Iraqi MP Sajad Salem plans ‘secular’ party, criticizes sectarianism and Iranian Influence

BAGHDAD — Iraqi MP Sajad Salem said he is focusing on establishing a new political party in preparation for the upcoming elections. “We will announce our new party after Eid Al-Fitr. It consists of secular youth and elites and will be an important political force within the secular movement in the country,” Salem said in an interview with Dijlah TV.

He criticized Iraq’s political system, accusing it of fueling sectarianism. “Reproducing sectarianism is a game played by this political class, as the entire system is built on it,” he said.

Salem also condemned Iran’s role in Iraq, calling it a burden. “It is no longer possible to take half-measures in response to regional changes. Iran has become a burden on Iraq, and we must rid ourselves of it; otherwise, we will face consequences.”

Excerpts from Sajad Salem’s interview with Dijlah TV:

My current focus is on establishing a party and forming a list in each governorate in preparation for the upcoming elections.

I am in contact with UN missions and foreign diplomatic representations because Iraq has signed international treaties and conventions. This is a national duty, and I do not care who accuses me of engaging with embassies. These people are disturbed by my mere presence in the political scene because I come from a protest background different from theirs, and that is why they have a preconceived stance against me.

Reproducing sectarianism is a game played by this political class, as the entire system is built on it. There are sectarian-driven audiences, and some exaggerate the level of escalation, but there are also larger social groups that are unaffected. I believe that reviving sectarian discourse will not yield the results expected by the political class.

We will announce our new party after Eid Al-Fitr. It consists of secular youth and elites and will be an important political force within the secular movement in the country. The party has organizational structures across Iraq, not just in Wasit. We are currently in a transitional phase until the founding conference is held.

Citizenship is the foundation, but some people try to combine opposites, calling themselves “Shia secularists” or “Sunni secularists,” which is rejected within our circles. Subnational identities, whether regional or social, exist, but at the political level, the national identity is the only one that matters.

The electoral commission is technically and logistically incapable of handling a new election law. I believe the current law will remain in place.

The failure to hold parliamentary sessions is beneficial because they harm the people. Passing the personal status law was the worst act in Iraq’s modern history, and parliament has lost its political and moral legitimacy.

I am not pleased that someone with an Islamist orientation holds power in Syria. Political Islam has led the region into decline. Ahmed Al-Sharaa was part of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, but Iraq must prioritize its interests and play its influential role in Syria.

There is an Iranian mandate over Iraq, negatively affecting politics and society. This is clear and well-known. However, it is no longer possible to take half-measures in response to regional changes. Iran has become a burden on Iraq, and we must rid ourselves of it; otherwise, we will face consequences.