Iraq: Questions and Answers

Q: You supported President Bush's decision to send more soldiers to Iraq last year. What was the situation like before those soldiers arrived?

A: It was very bad for everybody because the militias were controlling the streets. Since the end of 2007, I can say the violence is almost under control, especially in al-Dora and in southwest Baghdad.

Q: You're working on the status of forces agreement that determines what role U.S. soldiers should have in Iraq. What are your thoughts on a timetable for their departure?

A: The timetable, if you talk about it, this will encourage extremism and terrorism. There are sleeper cells waiting. Iraq needs its own army. We are still not done and need help until we are.

Q: How are Iraqi forces doing?

A: The generals and commanders in Iraq, they are very happy with the Iraqi tactics and abilities. Now it is on a positive side. I can say it's on the track, but still we need more.

Q: Have Iraqi Christians been targets of violence since the war started, or have they been caught between different factions?

A: After al-Qaida in Iraq was beaten in the western provinces, it started putting pressure in Mosul. ... Between mid-2006 and the end of 2007, more violence and kidnappings happened in southwest Baghdad and Mosul. Q: What will it take to bring Christians back to Iraq?

A: If we go on and continue with the reconciliation process first, make people feel Iraq is for all of us, not just for some people.

Q: You were on the Iraqi Governing Council just after the war started. What were the challenges you faced then that held up progress?

A: Some of our Iraqi parties, they were leading the Americans the wrong way for their own regional interests, not for Iraq. ... All of the power was with (U.S. administrator L. Paul) Bremer. The Iraqi army was disbanded and the borders were open.

Q: What about those weapons of mass destruction? Many Americans feel misled about them.

A: (Saddam) was a real threat to global peace. If Americans have not discovered the weapons of mass destruction, that doesn't mean he didn't have them. This is very bad and it's used against America today. It is not fair, still we believe he was practicing it.

Q: Where do you see the United States and Iraq going in the future?

A: We will ask our friends in America to keep supporting us until we can stand on our own legs. We have long-term joint interests in technology, democracy and energy.