Muthanna Al-Samarrai's Insights on Iraq's Political Landscape and Regional Stability
In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Muthanna Al-Samarrai, head of the Azm Alliance, evaluated the performance of the Baghdad government amidst the backdrop of significant regional changes, particularly the recent political transformation in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Al-Samarrai emphasized the intertwined challenges facing Iraq, including economic, security, and political crises, and the need for a clear roadmap to achieve stability in the region.
Al-Samarrai expressed hope for stability across Arab and Islamic countries, acknowledging the Syrian crisis as an internal matter for the Syrian people. He stressed that while Iraq has historical ties with Syria, the decisions regarding the crisis should rest with the Iraqi government and its parliament. He advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the Syrian situation, highlighting the importance of avoiding new conflicts that could destabilize the region further.
Addressing Internal Challenges and Future Prospects
During the interview, Al-Samarrai addressed the lingering effects of the ISIS occupation on certain Iraqi regions, calling for attention to the needs of these areas. He underscored the necessity of political unity among Iraq's diverse groups to ensure effective governance and to prevent the recurrence of past conflicts. Al-Samarrai also pointed out the importance of addressing broader societal issues, including economic roles and rights for all citizens, particularly those in liberated areas.
He expressed support for Prime Minister Al-Sudani's government while urging key partners to engage in a broader coalition to tackle the rapid regional challenges. Al-Samarrai noted that while the government has made progress on various issues, the success of its initiatives relies heavily on parliamentary support and overcoming internal political differences.
On the topic of ministerial reshuffles, Al-Samarrai indicated that the current government term is too short for significant changes, suggesting that the focus should remain on legislative processes and addressing pressing societal needs. He also commented on the recent election of Al-Mashhadani as Speaker of the House, expressing confidence in his ability to unify Sunni political forces despite existing challenges.
Al-Samarrai firmly rejected the idea of creating a Sunni region, emphasizing the importance of national unity and the need to address grievances that lead to calls for division. He reiterated the commitment to uphold Iraq's constitution and maintain the country's integrity.
Finally, Al-Samarrai acknowledged the challenges of controlling arms outside state authority but expressed optimism that with political will, it is possible to restrict weapons to the state. He concluded by stating that while discussions about early elections are ongoing, the focus should remain on strengthening Iraq's internal situation and government capabilities to face external threats.
