By TARIQ KHONJI
AN SOS to stamp out sectarian violence went out yesterday from Iraq's national security adviser Dr Mowaffak Al Rubaie.It is tearing Iraq apart and will spread unless its neighbours help eliminate it, he said.
"People are recognising that if it is not confronted, it could spread all around the region," he told the Manama Dialogue security conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.
The three-day event brings together all elements of the national security establishments from the countries in the region, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
They are joined by key external powers Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Singapore, the UK and the US.
Iraq's neighbours, especially Syria, should do more to tighten their borders to prevent terrorists from Al Qaeda and other groups from entering Iraq and adding to the conflict.
"About 80 per cent of the fighters come via Syria," Dr Al Rubaie told a Press conference on the sidelines of the gathering. He said that all countries in the region should play a role in curbing the violence before it gets out of control.
"Iran can play an important role in addressing the violence in Iraq," said Dr Al Rubaie.
He said that the strong presence of foreign troops in Iraq was only temporary. "The foreign powers will begin leaving before the end of next year and I would be very surprised if they stayed in this number even by autumn next year."
He said that the Iraqi government would strengthen its control over the country beginning next year.
