Al-Hakim Speaks from Diwaniya about Sectarianism and the Values of Iraq

The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, described Iraq on Thursday as having developed "immunity to sectarianism." During a speech at a tribal gathering in Diwaniya province, al-Hakim stated that "Iraq has suffered from agendas that attempted to disrupt the situation in Iraq, but God has granted us the ability to overcome all challenges, making Iraq stronger than before and giving it immunity from sectarianism and the problems that were intended to drown Iraq." He expressed optimism that "the situation (in Iraq) is improving," adding that "there are indicators of optimism, including relative financial abundance and the desire for success on the part of the federal government and local governments."