Iraq PM Hosts ‘The Road to Al-Aqsa Flood’ Conference in Baghdad
Last week, the office of Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, hosted a unique conference titled ‘The Road to Al-Aqsa Flood’, inviting Arab bloggers and influencers to experience modern-day Iraq. Many of them, having no memories of the Iraq war or ISIS years, were struck by the vitality and hospitality of Baghdad.
The government tied the conference to Arbaeen, the significant Shia pilgrimage commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in Karbala. The Iraqi leadership used this historical and religious event to draw parallels between Imam Hussein’s battle for justice and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, framing Karbala as a symbol of resistance.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage itself saw an astonishing 21.4 million people walking to Karbala, passing makeshift stalls and rest stations, all infused with a deep community spirit. Pilgrims walked in black robes, many stopping at symbolic sites along the way, such as a replica of Al-Aqsa mosque, reinforcing the connection between Karbala and Palestine.
Prime Minister al-Sudani also emphasized Iraq’s road to stability during a meeting with foreign guests. He outlined his “Iraq First” policy, which focuses on economic development, education, and a balancing act in foreign policy. With strategic investments in infrastructure and energy, Iraq is positioning itself as a key player in the region, aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The resurgence of Baghdad and its culture, as seen in the rejuvenation of sites like the Abu Hanifa Mosque, signals a hopeful new era for the cradle of civilization. With bustling commerce, greenery, and new developments like the Haifa Street rebuild, the capital now exudes a sense of normalcy, aided by the Prime Minister’s administration.
If you value our journalism…
TMJ News is committed to remaining an independent, reader-funded news platform. A small donation from our valuable readers like you keeps us running so that we can keep our reporting open to all! We’ve launched a fundraising campaign to raise the $10,000 we need to meet our publishing costs this year, and it’d mean the world to us if you’d make a monthly or one-time donation to help. If you value what we publish and agree that our world needs alternative voices like ours in the media, please give what you can today.
Author
Related
Islamabad Under Lockdown as Imran Khan Supporters Rally for his Release
Pakistan’s capital Islamabad is under lockdown as tens of thousands of supporters of jailed former…
Putin Warns NATO for Hypersonic Missile Conflict Escalation
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address from the Kremlin on Thursday, outlined Moscow’s…
Soaring Violence in Haiti Leaves Over 150 Dead and 20,000 Displaced: UN
At least 150 people have been killed, 92 injured, and 20,000 displaced in Port-au-Prince over…
