Baghdad, Iraq - June 2, 2024

Storyline:
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi highlighted the significance of gaining public trust and support for successful counter-terrorism operations, and emphasized the crucial role of political stability and economic development in Iraq's path forward.

In July 2017, then-Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi announced that the Iraqi government forces had successfully defeated the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Mosul following about three years of counter-terrorism operations.

Mosul, about 400 km north of the capital Baghdad, was seized by the Islamic State (IS) militant group in June 2014 and was liberated on July 10, 2017 after nine months of fierce fighting.

In December of the same year, Abadi declared that Iraq had achieved a historic victory over the IS group.

In a recent exclusive interview with the China Media Group (CMG), Abadi highlighted the restoration of trust and support among the public as a pivotal factor leading to the success of Iraq's counter-terrorism operations.

As remnants of extremist organizations remain active and continue to carry out attacks in northern Iraq and in the areas near the Syrian border, Abadi noted that eradicating these residual forces will require more time and efforts. He stressed that political stability and economic development within Iraq are crucial factors in defeating terrorism.

Meanwhile, Abadi criticized the intervention of external forces, led by the United States, for failing to address Iraq's fundamental issues ,and instead exacerbating regional conflicts.

He urged the international community to respect Iraq's sovereignty and independence, while calling for support for the Iraqi government's independent resolution of domestic matters. The former Prime Minister also emphasized the promotion of political dialogue and economic reconstruction as means to foster Iraq's peace and development.

Shotlist:
Baghdad, Iraq - June 2, 2024:
FILE: Iraq - Aug 13, 2018
1. Iraqi national flag;
FILE: Baghdad, Iraq - April 23, 2023
2. Various of traffic;
Baghdad, Iraq - June 2, 2024
3. Interview in progress;
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Haider al-Abadi, former Iraqi Prime Minister (starting with shot 3/partially overlaid with shots 5-9):
"At the time, it was widely believed that the incursion of extremist organizations had caused numerous problems in Iraq and that their aggression would not cease. There was a prevalent belief among the international community that Iraq had already collapsed and could not be restored to its pre-war state. But over time, as people in the areas occupied by extremist organizations began to regain trust in the Iraqi security forces, the situation inside Iraq underwent a transformation, leading to the success of the counter-terrorism operations. Failure to secure the support of the people would sustain a breeding ground for terrorism."
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
FILE: Kurdistan Region, Iraq - 2016
5. Refugee, tents;
6. Girl walking out of tent;
Kurdistan Region, Iraq - Recent
7. Children smiling;
FILE: Baghdad, Iraq - Dec 2018
8. Military vehicles;
9. Various of members of Iraqi security forces
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
Mosul, Iraq - Recent
10. Damaged buildings, pedestrians, cars;
11. Streetview;
FILE: Baghdad, Iraq - 2022
12. Various of locals talking;
Baghdad, Iraq - June 2, 2024
13. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Haider al-Abadi, former Iraqi Prime Minister (ending with shot 14):
"What we need to do is to enhance intelligence operations and win the support of civil society, as our people will help expel terrorists and deprive them of sanctuaries. With this in mind, we need to put in place appropriate social policies and national governance strategies." ;
FILE: Baghdad, Iraq - March 11, 2023
14. Various of traffic, cityscape;
FILE: Baghdad, Iraq - Oct 25, 2023
15 River, bridge;
Baghdad, Iraq - June 2, 2024;
16. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Haider al-Abadi, former Iraqi Prime Minister (starting with shot 15):
"Iraq is developing towards a better future. As part of the international and regional community, Iraq should continue to play a positive role.";
FILE: Baghdad, Iraq - July 2016
17. Various of traffic, cityscape.

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