Iraq's Positioning in a Polarized World: Between West and East

At a time when global dynamics are increasingly affected by the war in Ukraine and the rise of Russian disinformation, Iraq finds itself in a delicate position among major powers with deep interests in the region.

Political scientist Rahman Al-jebouri, president of the Academy of Political Development and Governance in Iraq, speaks openly to The Geopost about the challenges his country faces, its efforts to maintain a balance between American and Iranian influence, and the role Iraq can play in countering dangerous narratives in the region. In this in-depth conversation, Aljebouri shares his views on regional security, relations with neighbors, and the impact of global conflicts on Iraq’s foreign policy.

Full interview:

The Geopost: How concerned is the Iraqi government about the global spread of Russian disinformation, and what role does Iraq see for itself in countering such narratives in the region?

Al-Jabouri: In Iraq, we are in the middle of Iran, Russian influence, and US influence. So our policies are really mixed. We are with the Ukrainian people, with their freedom, and fighting Putin and Russia. At the same time, from the government side, you have to be careful not to go against the Iranians and against the Russians and the Chinese. So, publicly, the Iraqi people support the Ukrainians. The government is in a way getting in the way.

We understand the struggle of the Ukrainians. We are also not publicly condemning the Russians for their invasion of Ukraine or that war.

The Geopost: What is Iraq's official stance on the war in Ukraine, and how has the conflict affected Iraq's foreign policy or security cooperation?

Al-Jabouri: How does it affect Iraq? Iraq used to be the center of attention. When the Ukraine war came, Iraq doesn't get any attention anymore. But it also affects the Iraqi economy, it affects the Iraqi situation within Western countries. So, in general, I think Iraq was affected a lot, especially in its specific part, because a lot of the European and American funds went to Ukraine instead of Iraq. So we are affected quite a lot.

The Geopost: Given the ongoing instability in various parts of the world, how would you describe the current global security landscape and what are the main threats that Iraq is closely monitoring?

Al-Jabouri: Globally, we are in a difficult situation because now the United States is trying to impose its will on the world. So, everyone is fighting, from Europe to Iraq. What we are monitoring is how we can get back on track for peace, how we can get back on track to doing what we used to do, international consultations, we look at what the United States is doing in Europe, we look at the European Union, we look at the Chinese and the Iranians on the one hand. So, it's all connected and watching, how to protect our countries from war between these two powers.

The Geopost: What are Iraq's strategic priorities in its relations with neighboring countries like Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia? And how is the government working to promote regional cooperation and stability?

Al-Jabouri: Now, in Iraq, the neighbors, we have so many problems. We have water resources with the Turks because our water comes mainly from Turkey. And in Syria, with the new government, we still don't feel comfortable. Let's look at these two things and then also the US relationship with Iran, because all of them affect the interior of Iraq. We are paying attention to our neighbors, which is the priority. And secondly, what is the policy between Iran and America, because that is what really affects our country, whether there is peace between Iran and America or there is war on our doorstep.

The Geopost: And how does Iraq maintain the delicate balance between US influence and Iranian presence in the country, especially in terms of military cooperation, political outreach, and economic interests?

Al-Jabouri: Geographically, we have a 1,000-kilometer border with Iran. Historically, we have a lot of relationships within the country. Politically, we don't want Iranian influence or policies in Iraq. But, culturally, in a security aspect, in the economy, somehow, we have to coordinate with them or work something with them. But this affects our relationship with the US. So we try to balance the relationship with two countries. On the one hand, the Iranians are still under sanctions. On the other hand, we have to deal with electricity, with gas, with border security with the Iranians. So we are in a difficult situation, to balance these policies.

The Geopost: How do you see Iran's ties with Russia in the Ukraine war?

Al-Jabouri: As Iraqis, we know that the Iranians are essentially on Russia's side in Ukraine. So this affects us because we understand the struggle of the Ukrainians. As citizens, we also want to help the Ukrainians.

As for the government, I think there is pressure from the Iranians, to stop at least humanitarian aid to the Ukrainians. We try to manage it, we try to be in the middle because we know, a healthy Ukrainian is good for Iraq.

/The Geopost