Sayyid Al-Hakeem: Reassuring Components, Confronting Terrorism, Addressing Weapons Outside State Framework Post-International Coalition Phase Top Challenges

From the abodes of the noble Al-Bu Mohammed tribe, and in the guesthouse of Sheikh Saad Majeed Al-Khalifa, His Eminence Sayyid Al-Hakeem, Head of the National State Powers’ Alliance, met a group of sheikhs and dignitaries of Al-Bu Mohammed and the other noble tribes. H.E. opened his remarks by recalling the historic relationship of the Al-Bu Mohammed tribe with the family of Imam Al-Hakeem (may his soul be sanctified), noting Imam Al-Hakeem’s interest in engaging with Iraqi tribes, and affirming that this approach is inherited from fathers and forefathers and will be passed on to sons and grandsons, and pointing to the importance of this engagement for the good it holds for the country and its people, and for overcoming many obstacles.
H.E. explained that Iraq is passing through major challenges as a result of the regional war and the instability the region is witnessing, which requires everyone to stand together and preserve unity and internal cohesion.
H.E. stressed the need for balance in dealing with the region’s events, taking the Iraqi interest into account, protecting the interests of citizens, and not squandering the achievements made, which came after difficult years during which Iraqis offered immense sacrifices.
H.E. affirmed that demonstrating is a right guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution for everyone, warning against the exploitation of legitimate demand-based demonstrations by those with special agendas who want to tamper with the country’s security.
H.E. pointed out that ending the mission of the International Coalition to fight ISIS places Iraq before three fundamental challenges:
1- Reassuring the components:
No Iraqi, from any national, religious, or sectarian component, must feel worried about the departure of International Coalition forces; hence we must reassure one another and safeguard the rights of all. H.E. explained that tribal sheikhs and the elite of the people, who represent the refuges and pillars of society, bear a large part of the responsibility in sending messages of reassurance and foiling any mistaken impressions.
2- The security challenge:
H.E. stressed the need for vigilance and caution regarding sleeper terrorist cells, and nipping any movements by them in the bud by intensifying intelligence efforts, and drying up their social incubators by reassuring everyone and making them aware of the danger of the movements of terrorist groups.
3- Addressing weapons outside the framework of the state:
H.E. explained the need to proceed with this step, so that it covers all those to whom this description applies, while thanking and valuing the role of the noble factions in liberating the land from ISIS and the great sacrifices they offered in that direction.