16 March، 2026
Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) hosted His Excellency Mr. Hamid al-Shatri, Head of the Iraqi National Security Service, in a dialogue seminar titled, "Priorities of the Iraqi National Security Service in a Complex Regional and International Security Environment." The event, held at the Center's Sérgio Vieira de Mello Hall in Najaf, was moderated by media personality Dr. Raji Naseer and attended by many academics, specialists, and media professionals.

Mr. al-Shatri spoke about the tasks of the Service, describing it as one of the most important security agencies formed after the 2003 political change in Iraq. He noted that the Service's work began following the collapse of the previous security apparatus after the entry of US forces into Iraq. The Service's function is that of an investigative intelligence and security body, responsible for collecting and analyzing information and submitting its reports to the relevant authorities in the executive branch. Mr. al-Shatri outlined the Service's operational mechanisms, highlighting the relationship between the agency and the Iraqi citizen, whom he described as the most important source of information. He also pointed to several key requirements for developing the Service's work, chief among them the legislation of a specific law for the Service to provide the legal cover necessary for it to perform its duties.

Mr. al-Shatri identified the evolving challenges to national security in Iraq. He explained that while the primary threat was once terrorism, financial and administrative corruption has now become the number one challenge, especially within the security sector. Other key threats include organized crime and the spread of narcotics. At the same time, he downplayed the scenario of a return of the outlawed Ba'ath Party.

He affirmed that activating several requirements would enhance the Service's missions. These include defining the rules of engagement between the security and political spheres, combating deviant groups, and countering propaganda that promotes fear of the Iraqi environment. He also stressed the Service's desire to establish a center for combating extremism, which would focus on the ideology and culture of targeted groups—most notably members of terrorist organizations and those who have been misled. Additionally, he stated the Service is working to create a center for cybersecurity to address dangerous online phenomena.

This seminar is part of the annual Ramadan evenings hosted by Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD), aligning with its scientific and research activities and its mission to discuss the most significant political, economic, social, cultural, and security issues concerning the Iraqi state.