Mosul: A terrifying silence

NINEVEH, Iraq - Mosul is passing through difficult days. Due to the presence of headquarters belonging to pro-Iran Iraqi armed groups within the city and its outskirts, these sites and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are frequently bombarded by American forces. Throughout this program, we seek the answer to one question: Who is the true ruler of Mosul?

Hevidar Ahmed, the host of Unfinished Stories on Rudaw, stayed four days in Mosul and two days in Ba’aj town near the Syrian border. Inside Mosul, it becomes clear how administrative officials, politicians, and ordinary citizens avoid answering these questions. They seem to be wary of retaliation by the factions and remain silent.

The final decisions in Mosul are made by, or cannot be made without, the factions. They are suspected of launching attacks against Erbil and Duhok from Mosul. Since the war against the Islamic State, these factions and the PMF have firmly established themselves throughout Nineveh province.

A high-ranking, informed official in Mosul told Rudaw: “Mosul is in a very bad state. Our fear is what happens after a potential collapse - that a security vacuum and a cycle of revenge will emerge.” When asked if an “event” in Mosul is inevitable or only speculation, the official replied: “Yes, it will happen. Along with changes in Iran, the first change in Iraq will happen in Mosul.”

In this program, it will become clear what the current situation in Mosul is, what is happening, and where the city is headed. Mosul’s fate is yet to be decided.