Head of Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union Joseph Sliwa urges Iraqi Army to champion unity and justice on Army Day
BETH NAHRIN — Joseph Sliwa, former member of Iraqi Parliament and head of the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), extended congratulations to the Iraqi Army on its annual celebration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the military as a unifying force for the nation rather than a tool of division or violence.
A Tribute to the Army’s Role
Marking Iraqi Army Day on 6 January, Sliwa conveyed warm wishes to all ranks and divisions of the armed forces. He commended the army’s vital role in safeguarding Iraq and its people, underscoring the importance of preserving its commitment to national unity and integrity.
In a statement released for the occasion, Sliwa expressed hope that the army would remain a protective barrier for all citizens, untainted by sectarian, ethnic, or political agendas.
Reflecting on Past Atrocities
Sliwa reminded the public of the dark chapters in Iraq’s history where the military was misused to perpetrate violence against marginalized communities. He began by recalling the Simele Massacre of 1933, which devastated Assyrian communities and shattered countless families. He then highlighted the Suraya Massacre of 1969, a grim episode characterized by the deliberate targeting of civilians. Lastly, he addressed the Anfal Campaign of 1988, during which 380 villages were obliterated, and hundreds of thousands were displaced or killed under repressive, racially charged policies.
These atrocities, Sliwa emphasized, must serve as urgent lessons. He stressed that the Iraqi Army must never again be weaponized to marginalize or harm any group. Instead, the military should stand as a symbol of unity, justice, and protection for all Iraqis, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
“The army must be a shield for justice and equality,” Sliwa said, “ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.”
A Vision for the Future
Sliwa concluded his message by reiterating his congratulations to the Iraqi Army. He extended best wishes to all soldiers and officers, wishing them continued success in their mission to protect Iraq’s sovereignty and its people. He emphasized that the army’s primary duty should always be to uphold the interests of a unified Iraq, free from the divisive forces of the past.