Latest news with #AmmarAl-Hakim
Shafaq News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's CF to discuss Iran visit, Arab Summit
Shafaq News/ Leaders of Iraq's Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, will hold a key meeting on May 12, a source within the alliance told Shafaq News on Saturday. The Framework will address several issues, most notably the results of the delegation's visit to Tehran and the topics discussed with Iranian officials, including preliminary understandings between both sides, the source said. The meeting will also focus on outlining Iraq's official position paper for the Arab summit. Regarding the participation in the summit, the source confirmed that all 22 Arab League member states are expected to attend at a high level, including Syria, adding that the presence of the head of Syria 's interim administration would serve as a gateway to legitimizing its role at the summit. Among the key proposals under discussion are calls for dialogue with Arab, Western, and US counterparts on restructuring the Palestinian situation in line with UN resolutions, and affirming collective Arab support for Palestine. The draft also includes 'demands for unrestricted humanitarian aid access and potential recourse to the UN Security Council if Israel does not comply,' the source revealed. The agenda will also include proposals to boost regional economic cooperation and human development, along with a plan by Ammar Al-Hakim (the leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement [Al-Hikma]) to establish an Iraq-based international body for counterterrorism coordination. Earlier today, government spokesperson Bassem Al- Awadi told Shafaq News that recent reports claiming some Arab states had declined to attend the Baghdad summit were unfounded.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Iraq and the effort to control armed groups
At the Sulaymaniyah International Forum last week, National Wisdom Movement leader Ammar Al-Hakim addressed the issue of weapons in Iraq. He emphasized that 'military power undoubtedly resides with the state and the possession of arms should be exclusively in its hands. This is a matter that is beyond dispute and requires no further discussion.' Al-Hakim, who is part of the Coordination Framework alliance that has strong ties to the Iranian government, understands that the issue of consolidating weapons solely in the hands of the Iraqi state is not a straightforward task. It involves navigating complex political, security and legal challenges that may require considerable time to resolve. However, the longer the process of centralizing arms within the Iraqi government is delayed, the weaker the authority of the central state becomes, leading to an increase in the influence of armed factions. This situation also heightens the likelihood of security disturbances or confrontations among various militias. Additionally, there is a genuine risk of Iraq facing military strikes from Israel, particularly due to the past involvement of some of these factions in the support war in solidarity with Hamas and Hezbollah following the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on Oct. 7, 2023, before the Iraqi armed factions ceased their military activities. Iraqi factions, which have launched a series of drones and missiles targeting Israel at various times since the Oct. 7 attack, are now facing significant pressure from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. The PM has received credible messages and information indicating that Israel plans to target camps and facilities within Iraq in retaliation for military actions that Tel Aviv deems 'hostile.' Meanwhile, the Iraqi 'resistance' views these actions as part of its 'religious and moral duty to support Palestine.' The issue of consolidating weapons solely in the hands of the Iraqi state is not a straightforward task Hassan Al-Mustafa Al-Sudani took a firm stance and sought cooperation with other Iraqi leaders, particularly within the Coordination Framework, to urge groups such as the Hezbollah Brigades and Harakat Hezbollah Al-Nujaba to cease their operations. This is especially crucial as any Israeli strike could impose significant burdens on Iraq and potentially lead to an undesirable escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Iraqi sources that I spoke with indicated that Al-Sudani, along with Al-Hakim and figures such as Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq leader Qais Al-Khazali and Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi Al-Amiri, among other religious, political and security personalities, have worked toward calming tensions and preventing any imminent US or Israeli strikes on Iraq. The concern regarding potential retaliatory military actions by Israel is not what prompted the Iraqi factions to halt their support for the Palestinians. Rather, it is their awareness of the extensive destruction inflicted upon the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, along with the significant material losses in terms of buildings and the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives. Iraqis have also observed that the theory of 'unity of the arenas' did not yield the intended results. The two main allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, suffered significant losses and lost key leaders such as Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, along with numerous high-ranking security officials. This was attributed to Israel's superior intelligence capabilities, its devastating missile power and the support that Tel Aviv received from Washington. There is also a socio-religious factor that has stopped the ball of fire in Iraq. This factor is linked to the sectarian rhetoric that has proliferated in the Middle East. Various factions found themselves confronted with a torrent of anti-Shiite discourse, prompting their leaders and a significant portion of their supporters to question: why should we fight on behalf of those who insult us? The significant and pivotal changes observed in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, along with the diminishing influence of the so-called Axis of Resistance, have served as a wake-up call for these factions, which fundamentally adhere to a religious ideological perspective. This situation has instilled a fear of losing the gains they have accumulated over the years. Consequently, they have opted, at least tactically, to weather the storm by suspending armed activities. The first step would be to integrate factions outside the Popular Mobilization Units into the umbrella group Hassan Al-Mustafa It was reported this month that a group of senior leaders and officials in Iraq had confirmed that several Iran-backed armed groups were preparing to disarm in order to prevent tensions with the Trump administration from escalating. This claim was denied by the Hezbollah Brigades. People I contacted who were familiar with the situation confirmed that there have indeed been serious discussions with the factions about the need to restrict the possession of weapons to the state alone. They indicated that the first step would be to integrate factions outside the Popular Mobilization Units into the umbrella group, while simultaneously restricting political and military decision-making to the state. They also said that the PMU would not conduct any operations outside the political will of the Iraqi government, with future organizational steps to follow. These steps are being carried out away from media and public discussion, as there is a desire for them to be successful. This is particularly important given the great sensitivity among armed militias regarding public discourse about their weapons. In his address at the Sulaymaniyah International Forum, Al-Hakim highlighted a significant issue concerning the arms of various factions. He stated: 'We are engaging in a measured and systematic approach to address, adapt and coordinate matters with state institutions.' He underscored that 'solutions are not achieved through defeat, particularly as we strive for stability in our nation,' and noted that 'we have made considerable progress in this regard.' These efforts to consolidate weaponry under the control of the state will contribute to the stability of Iraq. They will receive support from the Gulf nations and Baghdad will find that the capitals of moderate Arab countries are among the foremost advocates for this significant transformation. The aim is to achieve this without plunging Iraq into chaos or experiencing any violent confrontations between the government and various factions.
Iraqi News
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Al-Mandalawi, Al-Hakim Stress the Importance of Unifying Political Efforts
Baghdad-INA First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi and Head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar Al-Hakim, stressed on Wednesday the importance of unifying political efforts to confront current challenges. The media office of the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that "First Deputy Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi visited the Head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar Al-Hakim, today, Wednesday. The two sides exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, wishing Iraq and its people continued security and stability." "The meeting discussed the general situation in the country, regional and international developments, and their repercussions on Iraq. The importance of unifying visions and efforts among political forces to strengthen the democratic process and support parliamentary and governmental efforts to serve the citizen was emphasized." "The necessity of adhering to the constitution and the law was emphasized, as they are the primary guarantors of security and political stability, and working together to achieve justice and provide services that meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people." Al-Mandalawi emphasized that "the current phase requires more dialogue and coordination among various national forces to enhance stability." Al-Hakim also highlighted "the importance of consolidating the concepts of national partnership to ensure the success of the democratic process and protect constitutional gains."
Shafaq News
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Potential alliance to emerge from Coordination Framework, sources reveal
Shafaq News/ Several forces within the Coordination Framework (CF) are heading towards forming a broad electoral alliance, which will be announced soon, sources within the group revealed to Shafaq News on Sunday. Acording to the sources, the prominent leaders within this new alliance include Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and the head of Iraq's Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar Al-Hakim, indicating that they have already started their electoral movements early, aiming to form a strategic alliance that includes most Shiite forces, excluding those intending to run in the elections with independent lists. "These forces have begun laying the groundwork for a large alliance, which will be announced in the next two months after completing the agreements with other forces. It is expected to include 14 entities," the sources said. They also pointed out that the mentioned alliance "is not limited to Shiite forces only," and will open communication channels with all other forces willing to join, including Kurdish and Sunni groups. The Coordination Framework includes most of the Shiite forces in the country, except for the 'Sadrist Movement,' which left the framework despite having helped establish it in 2021. Since then, the Coordination Framework has taken on the responsibility of selecting the Prime Minister, according to the division of posts, where this position is allocated to the Shiite forces.
See - Sada Elbalad
27-02-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Iraqi National Wisdom Movement leader Discuss Ways to Enhance Islamic Unity
Mohamed Mandour Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed Ammar Al-Hakim, Head of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, to discuss strategies for bolstering Islamic unity among all components of the Muslim Ummah. Al-Tayeb stressed that unity is the sole pathway to revitalizing our Arab and Muslim nations. Consequently, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was launched in the Kingdom of Bahrain to harmonize the perspectives of Muslim scholars. He noted that the Ummah is currently grappling with a difficult situation that presents a substantial challenge, particularly emphasizing the profound distress experienced by Arabs and Muslims due to the extended conflict in Gaza, which has now persisted for over sixteen months. The Grand Imam further declared that the only resolution lies in uniting Muslims under a common cause, emphasizing that the time for division and discord has passed. He expressed profound surprise at the paradox of division without cause, saying, "It is profoundly astonishing that we find reasons to divide when there are none, while others find unity despite having no common ground. We must fiercely protect our unity, for the Muslim Ummah possesses shared values that can serve as a solid foundation for unifying our voices and standing as one." His Eminence prayed for God to bless Muslim countries with peace and security. During his reception of Ammar Al-Hakim, Head of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the robust connections between Al-Azhar, the Council, and Iraq. He observed that such visits yield significant benefits and mirror the activities undertaken during conferences like the recent "Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference," which emphasized discussions and calls for unity. He reiterated that these efforts aim to positively influence the lives of Muslims and deepen the bonds of Islamic fraternity. Ammar Al-Hakim expressed his gratitude and respect for the roles played by Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue, commenting, "We consistently follow your esteemed statements and regard Al-Azhar as a beacon of moderation and balance, renowned for its advocacy on behalf of Muslim issues; this has always been our understanding of it. The Iraqi government and its religious leadership have maintained a unified stance on the Palestinian ordeal from its outset seventy years ago to the present. We value Egypt's firm opposition to the displacement of Palestinians, which has been clear and valiant, as well as the profound Arab and Islamic solidarity." Al-Hakim also briefed the Grand Imam on the latest developments in Iraq, stating that the country is making rapid and steady strides toward stability and advancement. He proclaimed, "Thank God, we are experiencing ongoing recovery and stability across all fronts, notably in the political and security realms. Iraq has become a bustling workshop of reconstruction and development, and we are racing against time to ensure Iraq reaches its deserved prominence and respect. The diverse Iraqi populace eagerly anticipates your visit, valuing your significant Islamic stature. They deeply respect and follow your bold stances."
