Latest news with #Al-Hikma
Shafaq News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim: Iraq suffers most from US-Iran conflict
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Ammar al-Hakim, leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), urged deeper engagement with Syria and outlined why Iraq was bypassed as a venue for nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking at the Sin Dialogue Forum in Baghdad, al-Hakim explained that Iran chose Oman over Iraq due to Muscat's neutrality, despite Baghdad's balanced ties with both Washington and Tehran. 'Iraq is the first to benefit from understanding and the first to suffer from tension between them,' he observed. He defended Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Qatar, framing it as a government-level decision. Although the Coordination Framework (CF) was not consulted, 'That doesn't imply exclusion,' he noted. Al-Hakim stressed Iraq's interest in preserving ties with Syria, citing the protection of religious sites and support for Iraqi communities. He clarified that Damascus' invitation to the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad follows established league protocols, not host country discretion. Turning to domestic affairs, al-Hakim reported that efforts to integrate armed groups into state institutions are advancing, backed by the CF and the State Administration Coalition. 'Recognizing and incorporating these groups strengthens state legitimacy.' He also weighed in on electoral reforms, pointing out that the current law favors mid-sized parties, confirming that the CF has formed a committee to manage internal competition and added that leadership decisions, including a possible second term for the prime minister, would be determined by election results. On Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's decision to abstain from the elections, al-Hakim described it as a political right. 'If he insists on abstaining, we respect his decision,' he remarked, while noting that al-Sadr's participation could significantly influence voter turnout.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sulaimani Forum 2025: Iraq's al-Hakim says Iran–US talks signal regional hope
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iraqi Shia cleric and leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim, stated that the initial round of negotiations between Iran and the US had sent 'clear messages of reassurance' to the region. Speaking at the Sulaimani Forum, al-Hakim characterized the first round of Iran-US talks as more than symbolic, calling them 'a sign of hope' that could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous phase for Iraq and the broader region. He also stressed the positive economic and political implications of reduced hostilities, adding that improved US-Iran relations would allow Iraq to focus more effectively on development. However, he emphasized that Iraq often bears the brunt of regional tensions, particularly between Tehran and Washington. 'Whenever tensions escalate, Iraq is the first to suffer. When they ease, Iraq is the first to benefit,' he said. Al-Hakim urged the international community to back regional and global dialogue, which he described as 'essential for long-term stability.'
Shafaq News
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim warns of 'Malicious Agendas' calls for moderation and dialogue
Shafaq News/ Leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim on Monday warned against what he described as 'malicious agendas' aimed at spreading despair among Iraqis. 'Iraq cannot advance without embracing moderation, centrism, and genuine dialogue,' al-Hakim said during the Eid al-Fitr sermon in Baghdad. He emphasized that moderation has been the guiding principle of the religious authority in Najaf throughout its long history, adding that experience has shown that Iraq will not achieve stability without dialogue and understanding. On the political front, he the importance of maintaining stability, calling it 'one of the key pillars for safeguarding our people's interests and building a capable, independent, and sovereign Iraqi state.' 'We call sincere and patriotic individuals to stand against those who seek to spread weakness and despair among our people and youth through fabricated rumors and baseless scenarios,' he concluded.
Shafaq News
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Ammar al-Hakim: Armed factions committed to avoiding escalation with US
Shafaq News/ Iraqi armed factions are committed to avoiding escalation with the United States and do not seek to embarrass the federal government on this issue, leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim, said on Saturday. Speaking at a roundtable discussion hosted by the 'Iraqi House Salon', al-Hakim acknowledged the factions ' past role in 'counterterrorism efforts,' but stressed the importance of prioritizing national interests and sovereignty in decision-making. He also highlighted Iraq's diplomatic engagement with regional and international powers, calling it a source of strength and a key factor in attracting major foreign investment. On regional developments, al-Hakim emphasized the need for stability in Syria, urging inclusive governance and strong ties with neighboring countries to protect sacred sites and ensure peace. Addressing the debate over establishing federal regions in Iraq, al-Hakim said the timing was "not appropriate", despite recognizing their constitutional legitimacy. He acknowledged that such discussions are part of Iraq's democratic process, but warned against actions that could exacerbate regional tensions.
Shafaq News
25-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Wisdom Movement with Egypt's El-Sisi: Palestinian cause on the table
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraq's National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues, including the Palestinian cause. During the meeting, al-Hakim expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing development of relations between Iraq and Egypt and discussed ways to further strengthen them, particularly in reconstruction projects. 'I commend the Iraqi government's efforts in overcoming challenges to facilitate the work of Egyptian companies, which have demonstrated their competence in the infrastructure projects entrusted to them in Iraq,' he stated. Regionally, he praised Egypt's support for the Palestinian issue and its efforts to prevent displacement, while reaffirming his country's commitment to stability and emphasizing the need to resolve disputes and bridge divides to promote security, prosperity, and development. The movement leader also reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to 'Syria's territorial integrity and the Syrian people's right to determine their future freely,' while emphasizing the importance of supporting Lebanese state institutions and keeping Lebanon free from conflicts and political rivalries. Stressing the need to strengthen Arab cooperation and develop a formula for economic and political integration that ensures the Arab world's position amid rapidly changing international dynamics, al-Hakim expressed Iraq's commitment to the success of the upcoming Arab summit, which will be hosted in Baghdad. "The Arab region is rich in human and natural resources, with a strategic location that allows it to manage challenges, create opportunities, and secure a prosperous future for its people.' On Monday evening, al-Hakim arrived in Cairo for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Egyptian government to meet with senior Egyptian officials. This visit follows al-Hakim's previous trip to Egypt on February 20, 2024, where he held a meeting with President el-Sisi, attended by General Abbas Kamel, head of Egypt's General Intelligence Directorate.
