Kirkuk officials and tribal leaders review role of tribes in countering extremism

KIRKUK, Iraq — Local and security officials in Kirkuk convened with tribal leaders this week to review coordination between tribes and state institutions in countering extremism and maintaining stability, according to participants at the city's 17th Counter-Extremism Coordination Meeting. Ali Abdullah al-Budairi, head of the National Committee for Countering Extremism within the National Security Advisory, said positive interaction among all components of Kirkuk forms the foundation of stability. He noted that a moderate tone prevails within the city's institutions and tribal structures, and that joint work between federal and local bodies and tribal leaders has strengthened security. Kirkuk Police Chief Major General Fattah Mahmoud Yasin al-Haffaji described Kirkuk as "a small Iraq" and said tribes are the most important support for security units. Deputy Governor Ribwar Taha said the province backs the committee's plans and programs. The two-day meeting was held in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme and concluded with recommendations to expand contacts among Kirkuk's various components and pursue a joint approach against extremism. No further details on specific outcomes were immediately available.