Iraqi Gov’t Plans A New Regional Framework « The Washington Independent
Jul 31, 2020225K Shares7.7M Views
As I mentioned earlier, Ali al-Dabbagh, spokesman for the Iraqi government, spoke to reporters and think-tank folk this afternoon about an “official vision of the Iraqi government” for a new regional security and economic framework modeled on the European Union.
Dabbagh was short on specifics, but he told an audience at the U.S. Institute of Peaceabout creating a “long term” contact group for Iraq’s neighbors to explore joint infrastructure projects; energy cooperation — including “shared oil fields” with Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and Syria — and “sharing nuclear power projects;” “limiting separatist trends” like the Kurdish terrorist group known as the PKK; expanding trade from Europe to the Gulf; and the creation of “common markets.”
Creating such a group would balm Iraq’s sectarian fissures, he contended, allowing the Sunnis not to feel like a minority, and assuring Shiites that they’re part of a regional structure. “This formula will take away distrust [and ideology,” he said, contending that Turkey, Kuwait and Syria have already been approached by Iraqi figures for such a plan.
Naturally, in the midst of a global financial crisis, much of this seems fanciful. But Dabbagh said that the Iraqi government wasn’t thinking of this as a “short term” solution, but rather as a strategic goal to reach for the long-term prosperity of Iraq and the region.
What was the missing piece here? The United States. Dabbagh barely made mention of the U.S. in his presentation — a clear indication that the Iraqi government wants the page turned away from the occupation as much as the American people do.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles