‘A great danger’: Leader of Azm Alliance calls for vigilance in face of regional challenges

BAGHDAD — Muthanna Al-Samarrai, leader of the Azm Alliance, warned of “a great danger” facing Iraq and the region, calling for vigilance to address the challenges. In an interview with Dijlah TV, Al-Samarrai described the crisis surrounding the presidency of parliament as a phase that has passed, emphasizing that “the current stage requires everyone to come together.”

Discussing regional developments, Al-Samarrai stated that changes in the region and the world would inevitably impact Iraq, urging focused discussions on how to “preserve the country.” He dismissed any connection between the situation in Syria and Iraq, clarifying that “the Iraqi government acted appropriately regarding its relationship with Syria.” He also rejected claims of Sunni “estrangement” with the Bashar Al-Assad regime, reiterating the need for clarity to the public.

Al-Samarrai strongly opposed calls for the establishment of a Sunni region, describing it as “a disaster for the Sunni community.” He pledged to “publicly oppose anyone advocating for it,” arguing that such demands lack “rationality”. Reflecting on Iraq’s broader challenges, he praised Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani as “our collective choice” and highlighted his diligence in addressing national issues.

Excerpts from Muthanna Al-Samarrai’s interview with Dijlah TV:

Iraq and the region face a great danger, and we must be aware of it.  A major sedition surrounds us, and we must be vigilant about it. The crisis of the Parliament’s presidency was a phase that has passed. The current stage requires everyone to come together.

Discussions should currently focus on how to preserve the country. Changes in the region and the world will reflect on Iraq.

The change in Syria is unrelated to Iraq, and we want to clarify this to our audience. The Iraqi government acted appropriately regarding its relationship with Syria. There was no Sunni estrangement with the Bashar Al-Assad regime.

Those demanding a Sunni region want to end the Sunni presence. I will not allow the Sunni region and will publicly oppose anyone advocating for it.

There are no prerequisites for a Sunni region, and anyone calling for it lacks reason. The demand for a Sunni region is a disaster for the Sunni community.

I visited the United States officially after the U.S. elections. The demand to dissolve the Popular Mobilization Forces was not raised within the State Administration Coalition. Armed factions are not present in our areas.

There is no need for coups when elections exist. The sense of injustice affects everyone, not just Sunnis. Al-Sudani is diligent and follows all issues. I fear internal turmoil in Iraq.

Some provisions in the general amnesty law were ones I did not wish to see included. I did not hope for a new personal status law. There is no formal request to change the election law.

Al-Sudani is our collective choice, and his success benefits everyone. There is no financial risk, but we need caution and prudence. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani was the candidate of Azm, not Al-Maliki.

The law declaring Samarra the capital of Islamic civilization faced numerous issues. During Al-Sudani’s recent visit, we proposed completing Samarra’s infrastructure. Some areas adjacent to Samarra experience nighttime curfews.

The Sunni community is larger than anyone and cannot be dominated by a single party. Azm holds no position in Anbar governorate. We do not have a single employee in the Ministries of Industry, Planning, or Culture.