Dr. Saad Maan, General and the Official Spokesman to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior
By: Haydar Majeed
Tags: Media, Public Relations, Iraq, Politics, Baghdad

Dr. Màan is a dedicated public servant who spends his time working to solve many of the issues facing people of Iraq today. When Dr. Màan isn’t traveling and speaking on behalf of the Iraqi Government as the Spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, he is often visiting children in need, orphanages, and generously donating his time and resources to those less fortunate.

My conversation with Mr. Màan led me to developing a newfound respect for the work that he is doing on behalf of the people of Iraq. He has been an inspiration to so many Iraqis, like myself, and I think that whatever he decides to pursue next in his career will have a profound effect on the nation as we continue to grow and evolve in the coming years.

Early Influence

Tell me about someone who influence you when you were younger. Was there a teacher, mentor, or someone else who influenced your career and education?

One of the people who impacted me growing up was of course my dad, he was our role model from a young age in many aspects, the way he acted, the way he worked with others and treated everyone made a huge impact on me. Outside my family I once had a teacher, Danha at Al-Mehdia school. He helped motivate me and taught me how important it is to have ambitions.

Another influence that I had in my life that I think everyone can relate to is the character in The Message. Abdallah Ghayth plays the Prophet Mohamed’s Uncle and the way that he portrayed that character, his courage and perseverance, truly inspired me.

“Abdallah Ghayth who plays the Prophet Mohamed’s Uncle in The Message inspired me in the way that he portrayed that character, his courage and perseverance, truly inspired me.”

What motivated you to pursue a career in public service?

This is may be little funny but growing up I was obsessed with a traffic show that was aired on one of the local channels by Colonel Ebtehaj Al-Yawar that talks about traffic and safety of citizens.

That show really intrigued me. I loved watching the analysis on the traffic and safety for cars and trucks, and people driving. It inspired a love for laws and safety, and regulations that I think are very critical for Iraq today.

Your father was a well-known lawyer who was killed by Al-Qaeda in 2008, how did that catastrophic event impact your life?

Yes, the death of my father was a catastrophic event for me and the rest of my family. My father was a popular lawyer and known for his integrity, and hard-work, and for his love for justice and devotion for his country. He was good a great man, both as a father to me and my family, and as a role model.

A Life in the Spotlight

Besides media and publicity, what are some other areas that you’d like to be more involved in?

If I were to branch out into other areas of interests that I have, I would like to focus my time and energy on working with the private sector with organizations such as the Civic Society Organizations. Second, I would like to lecture at colleges and universities. Lastly, while I am not fond of politics, I would consider running for the parliament or another elected office to be at service to the people of Iraq.

In your opinion, what does the Iraqi Ministry of interior need the most from a technology prospective?

The Ministry is working hard to acquire the best technologies available.

Our goal is to fully meet the demand for state-of-the-art technology with innovative software and cutting-edge hardware.

What are some of the non-technical issues that the Iraqi Ministry of interior is facing today?

The Ministry is doing its best to enforce the laws and regulations that keep us safe. It’s a difficult process however, I believe that collaboration from other entities such as religious leaders, social organizations, cultural organizations, and private citizens can help us achieve that goal.

“I would consider running for parliament or another elected office to be at service to the people of Iraq.”

Eye on the Future

With your leadership experience, dedication, and popularity within the Iraqi Ministry of interior, I think you would make a great candidate for an elected office. Do you have any interest in serving your country in such a position?

Yes, definitely. The interest is there, and the will is there too. I don’t want to run for personal gain but rather to serve more people and focus on bigger issues that our country is facing.

Where do you see Iraq in the next 10 5–10 years?

Iraq is in a development phase and things are progressing quickly on many different levels. We are seeing social, cultural, and technological changes in every city and every province. There is a great need for everyone to help solve the issues that we have in Iraq. I predict that in the next five to ten years Iraq will move away from being a so-called, undeveloped country. I believe that influence of our Iraqi youth, and the will to change, and support from the international community will help us get there.

What motivates you, keeps you going, and helps you do what you do?

The love for life, my country, my family, and ambitions to develop and reach higher levels.

“I don’t want to run for personal gain but rather to serve more people and focus on bigger issues that our country is facing.”

Connect with Dr. Saad Màan: