“Mosul Operation and the Aftermath: Meeting on Risks, Expectations and Predictions” Conference

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ORSAM held a roundtable meeting entitled “Mosul Operation and the Aftermath: Meeting on Risks, Expectations and Predictions” on October 14, 2016. Among the participants there were diplomatic representatives from several countries, NGOs from abroad, representatives from Turkish public institutions and think tanks, academicians and journalists. At the meeting several important issues were discussed such as the risks of Mosul operation, positions of the parties, short term and long term expectations regarding the operation, importance of the operation in fighting against ISIS, implications of the operation on Iraq’s domestic policy, regional impacts of the operation, Mosul operation and presence of PKK in Iraq, situation of Turkmens, impacts of the operation on relations between Turkey and Iraq, Mosul’s future after ISIS is defeated.

 It is stated that the government that will be established after the operation should not ignore the demographic dynamics of Mosul, thus, it is important to scrutinize the profiles and past approaches of the groups that participate in the operation. It is expressed that the new administration that will be established in Mosul should adopt an attitude which is respectful to human rights, inclusive, enables all groups to participate, rejects discrimination and prioritizes democratic practices. In the meeting, issue of displaced persons and refugees is also addressed, and the expectation for international community to make contribution regarding these issues is expressed. The topics of improving the relations between Iraqi and Turkish governments, and the important roles which Turkey can play in the process of reconstruction after the operation were also discussed. It is stated that Turkey wants to play an effective role in the region due to its concerns over its own security because of the threat stemming from the activities of PKK and ISIS. It is also mentioned Iraqi army is much more equipped and prepared now compared to ISIS’s advance in Iraq in 2014, and thus it can achieve military success against ISIS. Yet, it is expressed that for a long term solution and in order to prevent ISIS-like organizations to gain ground in the region again in the future, a comprehensive analysis of political, economic, and demographic dynamics is necessary. It is also stated that only if the factors that help ISIS to find support are eliminated, a permanent solution to radicalization in the region can be provided.