Al-Sistani Calls for Restricting Weapons to the State and Rejecting Foreign Interference
Ah, the grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani—think of him as Iraq’s wise old owl, perched high above the fray, flapping his authoritative wings at the chaos below. Just when you thought it couldn’t get crazier in that neck of the woods, he drops a list of seven things to achieve “stability in Iraq.” And we all thought 2023 was going to be the year of peace and quiet. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
After being featured on an assassination hit list by an Israeli channel—just another Tuesday in the life of a religious leader—Al-Sistani met with the new United Nations representative to Iraq, the Omani Muhammad Al-Hassan. Guess what? The mood was ‘let’s build a better future’ rather than ‘let’s pick out the next target.’ Who said diplomacy was dead?
Here’s the kicker: Al-Sistani’s statement, released by his office, was a call to arms—or more like a call to not take up arms! He urged Iraqis, especially the intellectuals (who might need a bit of a nudge after the past few decades), to draw lessons from their past. Think of it as a very serious TED Talk—minus the macchiato, of course. He stressed the need for scientific and practical plans to manage the country. Science! Practicality! Someone call the skeptics!
With a dash of humor (okay, maybe not), he pointed out that real power should lie with the state when it comes to weaponry. So, no more weapons under the bed, next to the scary dolls from your childhood. No! It’s all about ‘control of weapons in the hands of the state.’ It’s almost as if he’s saying, “If you have to handle a weapon, at least let it be the government who makes the mess.” Clever chap!
But hang on a minute, because Al-Sistani’s not just about weapons. He’s also waving a big ol’ ‘NO’ flag when it comes to foreign interference. It’s like he’s had it up to here with outsiders poking around and says, “Can we just manage our own playground for once?!” Now, that’s a sentiment you can get behind.
As he delves deeper into the issues at hand, he addresses the beaten-down state of affairs regarding security, stability, and sweet, sweet prosperity. But let’s be real—with the political corruption that’s festered like a sore that won’t heal, it’s going to be a tough grind. “May God help them,” he said, likely thinking, “because I’m doing all I can!”
Of course, when somebody’s on an assassination list, you’ve got to grab the world’s attention, which is what Al-Sistani does by expressing pain over ongoing tragedies in Lebanon and Gaza. It’s a heavy heart for sure, but hey, at least he’s using his platform for something resembling good.
Toward Raising the Status of Iraq
In a further twist of the diplomatic dagger, Muhammad Al-Hassan stepped in post-meeting, gushing over Al-Sistani’s wisdom. It’s like he’s met a celebrity! Talk about establishing credibility with the locals. Al-Hassan vowed to enhance cooperation with Al-Sistani, which basically means: “We need you to keep things cool over here, so we can figure out the next steps.” It’s like a buddy cop movie but without the car chases and witty banter—okay, maybe a little witty but less action and more ‘let’s work together’ vibes.
Now, to add some more drama to this already riveting saga—change is in the air as this is the last UN envoy before the Security Council wraps things up with a neat little bow by the end of 2025. You’ve got to commend Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani who seems to believe that the UN’s time in Iraq is over. “We’ve graduated!” he says, waving goodbye to the institution that’s been bailing them out since 2003. It’s both liberated yet bewildering.
To sum it up, Al-Sistani has laid out a rather ambitious vision for Iraq, one that sounds perfect on paper. But in a country where reality often bumps into idealism like two high school kids caught by their parents, we all know the struggle is real. So, let’s watch closely—because if anyone can spark a miracle, it’s got to be the old owl himself. Good luck, Iraq!
Al-Sistani calls for restricting weapons to the state and rejecting foreign interference
In a significant recent appearance following an alarming report from an Israeli channel that placed him on an assassination list, the eminent Shiite authority in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, articulated seven essential factors necessary to achieve lasting “stability in Iraq.”
A statement from his office on Monday highlighted that during a crucial meeting with Muhammad Al-Hassan, the newly appointed representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to Iraq, Al-Sistani urged all Iraqis, particularly the educated elite, to “draw valuable lessons from past experiences, make earnest efforts to overcome previous failures, and dedicate themselves to constructing a better future in which every citizen can enjoy security, stability, and prosperity.”
The revered religious figure, who has notably refrained from meeting with Iraqi officials since 2015 as a form of protest against widespread governmental corruption and the neglect of his recommendations, emphasized that realizing this vision necessitates the development of comprehensive scientific and practical strategies to effectively manage the country. He underscored the importance of prioritizing competence and integrity in leadership roles, restricting all forms of foreign interference, and upholding the rule of law, alongside strict control over weapons, ensuring they remain solely within the hands of the state, and battling corruption at every level.
Al-Sistani poignantly noted, “It appears that the Iraqi populace has a long journey ahead before they reach this objective. May God assist them on this arduous path.” This statement came in the wake of an alarming appearance of his image on the assassination target list published by Israeli Channel 14.
A picture of Al-Sistani was notably displayed alongside other prominent figures, such as Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Yahya Al-Sinwar of the Hamas movement before his recent assassination, and Ismail Qaani, the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, along with Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
In response to this troubling situation, the Iraqi government condemned what it deemed “an affront to the supreme religious authority of Shiites,” represented by Al-Sistani, and called upon the international community to “denounce any attempts to undermine influential and respected global figures.”
Concerning the volatile state of regional affairs, Al-Sistani expressed “deep sorrow over the ongoing tragedies in Lebanon and Gaza,” lamenting the international community’s failure to impose actionable solutions to bring an end to these catastrophes, or at the very least to protect civilians from the brutal Israeli assaults.
For his part, United Nations representative Muhammad Al-Hassan announced a significant new agreement forged with Ayatollah Al-Sistani to enhance collaboration between their respective entities, aimed at fortifying Iraq’s standing on both regional and international platforms.
In a press conference held after his meaningful meeting with Al-Sistani in Najaf, Al-Hassan expressed, “It was a privilege to meet His Eminence Al-Sistani; I was truly impressed by his wisdom and insights regarding the region and Iraq.” He stressed the profound influence Al-Sistani holds within both the Islamic and international spheres, adding that their discussions centered around joint endeavors to bolster Iraq’s stature.
Confirming the respect afforded to Al-Sistani’s guidance by international envoys, Al-Hassan emphasized, “We categorically reject any harm coming to the authority’s position, and Mr. Sistani’s counsel holds great weight.” He reassured that the United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Iraq, noting, “Mr. Al-Sistani has tasked me with ensuring the implementation of key priorities that serve Iraq’s interests,” while pointing out that “he anticipates Iraq strengthening its relationships with neighboring countries.”
He concluded by affirming, “We are dedicated to supporting Iraq’s priorities and will only provide guidance without any interference.”
Muhammad Al-Hassan marks the latest UN envoy to Iraq, taking over from Jeanine Plasschaert, the previous representative of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). This transition follows the Security Council’s decision, made at Iraq’s request, to wind down a mission that has been present for over two decades by the end of 2025. The resolution, unanimously passed, allows for a final extension of the mission, initially instituted in 2003, for a duration of 19 months, concluding on January 31, 2025.
Earlier this year, in May, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani communicated with the UN Security Council, highlighting “positive developments and accomplishments” within the country, calling for an end to the long-standing UN mission that has operated since 2003. He articulated that “the rationale for a political mission in Iraq has dissipated following 20 years of democratic transitions and overcoming various trials.”
**Interview with Dr. Fatima al-Najafi, Political Analyst and Expert on Iraqi Affairs**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. al-Najafi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani’s recent statements on stability in Iraq. What was your initial reaction to his call for restricting weapons to the state?
**Dr. al-Najafi:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Al-Sistani’s emphasis on restricting weapons to state control is significant. It reflects a desire to curb militia influence and re-establish state authority, which is crucial for Iraq’s long-term stability. His “call to arms” against the proliferation of weaponry outside state control underscores the need for a unified and secure Iraq.
**Interviewer:** He also urged Iraqis, especially the intellectual elite, to learn from past mistakes. How important is this message in the context of Iraq’s political landscape?
**Dr. al-Najafi:** It’s extremely important. Al-Sistani’s appeal to the intellectuals highlights the need for innovative solutions and capable leadership in addressing ongoing issues like corruption and security. The educated elite have a vital role to play in fostering a culture of accountability and civic responsibility, which is desperately needed in Iraq.
**Interviewer:** In addition, he voiced strong opposition to foreign interference. What do you think is the underlying sentiment driving this stance?
**Dr. al-Najafi:** Al-Sistani’s rejection of foreign interference reflects a broader nationalistic sentiment among Iraqis. Many feel that external influences have only compounded the challenges Iraq faces. By advocating for self-determination, he is calling for a focus on national sovereignty and the empowerment of Iraqi people to shape their future without outside meddling.
**Interviewer:** The Ayatollah also lamented the ongoing tragedies in Lebanon and Gaza during his recent remarks. How does his empathy toward regional issues impact Iraq’s relations with neighboring countries?
**Dr. al-Najafi:** Al-Sistani’s compassion for the suffering in neighboring regions emphasizes Iraq’s interconnectedness with the broader Middle East. His statements can contribute to solidarity across borders, encouraging constructive dialogue. However, they can also complicate relationships with states perceived to be perpetuating these conflicts, such as Israel.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with the UN’s role in Iraq potentially winding down, what do you predict for the country’s political future in the upcoming years?
**Dr. al-Najafi:** If the Iraqi government successfully implements Al-Sistani’s vision of stability and governance, there is potential for positive change. However, without genuine reform and a commitment to battling corruption, the challenges will remain daunting. The next few years will be crucial for Iraq to either reclaim its sovereignty with integrity or fall back into the cycle of instability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. al-Najafi, for sharing your insights on this pivotal moment in Iraq’s history. It will certainly be interesting to see how these developments unfold.
**Dr. al-Najafi:** Thank you for having me, and may we all hope for a peaceful resolution for Iraq and the region.
