MUZAFFER ARSLAN, ADVISOR ON TURKMEN AFFAIRS TO THE PRESIDENCY OF IRAQ

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“IRAQ'S POLITICAL MAP IS REDRAWN”

Dr. Muzaffer Arslan, Advisor on Turkmen Affairs to the Presidency of Iraq, paid a visit to ORSAM on March 4th 2009. Arslan, who talked to ORSAM team in a meeting where the last developments in Iraq were assessed, stated that a major change took place in balances that were established right after the U.S. invasion in 2003. Arslan stated that the U.S. made great promises to the groups it needed for strong cooperation during the invasion, but the U.S. also had to revise this attitude in face of the realities of the country. Indicating that the groups, which took lion's share from the government by doing ethnical, sectarian and religious based politics during the first period of the invasion, lost blood in the last local elections, Arslan stated that Iraq's political map was almost redrawn.       

During Arslan's visit, a comprehensive exchange of view took place with ORSAM team on the political strategies of the Turkmen and on their roles in Iraqi politics, as well.