launched Operation Knights Assault to free the city from the grip of militias. Days later, the brother of Basra’s governor was arrested on charges of running an oil smuggling network.

Niqash interviewed Governor Muhammad Musbeh al-Waeli and discussed political and religious conflicts in Basra, the recent military operations and other issues.


Niqash: During the recent central and southern provinces conference you declared that some ministries and parties deal “politically” with the city and its officials. What do you mean exactly?

Al-Waeli: We were talking about the recent crisis in the city that has impacted on the nature of services provided by ministries. Political conflicts have played a role in this area and have deprived the city of services.

Niqash: Do you mean that there are political parties who opened a battle against you because you are a member of the Fadhila Party and because you hold different political views?

Al-Waeli: Yes, there are parties who stood against us because of our political affiliation and have tried to impede services and security in the city.

Niqash: Is it because of your conflicts with the Sadrist stream and the Supreme Islamic Council or are there other parties involved?

Al-Waeli: Sorry, I do not want to answer this question.

Niqash: What about accusations against your brother of running an oil smuggling network in Basra?

Al-Waeli: Accusations against my brother are empty and those who accuse him do not have evidence. The truth is that these parties have invested all their efforts to tarnish my reputation and this subject has been given more attention than it deserves.

Niqash: Why do you avoid naming the parties who disagree with you and are fighting with you over power in Basra city? Are you afraid of certain issues?

Al-Waeli: Please do not try to make me answer. I do not want to speak now but I will reveal everything when the time comes. The whole issue is part of the political conflict and some parties have attempted to distort the images of national figures in the country.

Niqash: What about rumors saying that you have a militia that has supervised the smuggling of oil and entered into armed conflict with Mahdi Army in the city?

Al-Waeli: This is simply not true and not logical. The Fadhila party has no militia and it believes that law is the only authority that should govern the city.

Niqash: How do you assess the security conditions in Basra following the recent military operation?

Al-Waeli: The security situation is now better than ever. The imbalance was because the emergency committee handling security in Basra kept the local government aside despite its inability to impose the rule of law. The committee was the main reason behind the infiltration of militias into the city and their control over its resources. I admit that the city was about to collapse was it not for the Knights Assault Operation which saved the city and restored security.

Niqash: Why is there such a deadly conflict between parties in the city? Is it because of its oil wealth and the plans to create federal regions?

Al-Waeli: Basra is one of the most important southern provinces. Those who control Basra control huge potential; it has a unique commercial and strategic location and it possesses huge oil wealth which could play a role in determining the future importance of the southern region. This is the main cause of the conflict between political forces but we stand for imposing law on all parties without exception.

Niqash: More than one year ago it was suggested that some southern provinces intended to create a region gathering Dhi Qar, Misan and Basra. Is this true?

Al-Waeli: We did not agree with any province to create any region. These rumors are not true.

Niqash: Are you for or against federalism?

Al-Waeli: Federalism is part of the constitution and people have voted for it and for the constitution. We will support whatever the people of Basra choose. There are many active political forces in the south working for the creation of a federal system and for the creation of a region.

Niqash: Do you believe that provincial council elections will change the balance of power in the south?

Al-Waeli: Yes, the map of political parties in the south will change after elections. However, it will not differ radically. Elections will redistribute power among parties and movements in the south. It is only natural that the power balance of some parties, political or religious, will change, not drastically but relatively speaking.