Ammar al-Hakim — “Historic Opportunity to Build a Strong Iraqi State” (Asharq al-Awsat op-ed), 20 July 2020 (English translation of Arabic)

The conflict of the state and non-state in Iraq began when fundamental changes were introduced to its system of rule. […] We can either have a state or a non-state. It is from this point that a state can begin to take shape and grow.

A state based on institutions is the foundation of the Mihrab Martyr's political project. […] A state of institutions must be based on the opinions of the people. This state can achieve social justice and end divisions in all of their forms […].

[…] we proposed early on the formation of a "just modern state" […]. This concept is based mainly on achieving the state that is founded on institutions […] with the goal of achieving equality between all sides.

The concept of equality is the ultimate goal of the "just modern state" that will in turn achieve the sovereignty of the state. It will also inevitably lead to the weakening of the non-state […]. From here, the country will move away from "skewed positions" that some electoral platforms rely on, such as sectarian and national divisions.

[…] Iraq is the only country where regional conflicts can be resolved. This unique trait can only be reached when the Iraqis themselves decide to transform their country into a state.

[…] we reiterate our demand that we must first ensure that the possession of weapons is limited to the state. The state should be transformed into an authority under which all political and societal forces operate whereby any dispute will remain within legal limits. […]

The challenges we are experiencing today are a historic crossroads and major opportunity. All we have to do is choose the direction of the "state" and commit to it and reject the chaos of the "non-state" and steer clear of it.