BAGHDAD-INA
By Sabah Al-Numan
Spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
In the aftermath of major historic victories and the overcoming of existential crises, states typically embark on decisive paths to redefine security and strengthen institutional governance.
In Iraq, the initiative to confine weapons exclusively to state control—led by Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi—represents a natural culmination of the foundations of victory and an inevitable step in the country’s strategic transition from emergency military responses to an era of institutional stability and comprehensive development.
This paternal approach is not an expression of authoritarianism or a desire for dominance. Rather, it reflects a responsible and systematic vision aimed at incorporating national achievements into the formal framework of the state to safeguard and preserve them.
The government’s strategy for managing this sensitive issue is based on principles of good faith, partnership, a profound sense of responsibility toward the immense sacrifices made, and the practical application of lessons drawn from advanced international experiences.
It is impossible to discuss the regulation of weapons without paying tribute to the extraordinary courage of the heroes who answered the call to jihad in response to the fatwa of the Supreme Religious Authority and the call of the homeland.
Bringing these weapons under the umbrella of the armed forces does not strip anyone of their identity. Rather, it represents the highest form of honoring those sacrifices by protecting them from political exploitation and transforming their blessed struggle into a solid foundation for state-building and the preservation of Iraq’s sovereignty.
History offers numerous examples—from ancient civilizations to the modern era—demonstrating that integrating armed groups into official state institutions has been a decisive factor in preserving national unity and preventing state fragmentation.
The Roman Empire established the Auxilia system to integrate local fighters while granting them citizenship, whereas China’s Han Dynasty incorporated frontier forces to secure its borders and protect the Silk Road.
Likewise, during the advanced periods of Islamic civilization, this principle was reflected in the integration of the Asawira cavalry into state military institutions, contributing to the establishment and protection of major urban centers.
In modern history, France integrated members of the national resistance into its regular armed forces following the Second World War, reinforcing the enduring lesson that reorganizing military capabilities under the authority of the state constitutes the cornerstone of sustainable development.
The Commander-in-Chief’s vision is founded on treating all parties equally. It prioritizes sincere dialogue and a paternal spirit of understanding—before even a fraternal one—as the primary means of implementing this decision.
It is an approach rooted in inclusion rather than command, embracing all segments of society with a vision broad enough to encompass the nation and all its sacrifices, thereby preventing internal divisions and denying external actors any opportunity to exploit security vulnerabilities.
The ultimate objective is to ensure that military decision-making remains the exclusive responsibility of the state, eliminating pretexts used by those seeking to justify interference while strengthening Iraq’s standing to pursue major economic partnerships.
Some may ask: What is the objective assessment of the state’s weapons-confinement initiative, and what outcomes are expected?
An objective evaluation begins with recognizing that this process is neither a coercive disarmament campaign nor an attempt to erase identities. Rather, it is a dignified process of inclusion and strategic reorganization that safeguards the rights and contributions of all parties.
It represents a gradual transition based on comprehensive care and responsibility, guiding Iraq from a state of emergency response toward enduring institutional stability and mature governance.
This initiative is not built on the logic of winners and losers. Instead, it rests on equitable integration by channeling the energies of resistance and valor into the doctrine of the armed forces with full dignity, affirming that the state is the principal guardian and unifying institution for all Iraqis.
The anticipated outcomes include the creation of a secure environment that institutionalizes the spirit of sacrifice while protecting the legacy of the nation’s martyrs from being squandered. By transforming spontaneous mobilization into enduring constitutional institutions, the initiative aims to safeguard the homeland and honor those who secured its victory.
It also serves as a fundamental pillar for Iraq’s future by attracting investment, directing resources toward reconstruction and public services, strengthening social cohesion, and reinforcing an inclusive concept of citizenship that excludes no one.
The true strength of the state lies in its ability to be compassionate and unifying. Its mission is to reassure all citizens by demonstrating that leadership is paternal before it is fraternal, becoming the ultimate guarantor that dispels internal mistrust, closes opportunities for external interference, and shapes security decisions through an Iraqi vision dedicated to the national interest.
From this perspective, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces continues to pursue a policy of inclusion and integration to guide Iraq’s transition from an era defined by confronting terrorism through arms to one centered on protecting the nation through enduring state institutions.