Sunni Iraqi leader warns of 'international intervention' if autonomous region proposal blocked by government, pro-Iran militias

Recent calls for establishing an autonomous Sunni region in Iraq have reignited longstanding grievances among the major political actors. Sheikh Thaer al-Bayati, a prominent Sunni Arab politician and secretary-general of the Council of Arab Tribes, and is leading this initiative, spoke to The New Arab. 

Al-Bayati explained the push for autonomy in the Sunni regions arises from the failure of Iraq's political process and ruling class to safeguard constitutional rights following the 2003 illegal US and UK-led invasion. Al-Bayati emphasised that Iraq's constitution allows for the creation of federal regions through a popular vote, a process that Sunni leaders are now pursuing.

"After the Iraqi political process, the ruling class, and the politicians failed to guarantee the rights of the Sunni, Christian, and Yazidi components, securing their areas and safeguarding the return to their original areas, and exiting the militias, we went to the best solution which is implementing the federal system in Iraq similar to the Kurdistan region," al-Bayati told TNA. "Our demand is constitutional and legal as per Articles 119, 120, and 121."

Iraq currently consists of a federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan region. The country's political system, characterised by complex power-sharing arrangements along sectarian lines set up by the occupation, assigns the presidency to a Kurd, the prime ministership to a Shia, and the parliament speakership to a Sunni. Despite this, parliament remains dominated by a coalition of pro-Iran Shia parties.

On 14 November, Iraq's top court revoked the parliamentary membership of former speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi on charges of forgery. Halbousi, who served from 2018 to 2023, had advocated for Sunni autonomy, often using the "separation card." Initially backed by the Shia Coordination Framework, his push for a Sunni region was a key reason that led to his ouster. The Iraq parliament is yet to elect a new speaker, due to disputes among the Sunni blocs.  

Al-Bayati stated that Sunni bloc's aim is to follow the path of the Iraqi Kurds and establish a region based on constitutional provisions. He envisions this Sunni region encompassing governorates north and west of Baghdad, including Anbar, Diyala, Nineveh, and Salah Al-Din, as well as the 'Baghdad Belt' south of the capital.

"We guarantee this by adhering to the constitutional and legal provisions, similar to the Kurdistan region," al-Bayati said. "By implementing the law and ensuring the rights of all citizens, irrespective of sectarianism, marginalisation, and apartheid, we will create a society where stability and peace can thrive," he added in response to questions about how the proposed region would transcend sectarian lines and serve all Iraqis.

Al-Bayati's proposal comes amid significant divisions within the Sunni community regarding the establishment of their region and the election of a new speaker of parliament. Despite these challenges, al-Bayati claims broad support among Sunni citizens, asserting that divisions are confined to the political class, many of whom he alleges have ties to Iran and Turkey.

"There are 1.2 million internally displaced people (IDPs) from Sunni, Christian, and Yazidi communities in camps, prevented from returning home by militias," he said. "There are more than one million people wanted on sectarian-related charges, displaced, or missing, and five million refugees outside Iraq due to instability."

Al-Bayati noted that Iraqi Kurds support their plan and have engaged with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on the issue. However, pro-Iran Shia parties and militias oppose the idea, citing concerns over Iraq's unity.

Should their efforts be blocked, al-Bayati warned of seeking international intervention. "If the mechanisms for holding the referendum and declaring the Arabic region are blocked, and the constitution is bypassed, we will appeal to the formal guardian of the political process and seek support from the international community to internationalize the Iraqi issue," he remarked. 

In terms of social media rumours of assassination plots by Iran and its proxies, al-Bayati acknowledged the threat but remained resolute.

The Iraqi parliament recently debated amending the General Amnesty Law, a key demand of Sunni political parties in al-Sudani's government, aimed at freeing thousands charged under anti-terrorism laws. Al-Bayati dismissed this as a "failed attempt" to deter their plan.

Regarding Kirkuk, al-Bayati said the province would decide its future independently, either by joining the Kurdistan region, the proposed Sunni region, or by remaining independent.

Al-Bayati concluded by calling for support from all who value democracy and stability in Iraq, hoping their plan would ensure constitutional rights for future generations.