Annan: US-Led Invasion of Iraq Helped Create ISIL

Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general, said the US-led invasion of Iraq was a mistake and helped to create the ISIL terrorist group.

“I was against this invasion and my fears have been founded. The break-up of the Iraqi forces poured hundreds if not thousands of disgruntled soldiers and police officers onto the streets,” Kofi Annan told the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, RT reported.

He added that some of these former security force members went on to join the ISIL. He also blamed regional powers for making the conflict worse.

“The aim of creating democracy without the existing institutions ushered in corrupt sectarian governments,” Annan said.

In order to halt the spread of extremism, Annan said that governments must do more to tackle problems such as unemployment.