AFTER the recent “earthquake” in Syria, many aftershocks are awaiting the region, particularly in the countries of the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” Iraq, in particular, is the most vulnerable due to its internal challenges and Iran’s dominance over most sectarian militias and its indirect connections with groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organizations. This makes Iraq a critical point of strategic interest that cannot be overlooked.
Therefore, there is a strong reliance on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who, over the past two years, has focused on dealing with the internal issues and improving Iraq’s relations with neighboring countries, particularly the Gulf states.
His efforts have been crucial in alleviating concerns over Iranian interference in Iraq’s internal affairs, primarily through Tehran’s control of militias. This interference has posed a threat to regional stability, particularly with Iran’s military presence in Syria, which has exacerbated sensitive disputes among Syria’s various societal components.
While there are notable differences between the two neighboring countries - Iraq and Syria, it is important to note that Syria’s strategic location makes it a central point in the region. However, Iraq, as Syria’s eastern neighbor, serves as an important gateway to the Gulf and West Asia. Despite this strategic position, Iraq must overcome the many burdens imposed by two decades of Iranian hegemony.
Historically known as Mesopotamia, Iraq has long been endowed with natural advantages. Its fertile plains enabled self-sufficiency in food production, and its vast oil wealth provided huge potential.
Unfortunately, this potential has not been fully realized in recent decades, as the country has struggled to harness its resources in a way that could have transformed it into a leading industrial and agricultural power in the region.
Since 1958, Iraq has been plagued by repressive, totalitarian rule. In the two decades following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the country experienced huge unrest, much of it instigated by Tehran in pursuit of its strategic goal of “exporting its revolution”.
However, after the major changes in the region and the great efforts of Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, it has become imperative for the Gulf states to redirect their focus to Iraq. It is now important to take serious steps to help liberate Iraq from Iranian influence by prioritizing investments in the country. Such investments would not only serve as a catalyst for attracting millions of Iraqis but also encourage greater regional cooperation and openness with neighboring countries.
The Gulf states must assist the Iraqi government in dismantling the militias that represent a minefield for the country’s stability. These militias, which have long controlled Iraq’s wealth, have contributed to the nation’s drift toward failure, as they have exploited these resources to further the interests of the mullahs’ regime in Tehran.
It is important to realize that the greatest threat to the region stems from a misguided theory that was set in motion in 1980, when the Iranian regime launched a war against Mesopotamia (Iraq) with the goal of “exporting its revolution”. This strategy capitalized on sowing sectarian strife, particularly around sacred sites associated with one of the sects. As a result, the Iranian regime engaged in sectarian crimes that exacerbated tensions within Iraqi society, later using these divisions as a foundation to build and empower its militias.
As the saying goes, “one hand does not clap,” meaning that the Iraqi Prime Minister cannot face the storm alone, no matter how diplomatic or shrewd he may be, unless he has the support of Arab economic power behind him. This support is necessary and can be found in the Gulf states, which must play their part. In fact, this is not only a necessity for Iraq’s development but also for the Gulf states themselves.
The GCC countries need economic influence to expand their international investment zones. By opening up to Iraq, the Gulf states could help create a regional market akin to the European Common Market, potentially even more powerful due to the strategic advantages the region offers.
The stability of Iraq is directly linked to the stability of the entire region. With a capable prime minister like Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the helm, the future holds promise, provided there is a genuine Gulf commitment to breaking free from the cycle of anxiety that has dominated the region since 1979.
