Al-Kadhimi Breaks Silence on Returning to Iraq
You can watch the video on our channel.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has reemerged onto the political scene, signaling that his recent return to Iraq could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey. In a detailed interview with Al-Majalla magazine, Al-Kadhimi broke his silence since stepping down in 2022, explaining that his time away from Iraq was a period of rest and recalibration. He described it as "a warrior’s rest," noting it was also a chance for deep reflection, observation, writing, and developing strategic ideas to respond to the dramatic changes currently sweeping through the Middle East and the wider world.
Al-Kadhimi’s decision to return appears driven by growing regional instability and the need for Iraq to embrace rational, constructive discourse. He stressed that Iraq must avoid reckless political maneuvering and instead play a leading role in stabilizing the region. Emphasizing Iraq’s identity as a core part of the Arab world, he asserted that Baghdad must remain firmly rooted in Arab consensus and must not turn its back on its strategic depth in the region.
Although Al-Kadhimi did not explicitly confirm whether he will run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, he laid out two non-negotiable conditions for his potential participation. First, he insists on a transparent and credible electoral process—one free from manipulation and political coercion, a problem that has plagued Iraqi elections since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Second, he emphasized the need for a collective sense of national responsibility. He called on all political factions, whether in power or opposition, to put Iraq’s stability and national interest above partisanship.
He hinted at ongoing dialogue with various political groups who share his vision of reform and moderation, suggesting that his future in politics may depend on forming a unified coalition of like-minded actors. “Our options remain open,” he said, leaving the door wide open for a political comeback under the right circumstances.
On foreign policy, Al-Kadhimi strongly defended Iraq’s partnership with the United States, which he described as essential to Iraq’s institutional and developmental progress. He sharply criticized those who call for an end to U.S.-Iraq relations while secretly seeking American support behind closed doors, describing this behavior as “hypocrisy mixed with ignorance.”
He also advocated for Iraq to maintain a neutral but influential role in the growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Rather than being a battleground for regional rivalries, he sees Iraq as a bridge for dialogue between Washington and Tehran and among key Gulf players like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. With its geographic location and historic ties, he argued, Iraq is uniquely positioned to reduce regional polarization and champion a balanced foreign policy based on national interest, regional cooperation, and long-term security.
What This Means Politically
Al-Kadhimi’s return may signal a shake-up in Iraq’s current political equilibrium. His message appeals to moderate voters and disillusioned political actors frustrated by years of sectarian conflict, corruption, and dysfunction. If he decides to run and meets his conditions for fair elections, he could emerge as a centrist figure capable of bridging Iraq’s fractured political landscape. His commitment to U.S. relations and regional diplomacy may also attract international support, especially from Western and Arab allies seeking regional stability.
However, his re-entry could provoke strong resistance from Iran-aligned factions who view his previous administration as too close to Washington. This may escalate political polarization ahead of the next elections. In short, Al-Kadhimi’s comeback could either catalyze reform and dialogue—or deepen the fault lines in an already fragile political system. The weeks and months ahead will determine which path Iraq takes.
