Hazem al Shaalan, the former Iraqi defense minister, signaled his intention to return to Baghdad and stand for election after meeting with his supporters and representatives from across the Iraqi political spectrum. Speaking to Asharq al Awsat from his home in London, the head of the Parliament of National Powers list said, âI will return to run my election campaign in collaboration with othersâ and indicated he would to form an alliance with liberal political forces in the next parliament. Last month, Iraqi authorities issued arrest warrants for 27 senior officials from the interim government, including al Shaalan, for their role in the embezzlement of more than 1 billion dollars. The former defense minister dismissed the allegations said he would fight to clear his name. He blamed pro-Iranian elements in the new government who wanted to discredit him. Earmarked for weapons purchases, the money is believed to have been taken from the defense ministry to fund corrupt deals. Shoddy and outdated military equipment was purchased that seriously impaired the fight against insurgents.