Iraqi Army and Maliki as Vichy of Germany

On January 6, 1921 the Iraqi army was formed. The draft was introduced and all Iraqis above 18 years must join the military service for a period of two years. The Iraqi army operated as a huge multi-ethnic and multi- religious institution. Before 1948, Iraqi Jews were obliged to join the service. Prior to 1958, Iraq military equipment and training were British. But after the July 14, 1958 revolution, Iraq left Baghdad Pact and acquired military equipment from the Soviet Union. The old army weapons were sent to the Algerian fighting the French and to the Yemenis fighting the British. The Iraqi army rebelled against the pro-British royal family in 1941 and in1958 where all members of the royal house were killed. The Iraqi army and air force took part in battles against Israel in 1948, 1967 and in 1973. The army grew from a mere three divisions in 1958 to 30 divisions in 1980. It fought an eight year war against Iran (1980-1988), invaded Kuwait in 1990 and was dissolved by the Americans in 2003 as requested by the Israelis. All Iraqis were proud of their army. Unfortunately, the Americans are trying to re-organise the army, not to defend Iraq, but to defend their occupation. In every country an army is formed to defend the country’s borders against foreign invaders. But what are the duties of the Iraqi army when the country is being raped by US soldiers and their mercenaries? I call on all personnel currently wearing Iraqi army uniforms to think seriously of their present position. Protecting the American invaders is not an option as it is a punishable act of betrayal.

The Iraqi army served as a training ground for most Iraqis from farm boys to university graduates. Training includes military tactics, strategies, weapon handling, organisation, hygiene, geography and history. Most Iraqi car mechanics were trained during their military service. There is an Army Reserve Officers College that accepts univeristy graduates.

The Russians who collaborated with Hitler Wehrmacht were punished as traitors. Similarly, all French who collaborated with the German-installed Vichy government were put on trial. Al-Maliki is like Vichy, installed by the hated American invaders.


Adnan Darwash, Iraq Occupation Times