Key Iraqi Shi’ite parliamentary bloc the Sadrist Trend has issued a statement blasting both US and Iranian intervention in Iraq, at a time when most other factions in parliament are courting everyone and anyone to fight ISIS.
“We reject any interference that violates the sovereignty of Iraq and interferes in military affairs categorically, without distinction,” noted Sadrist leader Hussein al-Awadi.
The Sadrist bloc isn’t one of the larger Shi’ite blocs but at times has served as something of a kingmaker. Their leader, cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, is often accused of being pro-Iran, but has leaned strongly nationalistically in policy positions.
Awadi’s statement urged Iraqis to resolve internal challenges “according to the rule of law and without outside intervention,” reflecting the trend’s long-standing distrust of even allies who become too influential in Iraqi politics.
