Al-Nasr Alliance spokesperson Aqeel Al-Rudaini
Media Monitor
Al-Nasr Alliance backs Sudani-Shara’ meeting, urges dialogue over boycott
BAGHDAD — The Al-Nasr Alliance, led by former Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, voiced support for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s engagement with Syrian interim president Ahmed Al-Shara’, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, saying the meeting served Iraq’s national interests — whether conducted publicly or in secret.
“The state administration often holds meetings that are closed and secret and are not covered by the media in any way,” alliance spokesperson Aqeel Al-Rudaini told Al-Rasheed TV.
He said Al-Sudani did not notify the alliance in advance of his recent visit to Qatar, where he met with Shara’. “It was a swift visit,” he added.
Al-Rudaini said Al-Nasr supports dialogue as the only path to resolving regional issues. “We believe that dialogue is in Iraq’s interest and is the only way for Iraq to get out of its crises — not fighting and boycotting,” he said.
Shara’, a former commander in the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, now leads Syria’s interim government and is set to attend the Arab League Summit in Baghdad on May 17 at the invitation of Al-Sudani. The invitation has drawn criticism from several Shia leaders and parties.
Excerpts from Aqeel Al-Rudaini’s interview with Al-Rasheed TV Channel:
We believe that what Al-Sudani is doing regarding the meeting with Ahmad Al-Shara’ , whether secret or public, is in the interest of Iraq. Mr. Al-Sudani did not inform us of this visit, which was swift and, as we understood, aimed at the country’s interests. The state administration often holds meetings that are closed and secret and are not covered by the media in any way. It seems the decision was made by the Prime Minister in consultation with friends and neighbors to preserve Iraq and its interests.
In the Al-Nasr Alliance, we see that the issue of Al-Shara’ coming to Baghdad is not a matter of welcome or rejection, but about where Iraq’s interests go. We believe that dialogue is in Iraq’s interest and is the only way for Iraq to get out of its crises—not fighting and boycotting. Through dialogue, we may achieve benefits for our people, and if we do not, we lose nothing. In case of a boycott, we will lose things, as we have trade relations, an Iraqi community in Syria, and sacred shrines.
We must deal with Ahmad Al-Shara’ or “Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani” because there is an international will and a reality on the ground.
Our color is not Al-Sudani’s but national, and we seek Iraq’s interest. Al-Abadi says that our withdrawal from the Coordination Framework will not change anything, and others may make the decision they want. However, with our presence inside the Framework, we can change many views that we believe are incorrect.
The relationship between Dr. Al-Abadi and Mr. Al-Sadr still exists, but Mr. Al-Sadr is rigid in his opinion, and there are no flexible channels regarding his decision. There were calls from the Al-Nasr Alliance for him to reverse his decision to withdraw from the elections, because we believe that non-participation will disrupt balance in the political process. It seems the communication channels with Al-Sadr have been closed, and we call on him to return to the political process.
