The words of Iraq's elite increasingly fall on deaf ears

All talk, no action

For all the talk of the political elite denouncing corruption and nepotism, it's only just that: talk.

Iraqi leaders often want to reap the privileges that their positions bring without having to shoulder any of the responsibility that comes with it.

Apart from their loyal supporters, there is an increasing dissonance between the Iraqi elite and the public. The elite employ slogans and espouse ideologies that do not resonate with the people and are completely disconnected from their everyday struggles and needs.

They champion 'resistance' while continuing to benefit from the vestiges of power at the expense of average Iraqis. It is a form of political narcissism that seeks to position this elite class as superior to the average person.

It employs conspiracy theories in an attempt to garner public support, but these claims are not resonating with the people.

One example of this disconnect is when Ayad Allawi, Iraq's first prime minister, recently expressed his "admiration" for Saddam Hussein, citing his "courage, boldness, and loyalty."

But Allawi played a key role in Saddam's ouster.

If he admired him so much, why did he lead the opposition to his rule?

It is this gap between rhetoric and reality that raises critical questions about the integrity and consistency of Iraq's politicians.

Unfounded claims

Former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has also resurfaced.

In a recent interview on television, he attributed the October anti-government demonstrations to a US-backed conspiracy.

He said that 99% of the protesters' demands were legitimate but that the movement was hijacked by the Islamic State (IS), the Ba'ath party, and other external influences.

He used the 1% 'interference' to discredit the protesters who criticised the mafia-like and sectarian nature of the government.

Another former prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, gave an interview to The Guardian where he said: "I dance daily with snakes, but I am searching for a flute to tame them."

Al-Kadhimi is acutely aware of the pervasive influence wielded by these "snakes" over political decision-making and state resources in Iraq.

However, in his articles for Asharq al-Awsat, he advocates for "transparency to achieve comprehensive reconciliation."

The current prime minister has also chased dramatic headlines to distract from deeper problems. In his inaugural television interview, Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani drew attention to the "theft of the century" when $2.5bn was plundered from state funds. 

He emphasised that without accountability and the retrieval of embezzled funds, any claims that the state is combating corruption are ludicrous.

But despite nearly a year and a half in office, there has been no progress in recovering the stolen funds or holding those responsible to account.