Counterterrorism Research Library Iraq Transcript of "Hamas in Iraq" Interview
Transcript of "Hamas in Iraq" Interview
Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Wednesday, 19 March 2008 19:00
The NEFA Foundation has obtained a copy of an interview with a senior military commander of the Hamas al-Iraq insurgent group in the restive Diyala province of Iraq. During the interview, the unnamed Hamas commander sharply condemned the "criminal actions launched by the Al-Qaida network targeting innocent civilians and... other jihad movements... The occupying forces were unable to enter many districts and villages of Diyala until Al-Qaida paved the way for them when they began killing the Sunnis and demolishing their homes, mosques, and their hospitals." The Hamas al-Iraq commander also addressed allegations of Iranian logistical support for local Al-Qaida operations, and the relationship between Iraqi Hamas and a variety of other organizations--including the Muslim Brotherhood, the Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS), the Council of Iraqi Ulema, the Iraqi Islamic Party, the Awakening Councils, the 1920 Revolution Brigades, the Iraqi Islamic Resistance Front (JAAMI), the Mujahideen Army, and the Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI).
