Disarmament push intensifies: Iraqi MP demands ban on faction-linked candidates
Iraq's Parliamentary Reconstruction and Development Bloc (Al-I'mar wa al-Tanmiyah) backed on Thursday, the government's campaign to place weapons exclusively under state control.
Speaking to Shafaq News, Lawmaker Hamid al-Shiblawi described the task as 'demanding and close to impossible' after years of entrenched challenges, while crediting the current administration with averting external crises and internal conflict.
Highlighting the consequences of prolonged instability, al-Shiblawi noted that 'years of failure, corruption, and interference in state institutions have left civilians and members of the security forces vulnerable to uncontrolled weapons and groups operating outside the law,' stressing that stronger government measures are needed, including barring candidates linked to armed factions from participating in the November 11 parliamentary elections.
The remarks followed a meeting of the Coordination Framework, a coalition dominated by Shiite political factions, where the government's disarmament efforts were extensively discussed.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later reaffirmed that limiting weapons to official institutions remains 'a fundamental pillar of a strong and respected state,' emphasizing that 'no party is entitled to override state authority or act in its place.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
21 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan, Germany pledge stronger partnership
Shafaq News – Erbil Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani reaffirmed on Monday the Region's commitment to expanding its partnership with Germany across political, economic, and cultural fields. According to a statement from the Kurdish Presidency, Barzani met with Germany's Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, in Erbil as she concluded her diplomatic mission. During the meeting, Barzani praised Germany's role in supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the Region's willingness to deepen cooperation with Berlin in 'all sectors of mutual interest.' Barzani also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Hohmann for her efforts in strengthening ties between Germany, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, wishing her success in her future assignments. سهرۆک نێچیرڤان بارزانی سوپاسی باڵیۆزی ئهڵمانیا دهکات — Kurdistan Region Presidency (@KurdistanRegion) August 4, 2025 Hohmann, for her part, voiced appreciation for the support she received from Kurdish authorities during her tenure and stressed that Germany places high importance on its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, aiming to broaden collaboration further. The discussions also covered relations between Erbil and Baghdad, domestic political developments, and the broader situation in Syria and the region.
Shafaq News
34 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Israeli poll: Majority fear global backlash on travel
Shafaq News – Middle East More than half of Israelis fear that the growing international backlash over the war in Gaza could limit their ability to travel abroad, according to a Channel 12 poll aired on Monday. Fifty-six percent of respondents expressed concern about potential travel difficulties linked to global criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Another 40% expressed no concern, while 4% were unsure. The findings come amid a series of incidents involving Israeli tourists overseas, many of which have drawn attention in Israeli media. Last week, an Israeli tourist reported being attacked on a beach in Athens, where a man bit off part of his ear while shouting, 'Free Palestine, f*** Israel, I'm Hamas.' Days earlier, a group of Israeli youths were reportedly pushed by pro-Palestinian demonstrators while vacationing on the Greek island of Rhodes. Separately, a cruise ship owned by an Israeli company was barred from docking at the Greek island of Syros and rerouted to Cyprus after a large protest at the port. The poll also reflected growing dissatisfaction with Israeli leadership. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents felt government policies do not reflect their will, while 29% believed they do. Even among voters backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, 44% said the government does not represent them. Fifty-one percent responded that it does. Asked about the ongoing hostage crisis, 62% of respondents favored a comprehensive deal to release all captives held in Gaza. Twenty-eight percent supported expanding the military campaign to fully occupy the enclave. Just 4% backed a partial deal to release about half the hostages—an option reportedly discussed in indirect negotiations over recent months. On the question of future policy in Gaza, 49% opposed building settlements in the territory, while 36% supported the idea. Fifteen percent were undecided. Respondents also assessed the performance of top government officials. Fifty-five percent rated Netanyahu's leadership as 'poor,' compared with 39% who described it as 'good.' Defense Minister Israel Katz received a negative rating from 53%, while 34% viewed his performance positively. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar was rated 'poor' by 57%, and 'good' by 25%.
Shafaq News
34 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
PM Netanyahu pushes for intensified Gaza military campaign
Shafaq News – Middle East On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to convene the security cabinet this week and authorize a stepped-up military offensive in Gaza. 'We must fight together to defeat the enemy, free our hostages, and ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat,' Netanyahu declared during the weekly cabinet meeting. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed full support for intensifying the campaign in Gaza, emphasizing Israel's commitment to ''achieving victory and eliminating Hamas.'' Earlier reports from Israeli media indicate the government is weighing two military strategies in Gaza. One option involves a full-scale ground invasion of the Strip, though military officials warn that dismantling Hamas's infrastructure could take years. The alternative strategy focuses on encircling Hamas-controlled areas and engaging in a prolonged war of attrition against its armed units. These developments come amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The Health Ministry announced that five Palestinians have died from starvation in the past 24 hours, raising the official toll to 180—including 93 children—since Israel's military campaign began.
