Khazali: I oppose integrating the PMF into the Iraqi army

In an interview for Al Mayadeen, the Secretary-General of the "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq" Movement, Qais al-Khazali, announced that Iraq is at a crossroads between the end of a stage and the beginning of a new one following the elections.

He explained that Iraq has enough resources and capabilities that qualify it to play a major role.

Khazali said that the recent demonstrations that took place do not reflect the nature of the situation in Iraq, especially after the victory over ISIS.

الأمين العام لحركة #عصائب_أهل_الحق الشيخ #قيس_الخزعلي: #العراق بالمرحلة المقبلة أمام مفترق طرق بين مرحلة انتهت والمرحلة التي ستأتي نتيجة الانتخابات.#يا_عراق_الخير @Qais_alkhazali @AbedRahmanEzdn pic.twitter.com/JTufpviYTu
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) October 6, 2021

PMF and the Iraqi army

The Iraqi leader opposed integrating the Popular Mobilization Forces into the Iraqi army, arguing that it would make the PMF weaker and harm the Army.

He added that Iraq is in need of politicians capable of making sovereign decisions by staying away from the dictations of the Americans, adding that his conviction is that the political reality in Iraq is a reflection of the societal reality, especially before the emergence of ISIS.

He explained that after the emergence of ISIS, the Iraqi society believed in the necessity of keeping the Popular Mobilization Forces, considering it the safety net capable of preserving Iraq.

The withdrawal of US forces is inevitable

Khazali said that the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq is inevitable, stressing however that when it happens, it won't be chaotic as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and no coup will take place.

There will be a qualitative change in Parliament

On the elections, Khazali explained that each competing political party has its own supporters, but the Al-Fateh Alliance has a larger supporter base in the general public.

Thus, any participation rate from the general public would benefit the Alliance and not these parties.

Khazali believed that there will be qualitative and not quantitative changes in the new parliament, due to political maturity, noting that the Al-Fateh Alliance will be different from what it was before and will improve its performance.