Al-Maliki warned that instability in Syria could spill over into Iraq, drawing parallels between the conflicts in both nations. [Getty]
Iraq’s former Prime Minister and influential leader of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, has called for decisive action against what he termed the “great sedition” in Syria, urging Iraqi Shia Muslims and the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) to ‘support’ their counterparts across the border.
Speaking at the founding conference of the Karbala Tribal Council on Saturday, al-Maliki claimed that Shia Muslims in Syria were under attack. “In Syria, followers of Ahl al-Bayt [i.e. Shia] have been targeted, and every day we see videos of massacres against them,” he said. “Our brothers in Syria are sending videos pleading, asking: Where are Iraq’s Shia’s, the Popular Mobilisation Forces, Iran, and the tribes?”
Al-Maliki warned that instability in Syria could spill over into Iraq, drawing parallels between the conflicts in both nations. “They have not only shed blood but also violated people’s honour,” he stated. “If we do not stand against it, this sedition will spread even to Iraq.”
The Shia Iraqi leader also cautioned against internal threats, claiming that some factions sought to replicate Syria’s turmoil in Iraq. “Sectarians and Baathists have begun moving while the security agencies are unaware,” he said, adding that Iraq’s stability must be safeguarded. “But as long as we are here and armed, they will regret it.”
Al-Maliki’s speech has drawn criticism from political analysts, with some dismissing his remarks as an early electoral manoeuvre.
Ghani al-Ghadban, an Iraqi political and security expert, told The New Arab that Syria remains an internal matter for its people.
The truth is that what initially happened in Syria was the will of the people. Secondly, a government emerged—regardless of its history—and today, it is a reality. It has gained international recognition and has begun conducting important diplomatic visits to both Arab and foreign countries.”
“The Syrian people, to this day, remain committed to this government, whether it is a temporary or transitional one, until elections—already announced—are held at a later time, following an agreement between Syrian factions,” he added.
Al-Maliki also took aim at the general amnesty law, a contentious issue in Iraqi politics. He criticised the legislation, despite it being approved by the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition.
This law was politically agreed upon by all parties, including members of parliament affiliated with al-Maliki,” al-Ghadban noted. “Why is he now opposing it, claiming that it could allow those accused of assassinating Sayyid al-Sadr to be released?”
Al-Ghadban dismissed al-Maliki’s rhetoric as a fear-mongering strategy. “This is just early election propaganda,” he said. “He frequently resorts to such tactics, blaming past mistakes on the return of Baathists—despite the fact that the youngest surviving Baathist today, if still alive, would be over 80 years old.”
As for Syria, al-Ghadban maintained that it remains a sovereign matter. “This is an internal issue, and external interference will not change that reality.”
Iraq’s political scene is already witnessing early manoeuvring among major factions as they prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for October. Key political forces are actively working to form alliances and secure strong candidates ahead of the vote. However, uncertainty looms over the participation of the Sadrist Movement, led by Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and how this will shape Iraq’s electoral landscape.
Last week, the Independent High Electoral Commission outlined the timeline for setting the election date, emphasising that the parliamentary vote must take place at least 45 days before the current legislative term ends.
Since the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraq has held five parliamentary elections, beginning in 2005. The first four were conducted under a single-district system per province. However, the 2021 elections introduced a multi-district system following strong pressure from the public and the Sadrist Movement—a move opposed by the Coordination Framework. In March 2023, the Iraqi parliament passed the third amendment to the electoral law, reverting to the single-district system per province.
