Iraq's Grand Mufti slams PM Khadimi, demands reforms

Any hopes of a good start to 2021 for Iraq were quickly squashed during January.

With renewed criticism on the government amid the return of Daesh terror attacks to Baghdad, new US troop deployment and a postponement of June's parliamentary elections.

Amid the difficulties, Press TV secured an exclusive interview with Iraq's most senior Sunni religious authority, Grand Mufti Mehdi al-Sumaidaie. Who was eager to speak out.

The Mufti blasted the government for failing to protect the people or improve living conditions.

However, when asked about fears of sectarian strife, the Mufti made it clear he blames the politicians and is working closely with his Shia Muslim counterparts.

Before ending our discussion, the Mufti issued a stark warning to current PM Mustafa al-Khadimi, who he condemned for snubbing Iraq's scholars.

Last year saw large numbers of Iraqis take to the streets to demand reforms. In some cases, people were killed.

If Baghdad continues to alienate respected scholars - they might have lost the only capable of stopping the protests from becoming a revolt.

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