Al-Mashhadani: Iraq Faces Potential Security Crisis
Iraq’s Parliament Speaker, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, warned in a televised interview that the country is on the brink of a possible security crisis. He emphasized that any breakdown of security in Baghdad would quickly affect other provinces.
Al-Mashhadani also predicted popular protests could erupt next month, possibly pushing Iraq toward declaring a “state of emergency.”
He described Muqtada al-Sadr’s withdrawal from politics as a genuine alarm and revealed that Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, is seriously considering leaving politics as well.
Al-Mashhadani stated he would step away from politics only after all innocent detainees are released.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law, he disclosed that U.S. pressure and threats have prevented parliament from presenting this legislation. The United States has openly opposed rebuilding the PMF structure and prefers integrating these forces into the Iraqi army.
He added that some actors are trying to remove Falih Al-Fayyadh from his position under PMF retirement laws.
Al-Mashhadani warned this legislation would neither increase personnel salaries nor improve conditions; instead, it might cause administrative and legal confusion.
The current parliament session was described by him as “disappointing,” noting three years were wasted amidst disputes and divisions. He highlighted how laws on general amnesty and elections have created complex challenges for parliament.
Toward regional relations, he noted Israel views Iraq as an obstacle to normalization efforts. He stressed that Tel aviv has engaged with Turkish counterparts on its “David Route” project-a plan threatening Iraq’s interests along with those of neighboring countries.
Concluding his remarks by addressing political dynamics within Iraq, al-Mashhadani said Muqtada al-Sadr’s positions are not open to democratic dialog. He expressed concern over the absence of Sadrist bloc voices in parliament and warned that Kurdish withdrawal from political processes could have severe consequences.
