Quite apart from the threat posed by the IS terrorists, Iraq’s economy is having to cope with the problems caused by the falling price of oil, reported Angela Merkel after her meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

A government for the entire population

At the same time Angela Merkel pointed out that only a strong Iraqi government can resolve the problems the country faces. The German government has always stressed how important it is to involve all sections of Iraq’s population in the government, as one element in the fight against the terrorist militia. "We are facing massive challenges in the fight against the terrorist organisation Islamic State," said the Chancellor.

The most recent murders of hostages have demonstrated that IS is not yet vanquished, she said. This is why the German government has taken the decision to provide training and weapons to support the Peshmerga fighters in consultation with Iraq’s central government. It is quite clear, however, that only inclusive governance can win the fight against IS. "I believe we can already see the first successes of the government."

Iraq is also facing serious problems as a result of the low oil price, said the Chancellor. Oil exports generate more than 80 per cent of Iraq’s state revenue. In addition to assistance in the fields of equipment and training, there are plans for economic cooperation. Angela Merkel said, "We, the Federal Republic of Germany, intend to stand by Iraq and help it in view of the massive problems it faces."

German training mission

Last week the German Bundestag approved Germany’s involvement in a training mission for Iraq’s armed forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, with up to 100 German soldiers being deployed. With other nations (in particular Italy, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian partners), Germany will provide training modules in northern Iraq.

In addition to basic training the focus will be on medical services, mine clearance, leadership and tactics. The training mission aims to train the security forces of the regional government of the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the Iraqi armed forces and thus ensure that they are better equipped to fight IS.

Threat posed by IS
The Islamist terrorist militia IS is exerting enormous military pressure. People in the region, especially in northern Iraq and Syria, have been suffering horrendous violence at the hands of IS since early summer. Many have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Members of religious minorities, including Yezidis and Christians, are particularly at risk.

International alliance against IS

The German government has already supplied Peshmerga fighters with military equipment and weapons in response to requests lodged by the Iraqi side and the Kurdish-Iraqi forces. Germany’s engagement is part of the international anti-terror alliance, which is supplying military and humanitarian aid in the fight against IS.

Islamic State is destabilising the entire region and has impacts on Germany too, Angela Merkel said in a government statement in September 2014. We must halt the expansion of IS terrorism. "We are witnessing unbelievable atrocities," said Angela Merkel. IS is not only a threat to minorities. Everybody who stands up to IS must fear the worst.

"A destabilisation of entire region on this scale also impacts on Germany and on Europe," declared Angela Merkel. If, as is the case in Iraq, a foundation is laid for religious fanatics, "there is a growing danger that our security interests too will be affected".