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OPINION:
Iraq’s location as a crossroads of cultures and economies has long given it a pivotal role in the region. In a world often divided by competing interests and power struggles, Iraq’s foreign policy charts a different course rooted in dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. Ours is a policy that seeks to bridge divides rather than deepen them and address challenges through collaboration rather than confrontation. This approach was a key focus of my remarks at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, where I was invited to elaborate on our vision.
Iraq’s recent history has been one of profound challenges. Despite an abundance of resources, material and human, our nation was devastated by dictatorship, war and oppression.
The Baathist regime and the wars that followed left deep scars, destroying infrastructure, crippling essential services and stalling progress in areas such as education, health and water management. Sanctions and international isolation compounded these hardships.
The fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 ushered in a new set of struggles: political fragmentation, sectarian warfare and the rise of Daesh in 2014. This terrorist group brought one of the darkest chapters in our history, occupying vast swaths of territory, desecrating heritage sites, targeting innocent civilians and decimating civil society.
Yet, through unity and immense sacrifice, Iraq defeated this threat by 2017, reclaiming its land and its hope. Few countries have defeated a terrorist threat of this magnitude, and this struggle made not only Iraq and the region safe again but the entire world as well.
Still, victory came at a significant cost. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed, millions were displaced, infrastructure was further devastated, services were interrupted and our economy was depleted.
The past eight years have marked a turning point. Iraq has made significant strides in security, stability and development. Steps are being taken to implement economic reforms, and progress is being made in the provision of services, agriculture, education, income diversification and the rehabilitation of infrastructure.
We prioritize housing, health care and job creation over costly wars and wasteful expenditures, focusing on sustainable development and the welfare of our citizens.
Security improvements have encouraged investment and growth. In but one example, environmental conservation, modernization of water systems and sustainable farming are becoming priorities in a country where agriculture depends heavily on rivers. At the same time, we are embracing digitization, modernizing our infrastructure and fostering economic opportunities to address and correct long-standing issues of neglect.
The international community has a pivotal role to play in this transformation. For too long, the region has been exploited. Now is the time for partnership and mutual benefit. Supporting this region is a moral imperative and a wise investment in global stability and prosperity.
Iraq’s foreign policy is based on dialogue and cooperation, not division. Promoting dialogue does not mean we are choosing sides; we are choosing a path to overcome challenges. We have worked tirelessly to mend relations with neighboring countries and play a constructive role in solving regional disputes.
However, challenges persist on some fronts, notably in our relations with Turkey. While economic ties with Ankara are robust, we remain concerned about actions that affect Iraq’s sovereignty and resources, particularly water. We are committed to resolving such issues through dialogue, believing mutual benefit is achievable.
On the international stage, Iraq stands firm in its support for the Palestinian cause, condemning aggression against civilians and demanding justice and self-determination. We welcome the ceasefire and support a lasting peace. Aggression does not benefit anyone; it just fuels a never-ending loop of hatred.
We extend solidarity to Syria and Lebanon, hoping for inclusive governance, pluralism and stability across the region. We have seen firsthand what it is like to live under oppression in an authoritarian regime.
Most importantly, Iraq refuses to be a proxy in regional or global power struggles.
I am often asked about the influence of other countries in Iraq’s affairs, and I feel compelled to remind the world that Iraq is a sovereign and independent country. Nobody tells us what to do. While we seek good relations with all our neighbors, including all neighboring countries, we do so based on mutual respect and noninterference.
Our foreign policy is guided by our people’s interests and vision for regional stability, not external pressures or ambitions.
Iraq’s vision aligns with President Trump’s pledge to be a “peacemaker” and to “stop all wars.” We are pursuing peace and dialogue, not continued conflict or external interference. We aim to foster cooperation and learn from others’ successes while sharing lessons from our challenges.
Iraq’s journey has been long and difficult, but our resolve remains unshaken. We are determined to build a brighter future and contribute to a stable, prosperous region. In just a few years of peace, Iraq has achieved more than in decades of turmoil.
Iraq is open for business, for diplomatic mediation and for playing a stabilizing role in the region so that we may all enjoy the fruits of peace, justice and sustainable development. Iraq is ready to lead, to share and to embrace a future defined by hope and progress.
• Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid is the president of Iraq.
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