Iraqi bloc leader says Sadr’s alliance move conforms with Iran, U.S. views
The Iraqi Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. File photo.
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The latest declaration by Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to ally with a pro-Iran bloc to form a parliament majority serves the interests of all stakeholders, including the United States and Iran, a leader among Sadr’s new partners said.
Karim al-Nuri, a senior leader at al-Fatah alliance, which represents the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces, told Alsumaria News that the alliance declared on Tuesday between al-Fatah and Sadr’s Saeroon list has not met any reservations from members of both sides.
“The alliance between al-Fatah and Saeroon is strong, transparent and obvious…the concurrence of stances and decisions between Muqtada al-Sadr and the head of al-Fatah alliance, Hadi al-Ameri, helps overcome all minor issues”, said Nuri.
“It is a message of assurance to the Iraqi people before proceeding towards forming the largest parliamentary bloc that shall form the government…it pushes a away the prospects of civil war and rules out the rerun of elections,” he added.
According to Nuri, the new alliance corresponds to the views of Iran and the United States, and will also appeal to the [Shia] Clergy.
Sadr’s announcement of alliance with al-Fatah could represent a surprise to observers as the firebrand cleric has maintained a populist stance that rejects U.S. military presence in Iraq and Iranian influence over the country’s majority Shia.
Sadr came first according to results of the parliament polls held mid May, followed by al-Fatah.
The fate of elections remains murky as the results are surrounded by judicial and political challenges.