WHAT DOES THE UNITED STATES MEAN BY REAL SECURITY REFORM IN IRAQ?
The complex security situation in Iraq is a natural consequence of any country facing occupation, as it becomes a hub and haven for various armed and extremist organizations with deviant ideologies, which in turn leads to a state of security instability. Although the United States views the presence of its forces in Iraq as part of its national security strategy, any security issue related to Iraq inevitably overlaps with this presence.
Iraq is witnessing a conflict between international and regional security visions. The United States is focused on achieving its own goals by addressing the Iraqi security situation, but it is not prioritizing the security of the Iraqi citizen himself, which exacerbates the country’s societal security problems.
Iran, on the other hand, views Iraqi security from a completely different perspective, seeking to end the American presence there and ensure its control in a way that serves its national security and bolsters its regional influence in Iraq and other countries such as Yemen and Lebanon. Iraq’s security services are in a fragile balance between the various forces that support them.
For example, the United States has provided significant support to the Counter-Terrorism Service, particularly in the areas of intelligence, training, and consulting, making it one of the most effective security institutions in the country.
In contrast, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have emerged as a major military and security entity, possessing extensive military and intelligence capabilities and demonstrating their effectiveness in combating armed groups.
The greatest challenge facing Iraqi security now is the US-Iranian conflict, whose features have been imprinted on Iraq’s security landscape.
The consequences of this conflict cannot be ignored or avoided in any form, especially now that every country sees itself as having priority in influencing the situation inside Iraq.
Regarding the regional landscape, the complexities of the situation in Syria and the efforts of some parties to overthrow Bashar al-Assad’s regime have contributed to deepening threats and increasing security concerns in the region in general, and in Iraq in particular. Regional political and security transformations carry international dimensions, with interests intertwined and sometimes conflicting, depending on the demands of “political interests.”
Today, Iraq is experiencing a security situation that oscillates between conflicting international and regional perspectives, with each country approaching Iraqi security according to its own vision. The United States has a predetermined vision of what Iraqi security should look like to serve its interests, while Iran seeks to secure its strategic influence and strengthen its ties with pro-Iranian factions within Iraq. But we, as Iraqis, aspire to achieve stable security that serves the interests of the people, independent of foreign agendas.
Our vision for security must be clear: Iraq’s security comes first and foremost.
We must cooperate with any party that serves this interest, provided this does not infringe upon our national sovereignty or prioritize the interests of one state over another.
Ultimately, we cannot accept America’s vision for Iraqi security if it is based on deep interference in the structure of our security services and directing them to serve its own interests. This is illogical and unacceptable.
Nevertheless, we urgently need the support of our international friends and partners, provided that this support is balanced and respects Iraq’s sovereignty, and does not place the interests of one party at the expense of another.
Accordingly, the security and strategic relations between Iraq and the United States will remain fraught with complexities and challenges, due to the sensitive reality in Iraq and the conflicting interests of major and regional powers.