Qasim Al-Araji calls for global unity in counter-terrorism at Kuwait conference

NEWSROOM — Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to combating violent extremism and terrorism, urging the global community to counter threats against the values of Abrahamic religions and to collectively strive for sustainable peace. Speaking at the “Enhancing International Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism” conference in Kuwait, Al-Araji outlined Iraq’s progress in curbing extremist rhetoric, reintegrating displaced families, and fostering a secure environment conducive to investment and community development. He also condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, criticizing the international community’s lack of an effective response.

Excerpts from Al-Araji’s talk at the conference:

Iraq’s participation in this conference represents the will of the international community and of brotherly, friendly, and peace-loving nations to combat violent extremism, protect our nations, preserve future generations, and build sustainable peace.

There is a deliberate distortion of the principles and values of the divine [Abrahamic] religions, and the international community must unite to counter this threat through constructive work and the exchange of expertise and information.

Iraq has taken significant steps in combating terrorism and violent extremism. Iraq is committed to promoting peace and peaceful coexistence on a global level.

Iraq has adopted a series of national programs to combat violent extremism leading to terrorism, resulting in a reduction of extremist discourse across all Iraqi provinces.

The Iraqi environment has become more attractive for investment, encouraging the establishment and securing of service projects across all fields.

Iraq has worked to strengthen the role of women and youth within society and government institutions and to enhance the safeguards that protect our people from drifting toward exclusionary thinking and extremism.

Iraq continues to advance its security stability with steady progress by pursuing terrorist groups and eliminating any remaining terrorist cells’ capabilities.

Terrorism has become a global threat that cannot be eradicated entirely without a comprehensive framework and international cooperation.

Iraq has succeeded in securing victory in its battle against terrorism, adopting an integrated approach to reintegrate families displaced by previous circumstances in Iraq, with a reintegration rate of 90% for these families.

The Iraqi government made a bold decision to repatriate Iraqi families from northeastern Syria through a well-planned humanitarian strategy. This initiative has transferred 2,629 families, numbering 10,242 individuals, to the Psychological and Community Rehabilitation Center before reintegrating them into their original areas within Iraq. A total of 2,082 families, comprising 7,685 Iraqi citizens, have been reintegrated across eight provinces.

We are working to repatriate all Iraqi citizens from prisons in northeastern Syria, including those accused of terrorism. We have returned 2,710 Iraqi detainees from these prisons to the Ministry of Interior for further investigation and judicial review.

Iraq is serious about establishing relationships with United Nations organizations and friendly nations to maintain cooperation in combating ISIS, as its threat remains, necessitating international cooperation to eradicate it.

The blatant aggression by the Zionist entity against our people in Gaza and Lebanon represents a violation of all international norms and treaties and constitutes terrorism against defenseless civilians, while the world stands powerless to halt this bloodshed.

Today, the world has abandoned the language of diplomacy, dialogue, and justice in condemning what is happening in Gaza and Lebanon. What is the purpose of diplomacy and its channels if they are ineffective in such circumstances?