“Help Kadhimi on governance issues, but don’t try to rebuild the Iraqi state. The U.S. has to come to terms with the reality that rebuilding Iraq’s institutions in the current environment would likely benefit Iran. Washington has traditionally preferred to play the long game, adopting a comprehensive approach to rebuilding Iraq’s institutions. But that poses difficulties in the current political environment, in light of Iran’s influence and the fact that Iraqi politicians must first get their own house in order — i.e. establish a consensus on critical and domestic foreign policy decisions, like whether they want the U.S. in the country.”
BROOKINGS
2020-06-05