President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid of Iraq has declared that the nation is ‘100% safe,’ signaling the country’s transition into a phase of stability and growth as the United States prepares to withdraw its troops. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Rashid emphasized the United States’ role in the defeat of ISIS but insisted that Iraq now aims to stand on its own, maintaining ties with both the U.S. and Iran. He described Iraq’s current state as a ‘new phase’ marked by improved infrastructure and a focus on economic development.
Rashid’s comments come as U.S. forces are set to begin their final withdrawal from Iraq following an agreement under which the coalition that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003 was supposed to start its drawdown by September. However, the exact timeline remains uncertain. The issue of U.S. troop withdrawal is set to become a significant political issue in the upcoming November parliamentary elections, where many Iraqis advocate for the U.S. to adhere strictly to its planned departure. Analysts note that the timing is crucial, and the U.S. military has expressed concerns about lingering security threats, including active ISIS cells in rural areas and Iranian-aligned militias targeting U.S. and Iraqi government facilities with rockets and drones.
Rashid dismissed concerns over Iranian influence in Iraq, asserting that the country maintains its independence and that Baghdad is committed to resisting external interference. He criticized the perception of Iranian dominance, stating that such narratives are exaggerated and that Iraq is determined to prevent outside powers from dictating its political direction. Despite this, the perception of Iranian influence remains a key issue in Washington, with some Republican lawmakers accusing Iran of having already taken control of Iraq.
Tehran’s close ties to Shiite political parties and its support for militias within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have further complicated Iraq’s political landscape. The PMF, a state-sanctioned organization encompassing various Shiite militias, is seen by critics as a parallel power structure that undermines Iraq’s sovereignty. Rashid, however, argued that integrating all armed groups under the constitution strengthens the state. He framed Iraq’s political composition as a reflection of its diverse ethnic and religious makeup, with the presidency held by a Kurd, the prime minister a Shi’a Arab, and the speaker of parliament a Sunni Arab, illustrating the country’s power-sharing arrangement.
Rashid also highlighted Iraq’s recent resolution of its dispute over oil exports with the Kurdistan Regional Government, enabling the resumption of oil flows and signaling progress in the country’s economic stability. He expressed cautious approval of growing recognition of a Palestinian state and supported Donald Trump’s recent efforts to promote peace in Gaza, emphasizing that war only complicates problems rather than solving them. However, he maintained a neutral stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, warning that military responses tend to escalate rather than resolve issues.
In conclusion, President Rashid’s vision for Iraq envisions a nation defined by stability, economic growth, and renewed international partnerships. Yet, the path to this goal remains fraught with security challenges, political tensions, and the persistent shadow of external influences, particularly from Iran. As the nation moves toward its November parliamentary elections, the balance between internal cohesion and external pressures will be critical in shaping Iraq’s future trajectory.