Baghdad, Iraq – A speech delivered by Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako during a Christmas Mass attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani ignited a firestorm of debate on Iraqi social media platforms Wednesday evening. The controversy stemmed from interpretations of the Patriarch’s remarks as advocating for “normalization” with Israel.
Prime Minister Sudani responded swiftly and decisively. He asserted that the term “normalization” has no place in Iraq’s lexicon, as it is inherently linked to an “occupying entity,” a clear reference to the establishment of Israel on Palestinian land in 1948.
Sudani’s response directly addressed Sako’s statements, which included a call for “normalization” without explicitly mentioning Israel. However, within the Arab political context, the term is widely understood to signify the establishment of relations with Israel.
The Patriarch’s speech and the Prime Minister’s subsequent reaction became the focal point of discussions across Iraqi society and on social media. Opinions were sharply divided. Some criticized the Patriarch’s proposition, viewing it as an explicit call for normalization. Others argued that his words were misinterpreted. Still others applauded the Prime Minister’s prompt and firm stance.
Numerous commentators emphasized their categorical rejection of any statements or positions that advocate for or justify normalization with the “Zionist entity.” They asserted that such views do not represent the position or the true will of the Iraqi people, encompassing all its diverse groups. They affirmed that Iraq, both government and people, remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause and its rejection of all forms of occupation. These individuals praised Sudani’s nationalistic and unwavering position in this regard.
Conversely, some online activists offered alternative interpretations. They suggested that the Patriarch intended to convey that the world should engage with and be open to Iraq, recognizing it as the “land of the Prophet Abraham,” a land of religious and cultural diversity, and the birthplace of major religious texts. They argued that, from this perspective, Iraq holds greater historical significance than Israel itself, without advocating for political normalization with Tel Aviv. Others clarified that Sako used the word in its general meaning.
