By Mohammed Hassan Al-Saadi
Iraq is considered one of the pivotal countries in the Middle East region, due to its strategic geographical location, political history, and rich natural resources, especially oil. However, its political role over the past decades has been contingent upon a set of internal and external factors, making it a battlefield for regional and international influence struggles. Amid the rapid transformations witnessed in the region, a question arises regarding Iraq’s ability to restore its political balance and the independence of its national decision-making.
Geographical Location and Multiple Centers of Influence
Iraq shares borders with six countries, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, each of which seeks, to varying degrees, to expand its influence within the Iraqi arena. For example, Iran maintains deep historical and religious ties with political forces and armed factions inside Iraq, granting it tangible influence, especially after 2003. Conversely, Gulf countries and the United States attempt to balance this influence by supporting other political forces and intensifying diplomatic and economic presence.
Internal Challenges and Their Impact on Political Decision-Making
The Iraqi scene is witnessing major internal challenges, represented by sectarian division, institutional weakness, administrative corruption, and security issues such as the remnants of ISIS and militia tensions. These conditions create a fertile ground for foreign interventions, as regional powers find in this weakness an entry point to influence policies and decisions. Since 2003, Iraq has undergone significant political transformations that have affected its regional position. However, recent years have seen a gradual return of Iraq’s regional role through a balanced policy based on dialogue and openness to all parties, including neighboring countries. Iraq has played the role of mediator in several sensitive files, such as rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, enhancing Arab joint action, and presenting initiatives to reduce regional tensions.
Regional Transformations and Changing Alliances
The region has witnessed major shifts in recent years, including the rapprochement of some Arab countries with Israel, the restoration of Saudi-Iranian relations, and a relative withdrawal of the United States from certain files. All these changes have reshaped the balance of power, and Iraq finds itself compelled to recalculate its political equations in line with these developments, without losing its balance or becoming subordinate to one side or another.
Towards an Independent Iraqi Role?
Despite the challenges, there are signs of an increasing Iraqi desire to play a conciliatory role in the region, as evidenced by Baghdad’s attempts to host talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia and its efforts to open economically to the Arab environment. However, these steps require internal political reform that enhances Iraq’s standing as an independent state with sovereign decision-making.
Iraq remains a key player in the Middle East equation, but it is in a delicate phase that demands rebuilding its internal institutions and strengthening national unity. This will enable it to transform from a battleground into a balance axis, capable of shaping its regional political role away from dependency and pressures that have turned its strategic role into a joint action hub with its neighbors, and an active element in the region. With its resources and political will, Iraq is qualified to be a bridge for regional rapprochement and a pivotal factor in shaping a more balanced future for the Middle East.
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