Al-Monitor’s correspondent in Iraq interviewed the secretary-general of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Qais al-Khazali. His organization is a prominent group within the Popular Mobilization Units that participated in the May election as part of the Fatah Alliance. Khazali was taken into US custody in Iraq in 2007 and held until 2010 for his involvement with attacks against US troops.

Khazali shared his views about the formation of the new government and the US position toward his group. He also discussed Mohamed al-Halbousi, the prominent young Sunni figure who was elected parliament speaker in mid-September, and the PMU coalition that put him forward, al-Binaa. The text of the interview follows:

Al-Monitor:  What do you think about the candidacy of Barham Salih for the presidency? Is he backed by the PMU? 

Khazali:  We hope that the Kurds agree on one candidate. If they remain divided and suggest two candidates, Barham Salih will have better chances at the national level in general. I would expect him to win the presidency. The [Patriotic Union of Kurdistan] had a wiser position on the [independence referendum]. Their reactions were sensible and they were courageous enough to avoid clashes, which spared people’s lives.