Iraq: Sadrist Movement struggles and coordination framework reach an impasse
However, political crises have become evident in the Sadrist Movement’s boycott of the Iraqi dialog session that was held yesterday at the invitation of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.
The Sadrist Movement described the session as unimportant and will not bring any benefits to the Iraqi people. The three presidencies held a meeting that included the leaders of the political forces in the presence of the United Nations Representative, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, which Al-Sadr or his representative did not attend. The attendees came up with a final statement of five points, which included implicit references to the early elections, but within constitutional and legal mechanisms.
Sadrist Movement Rejects
Saleh Mohammed Al-Iraqi, or the so-called “Minister of the Sadrist Movement,” thanked Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi for the initiative he proposed, but criticized the session saying: “The dialog session was adopted by the Prime Minister, thankfully, but the dialog session produced only some points that do not feed or feed the hunger, which does not concern the people, its services, its dignity or its aspirations,” he said, stressing that most of the political parties present are only interested in holding on to their influence and positions, adding that the session, which he described as confidential, does not concern the Sadrist movement. He concluded: “Do not add to the people’s anger against you, nor do you actually do anything that increases the people’s fear of the democratic process that you are scheming against your standards.”
Wisdom Movement Initiative
The Saudi Press Agency revealed that Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of the Iraqi “Wisdom Movement”, arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after participating in a national dialog between the Iraqi presidencies and leaders of political forces. Iraqi media circulated unofficial news reports that Al-Hakim will meet with Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman during his stay in the Kingdom, indicating that Al-Hakim may ask the Saudi Crown Prince to intervene with the Sadrist movement to end the crisis that is ravaging the country.
The Sadrist current and the Coordination Framework
Tensions have been rising daily between the Sadrist movement and the Iran-backed Coordination Framework since late July, especially since the two sides have exchanged public pressure, mobilization, and statements.
So far, things have not developed into a direct clash, but all attempts at mediation and calls for dialog between the two parties have not yet led to a result, especially since Sadr is insisting on dissolving parliament and holding early legislative elections. The Coordination Framework (which includes Nouri Al-Maliki, the Fatah Alliance, and factions close to Iran) wants to form a government before holding early elections.
