Sovereignty and National Decision-Making in Iraqi Foreign Policy

Ayad Allawi

Former Prime Minister of Iraq

Iraq is currently passing through a critical phase that requires a clear national vision to strengthen its position and role within its Arab, regional, and international environment, while opening broader horizons for state-building, consolidating stability, and fulfilling the aspirations of its people. The challenges facing our country demand continued efforts to develop state institutions, enhance their capacities, and expand Iraq’s foreign relations in a manner consistent with its national interests and the aspirations of its citizens.

I have always believed that Iraq is too important to be reduced to an arena for conflicts or a party to competing regional and international blocs. Its standing, history, and capabilities qualify it to be an active and influential state in its region. From this perspective, Iraq needs a balanced foreign policy based on mutual respect, shared interests, and non-interference in internal affairs, while safeguarding its national priorities.

Our relations with the United States should be founded on a balanced partnership that opens avenues for political, economic, developmental, technological, and security cooperation, within the framework of clear agreements that serve the interests of both countries and respect Iraq’s sovereignty. At the same time, Iran is a neighboring country with which we share historical, geographical, social, and economic ties. It is in the interest of both countries to develop these relations on the basis of good neighborliness, shared interests, and mutual respect.

Iraq should not be compelled to choose between one side and another. Rather, it has both the right and the national interest to establish positive and balanced relations. Relations with the United States do not contradict our relations with Iran, just as openness toward Iran does not conflict with strengthening our ties with the United States and Arab countries. What is required is to expand these partnerships and utilize them in ways that serve Iraq’s interests and enhance its regional and international standing.

In this context, strengthening Iraq’s relations with its Arab neighbors is of particular importance, especially the Arab Gulf states, which represent a significant geographical, historical, economic, and social extension of our country. We need strong and enduring Arab relations built on mutual trust, expanded economic, investment, trade, and cultural cooperation, and enhanced political and security coordination that contributes to regional stability. Iraq also possesses the capabilities and relationships necessary to play a constructive role in bridging differences and easing tensions.

There is no contradiction between Iraq’s Arab identity and its commitment to maintaining stable relations with all its neighbors. On the contrary, Iraq’s strength lies in its ability to establish balanced relations based on shared interests, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs. This is the role we aspire for Iraq to assume as a state committed to stability and mutual understanding.

Alongside these efforts, it is essential to continue strengthening state institutions, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that weapons remain exclusively under state control, as fundamental pillars of national stability and the protection of citizens. A unified security and military command under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces provides the foundation for organizing all forces and formations within a comprehensive constitutional and legal framework. This includes the army, police, Peshmerga forces, and Popular Mobilization Forces, while safeguarding the rights and recognizing the sacrifices of all.

Achieving this objective requires dialogue, confidence-building, and national reconciliation, away from confrontation, exclusion, and mutual accusations.
What is needed is to strengthen the unity of national decision-making and consolidate loyalty to Iraq and its constitutional institutions, ensuring the participation of all in protecting the country and preserving its security and stability.

Regarding the conclusion of the international coalition’s military mission, it is important that this transition provide an opportunity to move toward a broader phase of international cooperation in political, economic, developmental, and security fields, in line with Iraq’s needs and interests. Strengthening the capabilities of our security and military institutions and modernizing their capacities must also remain a fundamental priority to ensure the country’s security and stability.

Iraq’s sovereignty and regional standing require it to serve as a force for stability in the region and to ensure that its territory is not used to launch attacks against neighboring countries or to settle regional and international rivalries. Iraq possesses the history and capabilities necessary to play an effective role in bridging differences, promoting understanding, and consolidating regional security.

Within this framework, the national initiative I recently proposed stems from my conviction that the challenges facing Iraq are interconnected and that addressing them requires a comprehensive vision that goes beyond partial solutions and temporary political arrangements. We need a responsible national reassessment that rebuilds trust and paves the way for a new phase of national reconciliation, partnership, and shared responsibility.

This initiative is not limited to resolving political disputes. Rather, it seeks to strengthen state institutions, consolidate an inclusive national identity, improve political and administrative performance, and broaden national participation on the basis of citizenship, competence, integrity, and the rule of law.

It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that weapons remain exclusively under state control, strengthening the role of constitutional institutions, and adopting a balanced foreign policy that enhances Iraq’s Arab, regional, and international relations.

The success of any national project depends on its ability to combine domestic reform with the development of Iraq’s foreign relations. It requires a serious process of national reconciliation that lays the groundwork for genuine partnership based on citizenship, competence, and equal opportunities, away from sectarian and political quota-sharing arrangements and the distribution of influence, in a manner that enhances the effectiveness of state institutions and serves all citizens.

What Iraq needs today is a transition toward a new phase of reconstruction and development, institutional modernization, improved public services, combating corruption, achieving justice, and ensuring a dignified life for its citizens. This requires responsible political will that places public service and the supreme national interest at the center of governance and public administration.

Iraq’s supreme national interest must remain the guiding compass of our vision, decisions, and policies, ensuring the preservation of state sovereignty, the protection of the dignity of its people, and the provision of the foundations for a dignified life and a future worthy of their sacrifices and aspirations.