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We are at a critical moment for Iraq. The upcoming election will determine not only who leads Iraq, but whether the land of the two rivers will continue to exist as a sovereign, united country.
Under the current government, corruption, sectarianism and outside influence have become the way of life. Rather than focusing on what is good for all Iraqis, politicians are driven by self-interest and financial gain and corruption runs unchecked. While they have profited off the funds intended to help rebuild our country, they have allowed security and social services to deteriorate.
It is time for all Iraqis to say enough is enough. We must choose a new direction and build one Iraq for all Iraqis.
That is why I am inviting all Iraqis to join me and create a movement for change. Together, God willing, we will end corrupt politics, build security, restore social services, have running water and electricity, and renew hope for the future of Iraq.
Please join me.
Sign up and be part of the movement to build one Iraq.
See below for my positions on the critical issues facing Iraq.
Corruption
Corruption is a widespread problem, and it will never be fixed in the current political climate of sectarianism and loyalty to party over what is good for all of Iraq.
It is not just Prime Minister Maliki who is to blame for this corruption – all the political powers in the government have had a role in the corrupt system we see today. Whether they are Shi’a, Sunni or Kurdish, all the sectarian parties have put their selfish interests over the interests of the Iraqi people.
There are several reasons why this has been allowed to happen. First, in the current system, government ministers are imposed by sectarian parties, rather than chosen by the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Iraq. The parties then cover up any corrupt acts by the ministers who are loyal to them, and it is the Iraqi people who suffer.
There are also few laws to punish corrupt politicians and the parties that protect them. This allows them to get away with stealing public funds that are meant to benefit the Iraqi people.
As Prime Minister, I will end this cycle of corruption.
I have made no promises to any power except the power of the Iraqi people. I am not in debt to any country, any government or any force there may be. I am only in debt to God and to the Iraqi people who, God willing, will entrust me to restore dignity to the government.
Iranian Influence
Under the current government, Iraq has become a hotbed for interference from neighboring countries.
Countries like Iran and Syria fear the democratic model that we are building in Iraq. If they see Iraqis stand up and create a stable government that is accountable to the people, they fear that their own people will no longer tolerate their corrupt and dictatorial governments.
We have seen Iran interfere in our country again and again – supplying militias, violent factions and terrorists with weapons, logistical support, financing and even media. And many Iraqi politicians are happy to turn a blind eye to this influence or even help cover it up for their own benefit.
If we do not put a stop to this influence, we will see a new Iran speaking Arabic on Iraqi lands under the name of Iraq.
The current government does nothing to stop this. The political parties that are in power in Iraq are completely manufactured by the Iranians and financed by Tehran. They are linked intellectually, religiously, and ideologically. And, with them in power, we will never see the change we need.
Iraqis must say enough is enough. Iraqi blood has been shed. Our rivers run with blood. It is time for us to stop being patient and start doing something to change our future.
We do not want a war with Iran – we have already seen the devastation of the Iraq-Iranian war. We must have a balanced relationship with mutual respect, but we will not get there without a united Iraqi people who refuse to accept foreign influence in our country.
I will lead the way, God willing, but every Iraqi must join me and take action if we will ever have a free, sovereign and secure Iraq.
The Role of Religion in Government
Religion has been here ever since God sent his prophets and messengers. Ever since the phenomenon of prophets emerged, prophets have been establishing religions and the wicked have been exploiting them.
Religion has become means to an end with politicians, not only in Iraq but everywhere.
I am fully convinced that the Iraqi people are aware enough and they know that abusing religion at the hands of politicians has led to many disasters throughout time and throughout Islamic history.
Imam Ali was killed because of the abuse of religion. Many good Imams of Islam and many of the leading Muslim poets, writers, philosophers, and literary men were killed by their own governments that claimed to be representing Islam.
Playing the religion card and the sectarian card in Iraq is what led the Iraqi society to a civil war or to the brink of a civil war.
Those who call for sectarianism and factions, those who call for religious and sectarian hatred and bigotry divide us in groups of "we" versus "the others". They don't say that we are the sons of the same nations, the sons of the same people, the sons of the same land and we share the same destiny.
Those are the people who tried to fragment the Iraqi nations into sects, tribes, ethnic regions, and factions. Those are the greatest danger, even more than any external enemy.
I have great hopes that the Iraqi nation will reject them, that the Iraqi nation will choose a parliament based on national principles away from the sectarian dialogue and away from the political abuse of religion.
That is why I am asking all Iraqis to join me and, God willing, create a strong, unified government that will not use religion against the people of Iraq.
The Lack of Social Services and Resources
What angers me most about the current situation in Iraq is the prevailing hunger among people. The abused dignity. For people to live among rubble, among garbage dumps. This is a violation of the basic dignity of human beings.
For people to starve to death an oil rich country like Iraq, that is a disaster.
For people to die of thirst in "The country of the two rivers", that is a catastrophe.
If you see what the people of Basra drink, you will be amazed. Sea water is better than tap water in Basra. In Basra people are drinking sea water. I am talking about Basra where there are two rivers, Basra of Shat Al-Arab where 650 branches of rivers used to be and where there were millions of palm trees that are now dead.
When you roam Iraqi lands that were once black rich soil called Black Land and see them now turning into arid deserts and sands blowing in the wind like [Saudi Arabia's] Roba Al-Khali, you feel anger.
Iraqis need and deserve a better life. We are a rich country with a poor population. This is what makes your heart weep.
Iraqis are an ancient people living in a generous land, a land of civilization, miracles, holy men, prophets, riches and bliss.
My greatest hope is that we will see a new Iraqi rise, a new era of a strong flourishing Iraq where Iraqis enjoy their riches in dignity and safety, where they will be safe in their own lands and all over the world wherever they travel. I have great hope in such a future. And if all Iraqis join me, we will create that future together, God willing.