Sadr, the firebrand militia leader-turned kingmaker, has played a central role in forming the new government now taking shape in Baghdad, promoting technocrats in key posts and prioritizing efforts to break up the old patronage networks which have dominated Iraqi politics.
Recent talks between Iraqi and Kurdish parties indicate Sadr wants to see Kurds meaningfully involved in the new government.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Monday afternoon, Sadr said Kirkuk could become an example of successful interethnic coexistence if Kurds and Arabs work together.
“We want you to live with us without separation and this is the best meaning of love we have to practice in a united Iraq,” said Sadr. “We want you united, strong, and respected, without being oppressed or oppressing [others].
“We will live with you with justice and fairness and we will not let you be abused. We also know that there are lovers of moderation among you and there is no difference between Kurds and Arabs except for Taqwa (piety) and love of homeland,” he said.
Equal partnership between Kurds and Arabs is enshrined in the Iraqi constitution, which also sets out a democratic path to resolving the demographic questions surrounding Kirkuk and other disputed territories – Article 140.
Kurdish leaders have long argued the constitution has not been adhered to, prompting the September 2017 referendum for Kurdish independence.
Baghdad responded to the referendum and its strong mandate for independence by reigning in the Kurdistan Region’s autonomy and seizing Kirkuk and the disputed territories, which Kurdish forces had defended from ISIS in 2014.
Over the course of the last year, these territories have seen a creeping process of ‘Arabization’, whereby Kurdish and Turkmen residents have been displaced by Arab settlers.
The security situation in Kirkuk has notably declined since the withdrawal of Peshmerga and the removal of Kurdish officials from the Kirkuk administration.
Sadr, who has previously held sympathies with the Kurdish people, says Kirkuk could become a strong example of coexistence if Kurds and Arabs find a common purpose.
“Let’s save Iraq, forget about shares, avoid corruption, renew [our] promise to Iraq to give it new faces who can protect your prestige and raise your position after we elevate Iraq and its people,” Sadr said.
“[This is] also to unite your old generation with the new generation, so that we can be with you in supporting Iraq and so that Kirkuk becomes an example of coexistence for all sects and races,” he added.
It is unclear whether Sadr deliberately chose the anniversary of the October 2017 events to address Kurds and their leaders.
It is also unclear whether Kurdish leaders will achieve normalization in Kirkuk and the return of Peshmerga forces in exchange for any government-forming deal with Iraqi parties.
