Sadr sends condolences to Qatar over former emir's death

NAJAF, Iraq — Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of Iraq's Sadrist Movement, sent a written condolence message on Monday to the people of Qatar and the ruling Al Thani family following the death of the country's former emir. In the statement, Sadr said he shared in their grief and expressed hope that the Gulf would remain secure and stable, free of military bases and armed conflict. Sadr made a direct reference to Iran, calling for the Gulf to be kept clear of military bases and armed confrontation, and for regional states to live in harmony with their neighbors. He urged peace for Qatar and called for brotherhood and cooperation across the Islamic and Arab world, while stressing the rejection of terrorism and normalization of relations. The cleric also called for these principles to be applied specifically in Palestine and Lebanon. Qatar's Emiri Diwan announced on Sunday that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who had served as the country's emir, died the previous day at the age of 74.