Iraq’s Cardinal Sako calls for political process based on citizenship

Cardinal Louis Sako, the highest-ranking Chaldean Catholic Church prelate in Iraq, has called for a complete overhaul of the country’s political process, which has been in place since the US-led invasion in 2003.

His remarks coincide with the 21st anniversary of the operation that toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime and the introduction of an ethno-sectarian quota system for elections.

“There must be a reconsideration of the entire political process,” Cardinal Sako said, while congratulating Muslims on the start of Ramadan on Monday.

“A new non-sectarian agreement needs to be reached – one based on full citizenship, ensuring a better future for Iraqis and preserving the [society’s] components and their rights.”

Iraqis are still living with many of the decisions made after coalition forces arrived.

Parliamentary elections were introduced to take place every four years, but the results are not taken into consideration when a government is formed. Instead, the process is based on an informal power-sharing arrangement known as muhasasa in Arabic, a system widely described as one in which power is apportioned to groups based on sect.

Under an unofficial agreement, Iraq’s presidency, which is primarily ceremonial, is held by a Kurd, while the prime minister’s post is reserved for a Shiite, and the role of parliament speaker is reserved for a Sunni.

Other central government posts are divided among the country’s political parties based on their religious and ethnic background.

Cardinal Sako, who is a resident of Kurdistan, said he hoped the war in Gaza would stop during the holy month. “It is unfortunate that this blessed month coincides with the continuing devastating war in the holy lands, as well as conflicts here and there and violations of human rights, freedom and dignity,” he said.

The war on the enclave, now in its sixth month, has killed more than 31,100 Palestinians, including about 12,000 children.

An incursion into Israel by Hamas on October 7 led to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the beginning of military operations in Gaza.

“I hope that in this holy month, all those with good intentions worldwide come together to put an end to all forms of conflicts and wars, reduce injustice and pain,” Cardinal Sako said.

Mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar tried to negotiate a truce in Gaza before Ramadan, but failed to find grounds for agreement.

Sticking points in talks included the details of a swap of hostages and detainees, Hamas’s demand for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza and conflicting plans for the postwar administration of the enclave.

Cardinal Sako said that Iraq was in need of a new non-sectarian agreement to shape the future and preserve human rights