Muqtada al-Sadr: September 30 Could Herald Iraq's Flourishing; Urges U.S. Withdrawal
Sadr welcomes Sept. 30 as the deadline for U.S.-led forces to leave Iraq and calls on Washington to respect Iraq's sovereignty
Sadr welcomes the September 30 withdrawal deadline for U.S.-led forces from Iraq, calls for respect of Iraq’s sovereignty and unity, and hopes the move signals Iraq’s flourishing with strengthened security.
According to Shafaq News, as cited by IRNA, Muqtada al-Sadr welcomed the designation of September 30 as the date for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the international coalition from Iraq. In a statement, he said this exit would be beneficial for Iraq, the United States, and the world, and urged Washington to respect Iraq’s sovereign decision and not to interfere in Iraqi affairs. He warned foreign countries about the consequences of meddling and stressed his strong opposition to any intervention. Sadr also said Iraq could defend itself using its security forces—especially the border guards and the air force—and only through the central government, under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He asserted that, despite differences among Iraq’s components, the people would stand united against foreign interference. He expressed hope that September 30 would mark the start of Iraq’s flourishing and the end of corruption, oppression, dictatorship, occupation, and terrorism, while security institutions would be strengthened under the central government.