Sheikh Hamoudi Says Attempts to Incite Shia-Shia Strife in Iraq Will Fail

Head of Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council, Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, has said attempts to foment divisions among Iraqi Shia political factions are destined to fail, stressing that such efforts are aimed at weakening Shia political and social influence. He said the Coordination Framework, the largest parliamentary bloc, is gradually assuming official responsibilities through specialized committees.

Hamoudi warned that certain individuals were attempting to create Shia-Shia tensions under the pretext of protecting national interests. He said the presence of Iraq’s supreme religious authority, adherence to religious principles and growing public awareness of what he described as a malicious conspiracy would prevent such attempts from succeeding.

The Iraqi political leader also warned that Israel considers Iraq an enemy and urged all segments of society to remain vigilant. He called for the development of strong national military forces capable of protecting citizens, their interests and Iraq’s sovereignty, free from political or personal influence. Hamoudi stressed that Iraq is governed by a consensus-based coalition in which all political parties have a role, rejecting the notion of exclusive Shia rule.