Rovan Sarwat
The current visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the United States cannot be viewed as a mere diplomatic tour or a routine protocol visit. Rather, it is a strategic step aimed at forging a new approach to bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington. Given the current juncture, where Iraq is taking the initiative to shift its relationship with the US from a military and security alliance to a broad economic and trade partnership, these meetings are acquiring increasing significance. The structural success of this success hinges on its ability to make a tangible difference in the living standards of citizens and to inject new life into administrative and institutional reform.
The Economic and Financial Axis
On the economic front, the dynamic discussions revolve around highly sensitive issues, most notably the institutionalization of governance within the Iraqi banking system and the curbing of hard currency (dollar) smuggling. These are considered structural prerequisites for creating an attractive environment for foreign direct investment. When the state succeeds in controlling the governance of its financial resources and revitalizing the private sector's economic cycle, the positive impact will extend linearly, translating into the creation of sustainable job opportunities for the critically large youth population. This, in turn, will alleviate the chronic pressure on ad hoc hiring in the already burdened public sector, which is plagued by disguised unemployment.
The Security Equation and the Rule of Law
From a political sociology perspective, establishing security and upholding the rule of law are inextricably linked. Attracting foreign capital is impossible in an environment lacking geopolitical and security stability. Herein lies one of the central objectives of the visit: to emphasize the state's monopoly on the use of force and to restructure and regulate the armed forces within the framework of existing laws. When all armed groups are subject to the state's legitimate monopoly on violence, and sovereign political decision-making is freed from external pressures, this translates into psychological and social stability, providing a conducive environment for development and investment.
Combating Corruption and Rehabilitating Public Facilities
On another front, structural corruption remains the greatest obstacle and the primary threat to good governance projects in Iraq. Formulating a national system for integrity and transparency, with international support and assistance, in parallel with activating mechanisms for recovering stolen funds, would rebuild the lost bridges of trust between citizens and their constitutional institutions. Furthermore, curbing corruption automatically means redirecting financial surpluses and budget waste towards infrastructure and vital service sectors such as energy, water, education, and healthcare.
The Implications of the Strategic Vision
In conclusion, and based on the principles of political science, drafting treaties and signing memoranda of understanding on paper are not ends in themselves. The true test of the success of this visit and its ability to reshape reality lies in the executive capacity and the practical implementation of these agreements on the ground.