To Maliki: You are the coward

In 2006, when Jaafari’s place in the prime ministerial office was teetering towards no confidence, I interviewed the then incumbent spokesperson of the National coalition, Jawad al-Maliki (Nouri al-Maliki). He said, off-the-records, that Shiites had taken command over Iraq, after waiting a century and that “they will not let it go until the last drop of blood is shed.” Today, the death toll of Shiites killed in bombings since 2006 has exceeded the number of those who have been killed by the repression apparatus of dictatorial regimes. Shiites no longer feel that their Shiite leader, Maliki can continue to protect or represent them, except perhaps by allowing them to make Karbala visits without providing them with adequate protection. Security measures in place continue to prevent bombings which stack up the casualties. With all due respect Mr Prime Minister, we ask you gracefully. You tried to secure the untenable; you sought a goal you could not achieve. We say it very faithfully Mr Prime Minister, step down graciously. Hand it over, Mr Prime Minister, Iraq owes you a favour for your hard work. There are many who think you are a sectarian and disagree with your management style as a political leader. Your following has reduced to a few seats of the Council of Representatives. The others, Sadrists (an Islamist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr) now only obey orders from their leader. One nod from Mr Muqtada al-Sadr, and you will find them sitting in Najaf, isolating you and your cabinet who joined government to fill quoatas rather than based on specialisation.   Hand it over and admit it. Say “I am the coward. Shiites can’t make sacrifices in thousands to keep you in your seat.” As for the Hussein’s visit to Karbala, no one can prevent it because it is a gift from heaven for Hussein. Hand it over to whoever wants it: Kurdish , Shiite , Sunni, Turkmen , even Christian and then turn the tables on them and say “Take up the power and we Shiites will see what you can do...." If they are accusing your government of failure, the Shiites will get out in millions at Karbala, and will say to them “You failed us and you need to step down as Maliki did.” And if they manage to restore the security of Iraq; its freedom and dignity, then we will raise our hats to them and tell them you are the best. But, we will also say that you worked hard and erred where others were right. One thing remains, something that might elude us; that you do not represent yourself or Iraqi Shiites. You are the face of other parties that want Iraq’s destruction and you press on sectarian nerves to keep yourself in power. Here we tell you, Mr Prime Minister - ENOUGH .. our struggle has exceeded the limits of our endurance. ---The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.