By Abdul Razzaq Al-Obaidi
The remarks delivered by Faiq Zidan in his message to students during the graduation ceremony at the American University of Iraq carry a dimension that extends beyond the judicial sphere into a broader reflection on responsibility and decision-making.
When he states that the most difficult decisions are not merely those requiring legal knowledge, but those demanding integrity, impartiality, and courage, he draws attention to a deeper truth: the real challenge does not always lie in understanding the law, but in possessing the moral capacity to apply it with justice.
Judge Zidan’s words reveal an understanding that positions of great responsibility do not test individuals solely through their professional competence, but through their steadfastness in the face of pressure and influence. Knowledge may help a person attain office, yet preserving public trust requires an enduring ethical commitment.
Moreover, his emphasis on courage alongside integrity and impartiality carries particular significance, for justice is not achieved simply by recognizing what is right, but by having the resolve to act upon it.
In the closing of his remarks, Zidan conveys a clear message: decisive moments do not merely expose the depth of one’s experience, but rather the principles upon which one stands. The true measure of any public official, therefore, is not the extent of their knowledge alone, but the degree of independence and fairness they uphold when making decisions.