Meaning: Ahmed Chalabi, an Iraqi politician and statesman, made this statement expressing his belief in the necessity of a federal structure for Iraq. This quote reflects his perspective on the governance and administrative structure that he deemed most suitable for the complex and diverse societal makeup of the country. Chalabi's advocacy for a federal system based on administrative and geographic lines with substantial powers vested in the federated states is rooted in the historical and contemporary context of Iraq's political and social dynamics.

Iraq has a complex demographic and ethnic composition, with Arab, Kurdish, and other minority populations coexisting within its borders. The country's history is marked by ethnic and sectarian tensions, and various groups have often vied for power and influence. Against this backdrop, the issue of governance and the distribution of power has been a central point of contention. Chalabi's call for a federal structure reflects an understanding of the need to accommodate the diverse interests and identities within Iraq while also maintaining a cohesive national identity.

The concept of federalism as advocated by Chalabi involves devolving significant powers to the federated states, allowing them to have autonomy in certain areas of governance while also being part of a larger federal entity. This approach is often seen as a way to reconcile the aspirations of different groups within a country, particularly in cases where there are distinct regional identities and historical grievances.

In the context of Iraq, the Kurdish population in the northern region has long sought greater autonomy and recognition of its distinct identity. Chalabi's advocacy for a federal structure can be seen as a response to the Kurdish question, as well as an acknowledgment of the broader need to address the aspirations and grievances of various communities within the country.

The federal system proposed by Chalabi aligns with the idea of power-sharing and decentralized governance. By granting substantial powers to the federated states, such as control over resources, security, and local administration, the federal structure aims to create a more inclusive and responsive political framework. This approach also seeks to mitigate the risk of centralized authoritarianism and promote a more balanced distribution of resources and opportunities across different regions.

Chalabi's emphasis on administrative and geographic lines as the basis for the federal structure reflects a pragmatic approach to delineating the boundaries and functions of the federated states. By taking into account the existing administrative divisions and geographic features of Iraq, such as the distinct regions and provinces, the proposed federal system seeks to align the political structure with the natural and historical characteristics of the country. This approach can be viewed as an attempt to create a system that is both grounded in the realities of Iraq's societal makeup and conducive to effective governance.

Overall, Chalabi's vision of a federal structure for Iraq embodies the recognition of diversity, the accommodation of regional aspirations, and the pursuit of a balanced distribution of power. While the implementation of such a system poses practical challenges and requires careful negotiation among different stakeholders, the underlying rationale reflects a commitment to addressing the complex dynamics of Iraq's sociopolitical landscape. As Iraq continues to grapple with issues of governance, identity, and national unity, Chalabi's advocacy for a federal structure based on administrative and geographic lines with strong powers for the federated states remains a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on the country's political future.