Sada-e-Hussaini Report
Baghdad, August 27 (Syed jaffer exclusive) In a significant interaction with the international media, Dr. Ali Moayad Hussaini, Chairman of the Commission for Media Communication, addressed journalists at Hotel Mansoor, Baghdad. He spoke about the government’s preparations for Arbaeen and highlighted the remarkable hospitality of the Iraqi people.
During the meeting, Dr. Hussaini emphasized that the government does not provide any financial assistance to the *muwakib* (service stations for pilgrims) during Arbaeen. Instead, the people themselves contribute out of their love and devotion to Imam Hussain. He noted that this year marked the first time journalists were invited before Arbaeen, allowing them to witness and report their observations firsthand, with complete freedom.
“Iraq’s Arbaeen is a testament to peace,” Dr. Hussaini stated, contrasting it with the country’s turbulent past, especially during the Iran-Iraq war and Saddam Hussein’s regime. He recalled that in 1991, during the Arab Spring, the Iraqi people raised their voices against tyranny. However, Saddam Hussein’s regime brutally targeted them, leading to widespread violence.
Dr. Hussaini noted that after the fall of Saddam in 2003, Iraq underwent a significant political transformation. The system of governance changed, and since then, the country has seen a smooth transition of power, with five Prime Ministers, five Presidents, and five Speakers of Parliament having changed peacefully.
He emphasized how Arbaeen has become a symbol of unity and reconciliation, citing the example of a father who forgave his son’s killer in the name of Imam Hussain during a *muwakib* procession.
Dr. Hussaini addressed the challenges Iraq has faced, including threats from extremist groups like Daesh and Al-Qaeda. He praised the country’s religious leadership, particularly Ayatollah Sistani, for playing a crucial role in maintaining national unity and stability. He further highlighted that Arbaeen has strengthened Iraq’s relationships with other nations, with the exception of Israel, due to Iraq’s firm stance against oppression.
The Chairman also shared that last year, 2,500 journalists were invited to cover Arbaeen, and this year, the number has increased to 3,000. He commended the efforts of the Iraqi security forces in ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims during these religious events, a fact often underreported by international media.
During the Q&A session, Syed Jaffer Hussain, Editor of *Sada-e-Hussaini*, inquired about the Basra sea port agreement with India and discussed the progress of Telangana’s IT sector. He also extended an invitation to Dr. Moayad to visit Telangana.
The meeting concluded with Dr. Ali Moayad acknowledging that Arbaeen has presented Iraq’s love, unity, and progress to the global community.
