Baghdad: Newspapers published in Baghdad on Monday, January 26, focused on several political, security, and service-related issues, most notably the Coordination Framework’s move toward transforming into a form of ‘government management council,’ as well as the concerns and potential gains associated with transferring ISIS terrorists to Iraq. Other highlighted topics included the continuation of protests rejecting the decision to suspend university service allowances.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, devoted extensive coverage to the Coordination Framework’s direction and its anticipated role in the coming phase. The newspaper quoted Sheikh Hammam Hammoudi, head of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, as saying during the Dialogue Forum held at Al-Intisar Hall that the Coordination Framework ‘has asserted itself through its unity and cohesion, its parliamentary weight, the diversity of its components, and its respect for others,’ noting
that it succeeded in addressing serious challenges ‘with a responsible Iraqi spirit.”
Hammoudi added that the Framework is moving from being a ‘Council of Elders’ to a ‘Government Management Council,’ aimed at exchanging advice and providing support for the decisions and orientations of the next government. He described Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s stance on nominating Nouri Al-Maliki as ‘rational and wise,’ stressing that it was based on the supreme national interest amid current challenges.
He further explained that the Coordination Framework was able to settle on its nominee for prime minister thanks to the sense of responsibility demonstrated by its political forces, while introducing new conditions to ensure the formation of a strong government capable of exerting influence at both regional and international levels. Hammoudi called on all political forces to cooperate in confronting crises by offering visions and alternative solutions rather than relying solely on criticism, pointing out th
at the Iraqi people’s past experiences with chauvinistic and sectarian regimes have undermined trust in the state and created a gap between citizens and the political system.
Regarding the transfer of terrorists to Iraq, Al-Sabah newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Media Network, addressed the issue in its editorial written by the editor-in-chief, noting that the relocation of ISIS terrorist elements from areas previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces to Iraqi prisons has sparked concern among some circles, while others have viewed it as a gain for Iraq on both the security and political levels.
The newspaper explained that these concerns focus on two main points: the potential burden such detainees could place on Iraqi prisons, and fears of a repeat of the 2013 and 2014 incidents when security breaches led to the escape of prisoners from several Iraqi detention facilities. However, it stressed that such concerns are no longer justified, given the positive transformation in Iraq’s security situation
, which has rendered those events a painful memory unlikely to be repeated.
Conversely, the newspaper pointed out that those emphasizing the positive aspects of this step believe that Iraq’s assumption of responsibility for these detainees, initiating investigations and prosecuting them in accordance with Iraqi law, as well as communicating with the countries of origin of many of them, will contribute to consolidating and safeguarding Iraqi security, in addition to strengthening the security of the region as a whole. Furthermore, transferring them to Iraq puts an end to a state of anxiety and instability caused by their presence in areas that were security-fragile and vulnerable to infiltration.
The editorial concluded that the presence of such a large number of ISIS elements in the custody of Iraqi authorities provides intelligence efforts with a valuable trove of information, helping to generate comprehensive data on operatives who remain at large or are operating as sleeper cells. Overall, the move carri
es a clear security and political message that Iraq is capable of shouldering its responsibilities toward the international and regional communities and that it is a trusted partner in the fight against terrorism.
In a separate development, Al-Zaman newspaper continued to monitor the angry reactions and escalating protests against the decision to suspend university service allowances, reporting that universities have entered what it described as a phase of ‘functional civil disobedience.’ Under the headline ‘Universities Enter a Phase of Functional Disobedience in Protest Against Allowance Cuts,’ the newspaper said that universities in Baghdad and several provinces closed their gates and launched a comprehensive strike, rejecting the decision to halt university allowances.
Protesters stressed that these allowances constitute legal entitlements approved under existing legislation and cannot be suspended or infringed upon. The newspaper quoted authorized university officials as saying that the Ministry of Fin
ance made the lifting of university service allowances a condition for securing funding for salaries, a move that triggered widespread discontent within academic circles.
It added that striking staff at the universities of Baghdad, Al-Iraqia, Al-Nahrain, Technology, Middle Technical, Kut, Basra, Babylon, Maysan, and Dhi Qar held the Ministry of Finance directly responsible for the suspension decision and the resulting delays in the payment of salaries and allowances. Protesters stressed that the measure represents a clear violation of the law, warning that continued disregard for their demands would lead to further escalation until university staff are treated fairly and their rights restored.
Al-Zaman further reported that other employees staged a protest in front of the Green Zone, calling on the government to reverse the implementation of the Ministerial Council for the Economy’s decision, which they described as unjust and in contradiction with the provisions of the University Service Law. Meanwhile, st
aff of the Iraqi University gathered in front of the university building, demanding the payment of their financial entitlements.
According to the newspaper, the protest was attended by the university president and his assistants, who confirmed that the deduction decision had been discussed during a meeting of the Opinion Board at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Participants unanimously agreed that the measure was unfair and that any entitlement approved by law cannot be suspended or revoked except through new legislation.