Collective Identity vs. the ‘Division’ Project: Why Hakim’s Visit to Iran Matters
MEHR News Agency, International Desk – Mohammad Reza Moradi, Director of International Affairs and Foreign News at MEHR News Agency wrote in an analysis:
Amid the geopolitical complexities of the Middle East where the Resistance Axis faces tests from external and internal pressures, Seyyed Ammar Hakim’s visit to Iran-the first by an Iraqi official since the 12-day war-goes beyond diplomacy. It represents a strategic effort to uphold regional equilibrium and stability. Taking place in the aftermath of the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, this trip symbolizes not only deep brotherly ties between Baghdad and Tehran but also advances a strategic concept known as “defensive unity.” Within this framework, internal cohesion among Shia groups serves as a backbone for the Resistance Axis. This unity stands as a tool against divisive plots by the United States and Israel aimed at undermining regional stability. Key figures like Hakim play an essential role in this grand strategy through their moderate and nationalist approaches that bridge political generations and national elites. His balanced stance demonstrates how differences can be converted into synergy-saving Iraq’s Shia community from fragmentation.
From The 12-Day War to New threats Against Iraq
To fully grasp this visit’s importance,one must consider its broader strategic context. The war targeted not only Iran but also sent shockwaves across Iraq. Media reports alongside feedback from regional political actors suggest that Israel now views Iraq as its “next front” following this conflict. Frequent Israeli violations of Iraqi airspace by fighter jets, direct threats against Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases, along with isolated attacks on positions linked to the Resistance Axis are all parts of a larger plan designed to destabilize Baghdad.
Iraq faces external threats while confronting severe internal divisions ahead of parliamentary elections that institutions such as Brookings Institution describe as openings for U.S. interference. The classical “divide-and-conquer” doctrine continues through financial backing of media campaigns targeting sectarian rifts among Shia, Sunni, and Kurds-crippling efforts toward forming strong central governance. A prime example is seen in 2019 protests culminating in Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s resignation where U.S. embassy involvement played a pivotal role in orchestrating unrest.
Given these highly sensitive circumstances-and with Iraq being both Iran’s western neighbor and an integral part of the Resistance Axis-Israeli threats toward Iraq are particularly alarming. Israeli Defense Minister warnings about military actions against “regime targets” within kurdish areas sound alarm bells for Baghdad alike were witnessed consequences reverberating throughout Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen-all impacting Iraq directly.
The timing adds weight: Hakim’s trip marks his country’s first senior-level engagement with Tehran post-12-day war.
The Theory Of Collective Identity
This high-tension visit highlights Hakim’s close relationship with Iranian policymakers clearly from his arrival when he visited Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum-a symbolic gesture reinforcing ideological bonds while demonstrating how unity rooted in Islamic revolutionary principles offers survival routes against Zionism for Iraqi Shias.
In meetings with Seyyed Hassan Khomeini-the custodian of Imam Khomeini’s shrine-Hakim described Iran “at Islam’s frontline fighting Israel.” He recalled widespread support across Sunni & Shia Muslims during last year’s conflict due to shared rejection toward Israeli crimes-and credited Tehran for overcoming initial shock through missile strikes on Israeli air defenses imposing defeat on Jerusalem forces.
Now facing attempts by Israel stirring unrest inside Iran itself reflects broader realization across regional states: weakening Iran ultimately harms everyone here.”
This viewpoint is grounded in collective identity theory which aims at mobilizing Arab support towards diplomatic pressure on Israel at forums like Institution of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Strategically moderate stances make Hakim’s Hikma Movement unite rather than divide within Shiite ranks-noteworthy because Hikma was established in 2017 emphasizing sectarian unity among Shiites & Sunnis alongside anti-corruption reforms promoting democracy.
His role helped form Mohammed Shia al-Sudani government back in 2022 consolidating his position as “the moderate Shiite voice.”
Iraq Elections
Iraq’s upcoming elections have become platforms exploited by foreign actors like Washington who manipulate power balances via diplomatic channels coupled with disinformation campaigns fomenting street protests using existing communal rifts inside Baghdad-based leadership circles.
The American embassy leverages these fissures advancing their geopolitical agendas jeopardizing solid governance formation within nascent state institutions or public trust baseline.
Hakim’s journey counters those influences openly signaling readiness backed by neighbors notably Tehran prepared resisting undue foreign meddling consistent since events triggering Abdul Mahdi government’s downfall three years ago.
His talks focus largely on pushing forward anti-Israeli resolutions inside OIC plus concrete security cooperation enhancing joint defensive buffers shielding interests entangled amid hostile intentions circulating around Damascus-Beirut sectors spanning Lebanese Hezbollah up through Gaza-Yemen theatres.
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