Alhakim, encouraging patience, says that "Iraqis have done miracles in the past three years."

Abdul Aziz Alhakim, president of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq and one of that country’s most powerful Shiite leaders, delivered his first major policy address in the United States at USIP on December 4, after first meeting with President Bush. In his speech, Alhakim said that while the problems his country faces are serious, many of the dangers—such as a divisive federalism and civil war—have been exaggerated. He called for a sober assessment of the political situation in Iraq, pointing out that the country is emerging from a century-long ethnically based authoritarian rule.

"Ever since its establishment, the political regime in Iraq was based on the concept of 'authority' dominated by a small group belonging to a certain faction," he said. The challenge today is to insure that those who still believe that they have the right to rule according to their desires do not prevail against the majority of Iraqis who have elected to achieve a "fair political and administrative system" through federalism.

Alhakim was also concerned about the potential for civil war in his country, although he rejected the idea that Iraq is now embroiled in one. "Talking about civil war does not only scare others but it scares us too," he said. He blamed the violence on former Baathists and al-Qaeda-linked terrorists. The solution, he said, was to direct "decisive strikes against Baathist terrorists in Iraq."

Alhakim was adamant that his country become a fully independent, sovereign nation. "We do not want to distribute shares of powers to neighboring countries," he said. Rather, Iraqis want to create good relations with all its neighbors, based on an "equal exchange of interests."

Daniel Serwer moderates the event.

Alhakim concluded with a nine-point plan for progress. "Iraq has just gotten rid of the hell of dictatorship and the oppression of a regime," he said. "This definitely requires some time to anchor the foundation of a free democracy." He urged patience, reminding listeners that the "Iraqis have done miracles in the past three years."

Among the key elements of his plan: concluding joint security agreements with Iraq's neighbors; enforcing Iraq's borders and stopping infiltration; strengthening the Iraqi security apparatus; implementing the anti-terrorism law; disarming the civilian population; eliciting greater international support in fighting the terrorist threat; encouraging trade; developing diplomatic exchanges; and achieving national reconciliation.

Speakers

• HE Sayyed Abdul Aziz Alhakim
  President of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI)
  Leader of the United Iraqi Alliance
• Daniel Serwer, Moderator
  U.S. Institute of Peace