One day, the martyr Khaz’al al-Kaabi was at the forefront of contenders to lead Iraq.
During the latest uprising of Al-Ahwaz, many Iraqi tribal leaders displayed the image of the eternal prince Khaz’al al-Kaabi in the streets of Iraq, signaling solidarity with the rebellion of the Arab people of Al-Ahwaz against the Persian occupation, while condemning the presence of Iraqi militias aligned with the Revolutionary Guards.
In another event, an Iraqi sculptor unveiled a statue in tribute to the martyr prince Khaz’al al-Kaabi, an unprecedented artistic gesture, which took place in the holy city of Najaf.
The noble Iraqi people have always supported Al-Ahwaz. What few realize is that the martyr Khaz’al al-Kaabi was once considered to lead Iraq. Following the twenties’ uprising in Iraq, British occupying authorities recognized the need to determine the future of Iraq as a modern state. There was a split among the British regarding the ability of Iraqis to govern themselves and on the nature of its governance (monarchy or republic).
During this period, three figures stood out, and among them, Sheikh Khaz’al al-Kaabi was prominent due to his many philanthropic deeds for the needy. Despite popular support, he withdrew from the race after some time.
He was competing with Sayyid Talib al-Naqib (the leader of the notables of Basra) who traveled to Baghdad and took a seat in Abdul-Rahman al-Naqib’s government as the Interior Minister. However, he was subsequently kidnapped, exiled, and only returned after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Iraq.
His other competitor was Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein, whom some tribal leaders in Iraq had asked King Hussein (King of the Hijaz) to send to assume the Iraqi throne.
Since the passing of Sheikh Khaz’al al-Kaabi, his descendants continue to follow in his footsteps of struggle against the occupier.
Facing the rise of this resistance, Khaz’al al-Kaabi initiated a revolution in which many young fighters lost their lives. The conflict intensified between the rebels led by Sheikh Khaz’al al-Kaabi and the oppressive occupying forces. Under his leadership, Al-Ahwaz shone as an exemplar of development and reconstruction.
