Fight against ISIL, decisive battle of destiny

"The fight against terrorism and the ISIL Takfiri terrorists is a decisive battle of destiny, not just for Iraqis alone, but the entire world because terrorists target all humanity, its culture, morals and civilization with their dark ideology,” stressed Hujjat al-Islam al-Safi.

The representative of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani emphasized that cooperation should be expanded to combat this “disease” and the fight against ISIL must involve all parties.

“It is essential to join together and take a unified stance against terrorism, particularly in regard to internal positions, because it has a profound impact on the battlefield and expanding the parameters of countering this [Takfiri] movement,” he underlined.

These comments came a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Haydar al-Abadi told France 24 television that Baghdad would welcome Russia to carry out airstrikes against militants on its soil.

Hujjat al-Islam al-Safi also said there is no one among Iraq’s officials and citizens who reject the Prime Minister’s reform plan, but it is important that the projects be developed and evaluated carefully to provide real reform.

He added that there is urgent need for reform in providing services for the Iraqi people and the country’s institutions. Everyone knows and acknowledges that the serious problems that our people suffer are the result of an increase in corruption.

“The most important reform measures involve the prosecution and punishment of those responsible for the loss of tens of billions of dollars over the past few years through false projects,” he said.

The Iraqi scholar added the property stolen by corrupt individuals must be returned to the people.

/SR