Iraq's Interior Ministry Completes First Internal Review

American Forces Press Service

June 13, 2008 - Iraq's Interior Ministry yesterday conducted an internal review of strategic goals and objectives it has achieved so far in 2008. The review was a first in the ministry's history, and it follows a few months after Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani approved the strategic plan in February.

"We are here to look into our achievements, and most importantly, to solve the obstacles we are facing," said Senior Deputy Minister Adnan al-Asadi.

The strategic plan for 2008 identified eight goals with 54 underlying objectives and 152 tasks to achieve them. The eight major goals were to create a secure environment, eradicate corruption, extend the rule of law, enforce strong ethics, create excellence, strengthen relations with society, derive authority from the people and parliament, and create a culture of initiative.

Directorates within the ministry are responsible for objectives and tasks within their areas of concern.

During the review, senior ministry leaders discussed the goals achieved by the various directorates and the ministry's vision for the rest of the year. Working toward these objectives has improved the professionalism of the police forces, enhanced the capabilities of the ministry, and generated additional police forces to help bring stability and security to Iraq, ministry officials said.

"Over the past year, we have certainly seen an improvement in security, growth in strength and in leadership, as well as an improvement in quality," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, "and we hope to continue to see that growth and quality in the future."

Officials said accomplishments in 2008 will form the basis for the ministry's 2009 strategic plan, which is being drafted. An annual planning calendar has been established for new plans, while reviews such as this one ensure progress is made to meet established goals or correct any shortfalls, they added.

(From a Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq news release.)