Iraqi Shia bloc voices concern over US stance on Maliki, stresses need for ‘realism’

BAGHDAD — Ahmad al-Saadi, a member in the Ammar Al-Hakim’s Hikma Movement, addressed the group’s stance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s public rejection of Nouri al-Maliki’s potential return to power, calling the intervention painful but emphasizing the need for realism in managing Iraq’s international relations.

In a televised interview with Al Rabiaa TV, al-Saadi said the Hikma Movement is dismayed by what he described as an “overseas matter” interfering in Iraq’s domestic political decisions. However, he said the party believes “realism is very much needed,” noting that Iraqi oil revenues held in U.S. accounts could be delayed, potentially triggering public unrest and the fall of the government.

Al-Saadi stated, “Our decision in Hikma is that we will not participate in Mr. Maliki’s upcoming government if he is passed, but at the same time, we said we will not oppose or obstruct. This was our position in the Coordination Framework session where Mr. Maliki was nominated.”

Following Trump’s statement, al-Saadi said some Iraqi factions, particularly Kurdish and Sunni groups, are unlikely to support a government led by Maliki.

“We are among the most hurt by Trump’s statement… we do not accept Trump making a decision from across the oceans that seems to break the Shia house. This is very painful for us,” he said.

He added that Trump’s personal involvement and direct rejection of Maliki’s candidacy exceeded expectations. “We expected at most a letter, an  opinion, or something written,” he said.

Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social, “I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!”

Several Iraqi Shia political parties and figures issued statements on Wednesday rejecting U.S. ‘interference’ in Iraq’s internal affairs following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump warning against the potential return of Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister.