Hawzah News Agency- Ayatollah Seyyed Yasin al-Musawi, the Friday Prayer leader of Baghdad and a senior instructor at the Najaf Islamic Seminary, has delivered a scathing assessment of Iraq's political class, declaring that the country's multi-layered crisis stems from incompetence, the prioritization of narrow party interests over national welfare, and dangerous dependence on American will.
In his Friday sermon delivered on August 21, 2026, the prominent cleric warned that Iraq faces a decisive regional confrontation in which "neutrality" is not an option, urging political leaders to abandon personal calculations and adopt a sovereign, rights-based national stance.
A Political Class That Has Failed Its People
Ayatollah al-Musawi opened his political sermon by asserting that addressing the political, economic, social, and security affairs of the Ummah is a fundamental duty of the Friday Prayer leader.
"Religious discourse must not be limited to pointing out negatives; whenever there are positive developments and commendable actions, they should be acknowledged as well," he said. "However, the current situation in Iraq is witnessing an intensification of political inefficiency, and this demands serious examination and attention."
He held a significant portion of Iraq's political leadership responsible for the country's failures despite their diverse ethnic, religious, and sectarian affiliations.
"This assessment does not apply to all officials, but the majority, after being entrusted by the people through elections, have failed to fulfill their responsibilities adequately," the cleric stated.
Government Formation Reduced to Spoils-Sharing
Ayatollah al-Musawi criticized the process of government formation in Iraq, saying it has become an arena for competition over limited benefits and privileges.
"The formation of governments has turned into a contest over narrow interests and perks, while political factions ignore the enormous challenges facing Iraq and the region," he said.
He noted that the world is in a state of open and expansive war, yet some Iraqi officials remain absorbed in personal calculations, disregarding the interests of their people.
The Baghdad Friday Prayer leader held political factions directly responsible for choosing the prime minister, emphasizing that the decision was made by their own free will and imposed by no one.
"Therefore, the weakness of the current executive apparatus is a reflection of a faulty selection," he declared.
He further criticized the continued management of several ministries in an acting capacity and the failure to complete the cabinet, calling this an institutional deficiency that has negatively impacted the administration of the country.
Dependence on America: A Collective Responsibility
In sharp remarks, Ayatollah al-Musawi said the "dependence on America's embrace" is not solely the prime minister's responsibility but implicates political factions within the power structure who act according to American will.
He warned against rhetoric promoting violence and the detention of national and resistance forces, describing such an approach as dangerous and contrary to Iraq's national sovereignty.
Economic Promises Unfulfilled
Turning to the economic situation, the cleric noted that promises to improve citizens' living conditions have gone unfulfilled, while poverty and unemployment indicators have risen.
"Even holders of advanced degrees face serious difficulties in finding employment opportunities," he said. "This reflects the failure of economic policies to activate the labor market and create real opportunities for young people."
Rejecting 'Neutrality' in a Decisive Regional Battle
In a forceful rejection of calls for Iraqi neutrality in the face of escalating regional tensions, Ayatollah al-Musawi declared that the current conflict is not merely a political dispute between nations.
"The current confrontation concerns the future of the region and preventing the expansion of the Zionist project," he said. "In a decisive battle, one cannot shirk responsibility under the banner of 'neutrality.'"
He referenced developments in Syria and recent American statements about intensifying economic pressure on Iran, stressing that Iraq must adopt a position that preserves its sovereignty and national interests.
The Kurdistan Region Incident
Addressing the recent targeting of positions in the Kurdistan Region, the cleric said that based on the investigation's findings, the possibility of Zionist regime involvement in the attack exists.
"The facts must be made clear to public opinion, and accusations that serve political agendas must be avoided," he said.
A Warning to Iraqi Political Factions
Ayatollah al-Musawi concluded with a stark warning to Iraq's political leaders and factions.
"They must review their policies before it is too late," he said. "The people are not unaware of what is happening in the country, and continuing the current trajectory will push Iraq toward even greater crises."
Citing a historical account regarding Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (AS), the cleric described it as a symbolic warning.
"Oppression and mismanagement will not endure," he said. "The prayers of the righteous can change the equations."
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