Iraqi President: We Draw Lessons of Wisdom and Courage from Mam Jalal’s Experience in Facing Challenges

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi.

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi has paid tribute to the late President Mam Jalal, highlighting his decades-long struggle against dictatorship and tyranny and his commitment to building democracy.

Speaking at a memorial ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of Mam Jalal’s passing, President Amedi said the profound legacy he left behind was a testament to his commitment to placing wisdom above all else and confronting grave challenges with courage and determination.

Under the patronage and in the presence of Iraqi President Nizar Amedi, the President Jalal Talabani Foundation (PJTF) held a memorial ceremony in Baghdad on Saturday, 3 October 2026, marking the ninth anniversary of the passing of President Jalal Talabani.

The following is the text of President Amedi’s speech at the ceremony:

With feelings of pride and honour intertwined with pain and sorrow, we commemorate today the ninth anniversary of the passing of Iraq and Kurdistan’s great leader, Mam Jalal.

This anniversary continues to inspire us with lessons and insights. Such is the nature of exceptional leaders in the history of their nations and countries: they remain sources of inspiration and pride.

As we gather here today, representing Iraq’s diverse components and its political, social and cultural forces, alongside our distinguished guests, I am certain that we all share a firm conviction: we take pride in the enduring legacy that the great departed leader left to our political and social life, and we cherish the traditions established through his noble life—traditions that will remain alive within us and be passed on to future generations.

As citizens and politicians, we continue to draw from that legacy its greatest meanings and values—wisdom, nobility and steadfast dignity. We commemorate this occasion to draw lessons from, and proudly recall, the great struggle to which Mam Jalal devoted his life: striving for a free and democratic life in Kurdistan and strengthening joint efforts with the vibrant forces of our people to build a democratic, federal Iraqi state.

The profound legacy Mam Jalal left behind, spanning decades of resistance against dictatorship and tyranny and years of building democracy, stands as a testament to his commitment to placing wisdom above all else and confronting grave challenges with courage and determination.

Solutions were often reached through the constructive national understanding that Mam Jalal championed, even during the most difficult periods of the struggle against terrorism and sectarian conflict.

In those circumstances, the wisdom inherent in Mam Jalal’s thinking served as a guiding force in overcoming hardships, devising courageous solutions and placing the logic of peace and understanding above the logic of violence.

Amid the immense complexities of the post-2003 era, Mam Jalal would consistently embody and reiterate the words of the poet Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi:

“Sound judgement precedes the courage of the brave; It comes first, while courage holds the second place.”

This magnificent verse highlights the value of wisdom and places it above force and all else. It is a verse that comes to mind whenever we address challenges and confront difficulties through the logic of reason. Indeed, it often seemed reflected in Mam Jalal’s radiant countenance—in the brightness of his face and the gentleness of his smile—even amid the most difficult, uncertain and complex circumstances.

Many of those who took on the responsibilities of state administration and governance after 2003—some of whom, thankfully, are present with us today—recall Mam Jalal’s exceptional role and his steadfast commitment to ensuring that meetings at the Peace Palace served as a vital forum for fostering mutual understanding, overcoming obstacles and prioritising reason and wisdom in resolving disputes. The challenges confronting the country during those years were numerous and severe.

It was likely Mam Jalal’s wealth of experience and his pivotal role in bringing together opposition factions before 2003 that earned him the trust of all political forces. He became the figure best placed to propose solutions whenever avenues appeared closed and the path towards resolution seemed difficult.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In light of humanity’s experience throughout history, we can affirm that the true worth of great men is neither created by high office nor conferred by the positions they hold. Rather, it is in times of great historical significance that positions of leadership derive their honour and value from exceptional individuals—men capable of rising to the magnitude of the historical moment in which they live and through which their nations pass.

This is precisely what the figure of Mam Jalal embodies for us.

He remains present among us.

He stands in our lives as a leader, a teacher and a guide.

As our people, in all their diversity, celebrate National Sovereignty Day—a pivotal occasion in the history of the state and the nation, and a living milestone in the story of Iraqi independence and sovereignty—the significance of this day calls for concerted efforts to advance construction and reconstruction and to strengthen the values of brotherhood and coexistence.

It is also worth noting that this celebration represents, in a fundamental sense, recognition and appreciation of the roles played by leaders and citizens in building Iraq. Mam Jalal and his comrades were among the foremost architects of this free, independent, federal and democratic state.

Thus, Mam Jalal remains present among us.

And so, I do not say, “Farewell, Mam Jalal”—for how can we bid farewell to one who dwells within us?

How can we say goodbye to one who lives on in our very souls?

May your memory endure forever, our immortal leader.

May you live on within us and in our consciences.

May you remain present in every breath we take and in our very spirit.

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.



PUKMEDIA