Latest news with #Ammaral-Hakim
Shafaq News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's political crossroads: Al-Sadr's boycott, Al-Hakim's mediation
As Iraq prepares for its parliamentary elections in November 2025, an uncertainty surrounds the political scene: Will influential Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr participate, or will his boycott continue to shape the electoral process—and its legitimacy? Al-Sadr's firm stance, grounded in his demand for sweeping reforms and an end to entrenched corruption, has not wavered. His absence threatens to depress voter turnout and undercut the credibility of the elections. Meanwhile, rival Shiite factions have turned to a seasoned intermediary—Ammar al-Hakim—in a last-ditch effort to bring the powerful cleric back into the fold. Al-Sadr's Position: Non-Negotiable Demands? Al-Sadr has reiterated, in increasingly stark terms, his refusal to engage in what he describes as a fundamentally corrupt political process. His withdrawal from parliament in June 2022, when his movement relinquished 73 seats, was just the beginning of a broader political retreat. Since then, Al-Sadr has maintained a consistent message: 'the current system cannot be salvaged without radical reform.' In a statement issued last Friday, he outlined a set of stringent conditions that he views as prerequisites for any potential return to the political process. Central among them is the disarmament of all 'militias' and the transfer of their weapons to the control of the state. He also called for the reinforcement of the country's official military and police institutions, underscoring the need for a unified, state-run security apparatus. Additionally, Al-Sadr emphasized the importance of preserving Iraq's independence by rejecting all forms of external alignment or influence. Finally, he demanded comprehensive anti-corruption measures, including the prosecution of officials involved in graft and the dismantling of the entrenched systems that enable it. These stipulations reflect a maximalist position that few believe Iraq's entrenched political class is prepared to meet. His rhetoric portrays a country in existential decline, once warning that Iraq is 'living its last breaths'—a sentiment that resonates with segments of a disillusioned public. Al-Hakim's Mediation: A Narrow Path In response to Al-Sadr's absence, the Shiite Coordination Framework has quietly enlisted Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), to mediate. Al-Hakim, whose political base lies in Baghdad's Al-Jaderiyah district, is viewed as one of the few figures with enough credibility and political capital to potentially engage with al-Sadr. Yet the odds are stacked against him. Political analyst Ali Hussein al-Fatlawi, affiliated with the State Support Alliance, told Shafaq News that 'Al-Sadr's vision is fundamentally incompatible with the Coordination Framework.' He argued that the ideological divide is too vast, and that al-Hakim's role, while symbolic, is unlikely to yield concrete results. Atheer al-Sharaa, another political analyst, echoed this skepticism. In remarks to Shafaq News, he pointed to Al-Sadr's consistent messages via his X account, emphasizing the cleric's resolve. 'His conditions are painful and, in some cases, unachievable,' said al-Sharaa, particularly the demand for armed factions to disarm, many of which are integral to the Coordination Framework's power base. Strategic Stakes and Electoral Consequences Al-Sadr's continued boycott carries profound electoral consequences. His political base commands a loyal following, and his absence from the ballot could siphon over a million votes from the system. Al-Fatlawi warned that such a shortfall would significantly lower turnout, and undermining the election's credibility. But the stakes go beyond numbers. Al-Sharaa raised concerns that mass Sadrist mobilizations—particularly during religious events like the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala—could evolve into political demonstrations. Such scenarios, especially in Baghdad, 'risk destabilizing the electoral timetable and may even force a postponement.' Tensions escalated further when the al-Nasr Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, announced its withdrawal from the election process, citing similar concerns over corruption and the lack of electoral reform. This move highlighted the growing disillusionment within even the establishment political blocs. Expert Views: A Political Process 'In A Maze' Ali al-Saheb, a political analyst revealed to Shafaq News that Sadr's demands apply broadly—not just to rival factions but also to his armed group, Saraya al-Salam, and even the Kurdish Peshmerga. This rare consistency, he argued, "illustrates Al-Sadr's sincerity but also reinforces the unlikelihood of compromise." 'The political process has entered a maze,' al-Saheb warned, pointing to the closure of candidate registration and the lack of a roadmap for real reforms. 'Unless a breakthrough occurs, either through external mediation or internal restructuring, Iraq may face either a contested election or another postponement. An Unstable Path to the Ballot Box The months leading to the November 2025 elections are shaping up to be among the most turbulent in Iraq's post-2003 political history. Al-Sadr's continued boycott not only deprives the elections of legitimacy but also weakens the broader system's capacity to absorb dissent and project stability. While al-Hakim's mediation remains the Coordination Framework's last viable channel, the deep ideological rift and non-negotiable demands leave little room for optimism.
Shafaq News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim to US: Iraq won't fight others' wars
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi political leader Ammar al-Hakim said Friday that Baghdad has repeatedly informed the United States of its firm stance against being drawn into regional conflicts, stressing that Iraq seeks peace and will not serve as a proxy in Middle East wars. Speaking during a speech marking the first day of Muharram (the beginning of the Islamic New Year), al-Hakim, head of Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement, stated, 'Iraq has conveyed to the US administration multiple times that it is a sovereign state that advocates peace in the region and does not wish to be part of any war or conflict, nor a source of threat to any country.' He added that Iraq rejects external pressures or mandates that contradict its national will and the interests of its people. Turning to Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, al-Hakim urged Iraqi youth to participate actively, emphasizing that the country 'is in urgent need of their engagement.'
Shafaq News
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim: Iran shocked the world
Shafaq News / On Friday, Iraqi Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim praised Iran's response to Israeli strikes as 'a way that astonished the world'. Speaking at the fourth annual conference of Imam Hussein's orators ahead of Muharram (the first month in the Islamic Hijri calendar), al-Hakim stated, 'The Islamic Republic pursued negotiations, but then faced treachery and absorbed the shock.' Regarding Parliamentary elections, he urged Iraqis to participate 'widely, effectively and conscientiously', advising voters to choose 'righteous individuals on clear, service-oriented lists.' Meanwhile, the Grand Imam of Najaf Friday prayers, Sadr al-Din al-Qabbanji, predicted that 'Iran would ultimately dismantle the state of Israel.' In his sermon, he stated, 'This battle will end either with Israel's demise or its defeat, as per their historical narratives limiting their existence to 80 years.' He called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to surrender to Iran and urged US President Donald Trump to send a handwritten apology to the Iranian people. Al-Qabbanji also demanded compensation for Iran's material and non-material losses and the lifting of sanctions, warning that failure to do so would mark 'the eternal end of Israel.'
Shafaq News
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq elections: Al-Hakim cautions against 'vote-buying'
Shafaq News/ National Wisdom Movement (al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim warned, on Saturday, against the use of 'illicit political funds' in Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections. Delivering the Eid al-Adha sermon in Baghdad, al-Hakim described the November 11 vote as a 'historic opportunity' for Iraq's democratic process and a milestone marking the endurance of the political system over the past 20 years. He urged political blocs to reject corruption, power abuse, and vote-buying, proposing a 'national honor charter' to prevent the misuse of public funds for electoral purposes. 'Turning elections into a market where candidates and voters are bought is forbidden wealth and a betrayal of the nation.' Al-Hakim also pushed for fair competition and broad voter turnout, emphasizing that future governments must emerge from free and transparent elections. Directing his message at young Iraqis, he encouraged them to vote, stay alert, and choose candidates committed to reform. 'Don't let anyone steal your voice or distort your choice.' On the electricity crisis, al-Hakim called for a 'state of strategic emergency,' criticizing the government's repeated 'failures' and demanding clarity on causes and accountability. He also urged officials to prioritize reforms in agriculture, water management, and renewable energy. 'Iraqis deserve a dignified life that begins with fixing electricity and moves toward technological progress,' he concluded.
Shafaq News
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Coordination Framework addresses KRG Row, election preparations
Shafaq News/ On Monday, the Coordination Framework (CF) convened at the office of Wisdom Movement (Tayyar Al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim to review political and service developments, alongside preparations for the upcoming elections. According to a statement, the meeting began by addressing rising tensions between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. The Region accused the federal government of discrimination in salary payments, citing repeated delays despite prior agreements. Baghdad, in turn, attributed the delays to the Regional administration's failure to transfer oil and non-oil revenues as mandated by the Federal Budget Law. Participants also stressed the urgent need for parliament to pass the oil and gas Law, describing the legislation as a key step toward resolving long-standing disputes over resource management and revenue sharing that have persisted since the adoption of the 2005 Iraqi constitution. Reaffirming the federal government's commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to overcome obstacles hindering progress on these national issues. Turning to elections, the CF called for polls to be held on schedule, urging citizens to update their biometric data and participate fully. It also warned against attempts to influence voters through financial means, underscoring the importance of a transparent and fair electoral process. Earlier this year, the Iraqi cabinet approved November 11, 2025, as the date for the parliamentary vote. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) estimated that around 30 million Iraqis will be eligible to cast their ballots.
