Former PM Maliki appeared in an interview at @alsharqiyatv, stating that the state lost control in the wake of the October protests last year. Provinces such as #Nassriya have fallen at the hands of violent protesters, he says. [Thread 1/4]
"Demanding employment is a legitimate demand", (read: calling for the downfall of the system is not). It is therefore incumbent on the government to counter the chaos unleashed by 'politicised' revolting youth. Maliki's solution? [2/4]
A repeat of the 2007 Operation Imposing the Law, which cleared the capital of Shiite and Sunni armed groups during the surge. It was followed by Operation Knight's Charge which targeted militia groups in #Basra, specifically Sadr's Mahdi Army. [3/4]
Maliki's comparison of the fall of Mosul with Nassriya, and proposed solution of cracking down on protesters, is highly concerning. It does not prevent chaos, it invites further escalation, in a situation where peaceful dissent is silenced. [4/4]
