Political Statement Issued by the Iraqi Istklal Assembly On the Current Political Situation in Iraq and the Expanding Foreign Influence

Political Statement
Issued by the Iraqi Istklal Assembly
On the Current Political Situation in Iraq and the Expanding Foreign Influence

The Iraqi Istklal Assembly, as an opposition national movement committed to restoring independent national decision-making and achieving comprehensive political reform, affirms that the current political landscape in Iraq has reached a critical and dangerous juncture. This reality threatens the future of the state and its institutions, while undermining efforts to establish a just and inclusive democratic system that truly represents the aspirations of the Iraqi people in all their diversity.

In recent years, Iraq has witnessed a deeply troubling expansion of foreign influence. This influence now extends far beyond the political sphere, having infiltrated the country’s security, economic, and legislative institutions. Such interference is primarily exerted through armed non-state actors, commonly known as militias, which have evolved into parallel forces that intimidate citizens, jeopardize civil peace, and obstruct any serious attempt to rebuild the state on national foundations.

The situation has further deteriorated with the proliferation of uncontrolled weapons, now the primary tool for silencing activists, opposition voices, and dissenting opinion. This coincides with an entrenched system of political corruption, institutionalized through what has become known as “party economies.” These mechanisms exploit state resources to serve narrow partisan interests often aligned with external agendas—chief among them.

The electoral process, intended to serve as a democratic mechanism for change, has been systematically emptied of its meaning. Elections continue to reproduce the same dominant political forces and figures due to the influence of illicit political financing, derived from corrupt networks and sustained by direct

foreign support. Election laws have been repeatedly manipulated to preserve the status quo, marginalize emerging national forces, and prevent genuine competition. These laws have been designed to exclude smaller blocs and dissenting voices, while virtually eliminating effective opposition from public discourse and state institutions—especially given the overwhelming control exerted by pro-status quo media.

In light of these challenges, the Iraqi Istklal Assembly firmly asserts the following positions:

1. We categorically reject all forms of foreign influence that seek to impose their will on Iraq’s sovereign national decision-making. We call for the full restoration of state sovereignty and a decisive end to the role of proxy forces serving non-Iraqi agendas.

2. We call for a comprehensive overhaul of the political process, beginning with a fundamental review of the electoral framework, the creation of a safe political environment, and the establishment of genuine international oversight over future elections.

3. We demand the exclusive control of weapons by the state, and the activation of independent judicial and accountability institutions.

4. We urge the international community to play its role in supporting peaceful and civic forces for change, and to assist the Iraqi people in their struggle to reclaim their nation from the grips of corruption and dependency.

In conclusion, we firmly believe that Iraq can only rise through the reestablishment of true sovereignty and free national will. We pledge to remain steadfast in our principles and loyal to the hopes of our people—no matter the obstacles.

Issued by:
Iraqi Istklal Assembly
Date: April 23, 2025
Najaf Al-Ashraf