Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties in Iraq unite to form Athra Alliance

NINEVEH PLAINS, Iraq — The five national political parties representing the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in Iraq — Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), the Assyrian Patriotic Party, Abnaa al-Nahrain, the Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa), and the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian Popular Council — have come together to announce the formation of a new alliance.

During a meeting held at the headquarters of the Assyrian Democratic Movement on Saturday, the parties discussed the current political developments in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and the wider country. They emphasized the significance of provincial council elections for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community and the necessity of securing their representation in legislative authorities.

In a joint statement, the parties revealed a series of decisions they have made, with the most important one being their united participation in the upcoming elections as a unified list, the Athra Alliance, which will be officially registered with the Independent High Electoral Commission in Baghdad. Additionally, the parties appointed Yacoub Gorgis, the Secretary General of the Assyrian Democratic Movement, as the head of the Athra Alliance.

The statement underscored that their decision to unite and set aside partisan and competitive views was driven by their shared commitment to defending the interests of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people and their just and legitimate rights in the homeland. They also aim to confront challenges that threaten the community’s existence, including exclusion, marginalization, the monopolization of power, the absence of social justice, and the dominance of non-state forces.

Among their primary goals, the Alliance intends to halt demographic changes in Nineveh Plains, which jeopardize social diversity and civil peace. Furthermore, they seek to put an end to divisions based on security grounds.

The Alliance will strive to pass a fair electoral law, ensuring equal representation for all Iraqi citizens in the legislative authority, free from political guardianship or politicized votes from external entities that may influence the Christian component.

The Alliance also pledged to allocate annual funding from the general federal budget to support affected areas, including Nineveh Plains, and to facilitate infrastructure restoration and reconstruction to provide decent living conditions for all citizens.

Lastly, the parties affirmed their commitment to further steps aimed at uniting the internal environment and political forces of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, ensuring a strong and cohesive voice for the community’s interests and aspirations.