Advisor to PM Sudani: Dialogue with resistance ‘exhausting marathon’

BAGHDAD – Fadi Al-Shammari, the political advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister recently detailed the ongoing dialogues and mediations with “resistance” groups and the disputes over targeting Americans. The advisor described these efforts as an “exhausting marathon,” highlighting the involvement of various parties in the Coordination Framework and resulting shifts in positions, such as the suspension of Kata’ib Hezbollah operations. He expressed belief that Iran itself has begun “correcting the situation” following the missile attack that targeted Erbil.

Fadi Al-Shammari, in an interview explained that Hezbollah’s announcement to suspend operations was not coincidental, but a result of direct and indirect pressures and dialogue.

Responding to a question about dialogues with parties refusing the government’s request to stop attacks, Al-Shammari said that it is difficult to name specific groups, but confirmed ongoing direct and indirect dialogue with forces represented in the system and political process. He mentioned the Al-Nujaba Movement, known for its active and distinct relations with the Coordination Framework forces, and how these relations are utilized to influence them through indirect or sometimes direct dialogue.

“The issue is extremely challenging,” he said, emphasizing the heavy responsibility shouldered by the Prime Minister. Al-Sudani took a firm stance, inviting parties to either convince him or be convinced in discussions, highlighting the American side’s leverage with financial and military issues, and the consequences that the Iraqi people would bear.

He noted that most forces within the framework support the government’s track, while others, although not unsupportive, face embarrassment in their popular and political spaces and might have different convictions from the resistance network.

Regarding any resentment from the Iranian side after the Erbil bombing, Al-Shammari stated, “Whether they resent it or not, we should be the ones who are upset,” referring to the attack on Iraqi territory. He recounted efforts with the Iranian side in resolving issues, like the Iranian opposition in Kurdistan, through a joint security committee and a security agreement.