Kays al-Hazali Calls for Shift from Military Action to State-Building

Asaib Ahl al-Haq Secretary-General Kays al-Hazali stated that the concept of resistance must evolve beyond military operations to focus on building strong state institutions and ensuring sovereign decision-making. Speaking during an Eid al-Adha sermon in Baghdad, al-Hazali argued that the primary goal of resistance is the establishment of a powerful state capable of independent governance. While acknowledging that military activities were the highest priority when the Iraqi state faced severe threats, al-Hazali asserted that current conditions necessitate a transition toward institutionalization and state strengthening. He warned that any resistance movement lacking a comprehensive project centered on construction and development risks becoming a burden on society rather than a protective force. The remarks signal a strategic pivot from a security-centric approach toward a broader framework of political stability and national development.