Monitor

State of Law Coalition spox claims 27,000 Baathists ’embedded’ in Iraq’s institutions

BAGHDAD — The State of Law Coalition, led by ex–PM Nouri Al-Maliki, claimed Sunday that Baathist influence may still be entrenched in Iraq, alleging that an estimated 27,000 Baathists are “embedded in state institutions.” Coalition spokesperson Aqil Al-Fatlawi expressed concern over a potential resurgence of the Baath Party, saying, “Through our monitoring, we sense Baathist movements in Iraq, which is a source of concern. We have suffered greatly from the Baath, so do not blame us.”

The Baath Party governed Iraq from 1968 until the 2003 invasion of Iraq and oversaw widespread human rights abuses, genocide, and harsh repression of dissent—especially under Saddam Hussein. After the U.S.-led invasion, the party was banned and stringent laws were enacted to block its return.

Previously, in November 2024, Al-Maliki warned that the Baathists are ‘reorganizing’. In a televised address published by his media office, he said, “Close and vigilant attention must be paid to the activities of the criminal Baathist cells, which act as tools for Iraq’s enemies who aim to cause destruction. We call on the government and security agencies to track down these criminal Baathist cells, and we urge citizens to monitor their movements.”

The Arab Socialist Baath Party is over

The Arab Socialist Baath Party is over

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Excerpts from Aqil Al-Fatlawi’s interview with Utv:

What happened in Syria, including the pursuit, killing, displacement, and assaults on women concerning the Shiites, was clear and evident, especially in Homs, Hama, and areas with a Shiite minority. This contradicts the rhetoric of the new authority in Syria.

It appears to us that the matter is not in the hands of Mr. Al-Sharaa, as he is part of a systematic structure that believes Shiites are infidels. Therefore, even if Al-Sharaa wanted to change this system, in our view, based on our data and the new variables, he would be unable to do so.

There are four countries in the region that oppose the transformation in Syria but fear declaring it: the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Those supporting the transformation in Syria are Turkey and Qatar, while Israel does so covertly.

What we fear in Iraq is not Al-Jolani himself but the spread of this ideology. In Iraq, we have Baathists embedded in state institutions, estimated at 27,000 individuals. Another serious issue at this stage is the attempt to dissolve the Accountability and Justice Commission.

Through our monitoring, we sense Baathist movements in Iraq, which is a source of concern. We have suffered greatly from the Baath, so do not blame us.