Baghdad — Iraq seeks peace, not conflict, declared Iraqi political leader Ammar al-Hakim on Friday. His comments came during a speech marking Muharram’s first day, the start of the Islamic New Year.
Al-Hakim, who heads the Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement, addressed concerns over regional tensions. He stated that Baghdad has consistently informed the United States about Iraq’s clear and firm position.
Iraq does not want to act as a proxy in any Middle Eastern war, he emphasized. According to al-Hakim, the country will not be used to serve foreign interests or military agendas. He reiterated that Iraq seeks peace, not confrontation or escalation.
Furthermore, he noted that Iraq stands as a sovereign state that values regional stability. The nation has expressed this position multiple times to the U.S. administration, he said. Iraq will not tolerate foreign mandates that conflict with its national interests or the will of its people.
In a shift to domestic affairs, al-Hakim highlighted the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 11. Moreover, he called on young Iraqis to actively engage in the democratic process. He emphasized that their participation is vital to shaping the country’s future.
Furthermore, he stressed that active voter turnout offers the best path to reform. This participation allows citizens to choose capable leaders and reject those who fail to perform. Through their votes, Iraqis can effectively hold their representatives accountable, he affirmed.
AAl-Hakim’s remarks come as Iraq navigates ongoing diplomatic pressures and internal challenges. Amid regional unrest, however, his message remained clear: Iraq seeks peace and unity, not division or war.
Moreover, his speech echoed a broader appeal for national sovereignty and civic responsibility. With elections on the horizon, therefore, his call to action for the youth holds significant weight.As Iraq prepares for change, its leaders aim to preserve independence, peace, and democratic values. The coming months will test whether Iraq’s commitment to peace and democracy can overcome the pressures it faces.
