Ayad Jamal Aldin, leader of the Ahrar party, told Khaleej Times during a visit to Dubai last week that he believed Iran was substantially involved in the affairs of Iraq’s political parties and called upon all parties to declare their source of funding.

“At present, Iran occupies Iraq through its Iraqi agents,” Aldin said, adding that this occupation is without tanks or planes or any other
military force.

Despite studying in the Iranian city of Qom and becoming a cleric, Aldin is a strong supporter of a secular state and is campaigning with the slogan “secularism is the solution”. He is also against foreign influence in the country.

Aldin said the result of the forthcoming elections would determine the continuing role of Iran in Iraq.

“After the elections, the US will withdraw its forces and Iran would have complete control over Iraq,” he said.

“It would have full control over Iraq’s oil reserves, Gulf’s waters. Americans know the fact but cannot admit it – because it would mean they failed.”

Aldin said while historically Iran and Arabs were divided by cultural and language differences, Iran would bridge the gap through its influence in Iraq.

Aldin also pointed to Transparency International Corruptions Perception Index reports that consistently ranked Iraq as one of the four most
corrupt countries.

“In order to solve these problems, there has to be an electoral law.

Aldin also called upon all Iraqi political parties to declare their source of funding to ensure transparency and prevent foreign influence. He said Ahrar was supported by Iraqi businessmen and only had ‘modest’ funds.

“We don’t have lots of funds. Had it been the case, we would have been able to get more support. What we have is donations from Iraqi businessmen who have faith in our party, who believe what I say.”

The cleric, who has attracted opposition for his calls demanding Iraq to be made a secular state, says he came to the conclusion after seeing the political situation in Iran. He says he is one of the most targeted personalities in Iraq, having faced a serious attempt on his life earlier this year.

“My house has been shelled by rockets, RPGs... but my time has not come as yet,” he said.

Aldin spent two years in Dubai studying at the Imam Ali mosque and now his family, including six children, live in the city. — zoe@khaleejtimes.com