POMED Notes: Iraqi Ahrar Party Leader Speaks at Press Club

Ayad Jamal Aldin, leader of the Iraqi Ahrar (Liberal) party, spoke at the National Press Club this afternoon on the upcoming Iraqi elections.  Aldin spoke on his party’s support of a secular Iraqi state and how he hopes this election will prove to be the turning point for Iraq. He forecasts doing well in the election and promised to participate fairly, advocating progressive measures like freedom of thought, women’s rights, civil society organizations, agriculture, the environment and responsible international relations. He also took questions on how his party will tackle some of the pressing issues Iraq faces as it begins to reshape the structure of its government.

Members of the media asked Aldin several questions about how his party intends to handle Iraq’s challenges, given the decision by President Obama‘s administration to pull all U.S. combat troops by the end of August this year. Aldin responded that Iraq has been the “cradle of civilization” and survived an 8,000-year history; he invites the U.S. to remain in the country if it seeks to support Iraqi civilians in rebuilding their own government, but that they should not stay if they intend to interfere with the process. He cited that building a strong Iraqi army as well as a strong central government is especially crucial to Iraq’s future as an independent, sovereign nation. Aldin acknowledged the weaknesses of the country, but said that Iraqi citizens still wished to defend their country, land, and rights against any outside aggression.

The event was part of a week-long visit to the U.S. in which  Aldin has met with the press, policymakers and congressional staff. He told members of the press that his trip to the United States was coordinated in order to exchange views with U.S. policymakers as well as gather support from the U.S. administration in support of the rebuilding of Iraq.