Ali Al-Saachez

Ali Al-Saachez (アリー・アル・サーシェス, Arī Aru Sāsheesu) is a mercenary and terrorist in Mobile Suit Gundam 00 who serves as a key antagonist throughout the series. He is responsible for the death of Setsuna F. Seiei’s family during the Krugis conflict, making him Setsuna’s personal nemesis. Ali’s actions and philosophy represent the cycle of violence that Celestial Being seeks to end.

Biography

Early life and Krugis conflict

Ali Al-Saachez was a mercenary who participated in the Krugis conflict, a war in the Middle East that occurred before the events of Mobile Suit Gundam 00. During this conflict, Ali led a group of child soldiers, including a young Setsuna F. Seiei, who was forced to fight in the war. Ali’s actions during this period, including the killing of Setsuna’s family, left a lasting trauma on Setsuna and shaped his worldview.

Ali’s role in the Krugis conflict demonstrated his willingness to use violence for personal gain and his lack of concern for the lives of others, particularly children. His actions during this period established him as a symbol of the cycle of violence and hatred that characterised many conflicts in the Anno Domini era.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00

Ali reappears during Celestial Being’s armed intervention operations, now operating as a mercenary for various factions opposed to Celestial Being. His encounters with Setsuna become increasingly personal, as Setsuna recognises Ali as the man responsible for his traumatic past. These encounters force Setsuna to confront his past and his motivations for fighting.

Ali’s philosophy contrasts sharply with Celestial Being’s goals. Whilst Celestial Being seeks to eliminate warfare through armed intervention, Ali represents the perpetuation of violence and conflict. His actions demonstrate that simply eliminating warfare is not enough—the underlying causes of conflict, including individuals like Ali who profit from violence, must also be addressed.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season

In the second season, Ali continues to operate as a mercenary, now working with various factions including the A-LAWS. His encounters with Setsuna become more frequent and intense, as both men are driven by their past connection and their opposing philosophies. Ali’s continued existence represents the persistence of violence and the difficulty of breaking cycles of conflict.

Ali’s role in the second season expands to include working with the Innovators, a group of genetically enhanced humans who seek to control humanity’s evolution. His alliance with the Innovators demonstrates his willingness to work with anyone who can further his goals, regardless of their ideology or methods.

Final confrontation

Ali’s final confrontation with Setsuna occurs during the events of the second season and the film Awakening of the Trailblazer. Their battle represents the culmination of their personal conflict and the resolution of Setsuna’s trauma. Ali’s death at Setsuna’s hands marks the end of the cycle of violence that began with the Krugis conflict.

Ali’s death serves as a symbolic resolution to the themes of revenge and trauma that have driven Setsuna throughout the series. By defeating Ali, Setsuna is able to move beyond his past and continue working toward Celestial Being’s goals of ending warfare.

Personality and traits

Ali is characterised by his amorality, his willingness to use violence for personal gain, and his lack of concern for the lives of others. His personality reflects the worst aspects of humanity’s capacity for violence and exploitation, making him a fitting antagonist for a series that explores the causes and consequences of warfare.

Ali’s philosophy is based on the belief that violence and conflict are inevitable and that individuals should use them to their advantage. This philosophy contrasts sharply with Celestial Being’s goals and Setsuna’s personal journey toward understanding and peace.

Relationship with Setsuna

Ali’s relationship with Setsuna is central to both characters’ development. Ali represents Setsuna’s traumatic past and the cycle of violence that Setsuna seeks to break. Their encounters force Setsuna to confront his motivations and his understanding of warfare, contributing to his growth as a character.

Setsuna’s eventual defeat of Ali represents his ability to overcome his past trauma and move forward. Their final confrontation serves as a resolution to the personal conflict that has driven Setsuna throughout the series, allowing him to continue working toward Celestial Being’s goals.

Significance

Ali Al-Saachez serves as a symbol of the cycle of violence and the persistence of conflict in the Anno Domini era. His character demonstrates that simply eliminating warfare is not enough—the underlying causes of conflict, including individuals who profit from violence, must also be addressed.

Ali’s role as Setsuna’s personal nemesis adds a personal dimension to the series’ exploration of warfare and its consequences. Their conflict represents the struggle between revenge and peace, between the perpetuation of violence and the pursuit of understanding.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam 00
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Awakening of the Trailblazer

External links

Ali Al-Saachez on the Gundam Wiki