Gun Control in Counterinsurgency

[AdamG]

Relevant
http://niqash.org/content.php?conten...id=2181&lang=0

Niqash: What government procedures are in place to maintain control over awakening councils and people committees in the future? Aren’t you afraid that these councils may turn against the government and prevent it from implementing policies which may not be in line with the tribal vision?

Al-Bakhati: There are many procedures in place to control all forms of non-state militias, and we have no problems with people committees because they are still under control. In regard to the awakening councils, there are tribal parties who coordinate between the councils and the prime ministry, keeping disagreements contained within limits. We do not want to transform the country into a power struggle between armed groups. We are seeking to put weapons under the exclusive control of the state, and to respond to all demands through dialogue.

[jmm99]

and also this:

Niqash: Does this mean that people committees and awakening councils were armed despite government objections?

Al-Bakhati: Yes, the tribes were armed despite government objections. U.S. troops insisted on arming the tribes, and on giving them a role in the security dossier, despite the opposition expressed by many political factions. We prefer limits to this, otherwise the official security establishment in the country would be badly compromised.

but one must distinguish between the tribes and awakening councils:

Niqash: You always try to distinguish between the tribes and awakening councils, and you tend to separate one from the other. What are your reasons?

Al-Bakhati: There is a clear difference between the two. Not all the tribes are members of awakening councils, and there are many tribes that support government policies. However, there are tribe members of awakening councils that oppose these policies. In reality, the awakening councils represent a part of the tribes but not all of the tribes.

Overall, the interview is a clear statement by a central government in favor of total weapons control - although the initial impact seems aimed at a limited (disfavored by the central government) group.

Question for those in the know about Iraq and awakening councils: if I am a member of an awakening council, should I be nervous about my future well-being ?

Regards

Mike