Post #24971

🇮🇶🇺🇸⚡️ — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani to Newsweek: 🔸 Iraq is ready for a new phase of strategic partnership with Washington. 🔸 My government has kept Iraq out of war despite regional escalation and has maintained stability. 🔸 No state can accept multiple security authorities outside the control of the state. 🔸 Iraq is no longer a crisis arena but a strategic partner worthy of attention. 🔸 We have attracted more than $100 billion and brought back major global energy companies. 🔸 Our goal is to build a strong state that monopolizes decisions of war and peace and strengthens its sovereignty. 🔸 Iraq holds a pivotal position that qualifies it to become a hub for trade and energy. 🔸 We call on Washington for a partnership based on mutual interests, not dependency. 🔸 Iraq has pursued a policy of balance and remained away from regional conflicts despite pressures. 🔸 The next phase requires deeper economic and security cooperation with the United States. 🔸 Iraq has exercised its sovereignty and prevented itself from becoming a regional battlefield. 🔸 We faced significant regional and international pressures and kept Iraq out of the conflict. 🔸 Iraq today is more stable and attractive for investment than ever before. 🔸 We will not accept turning temporary security arrangements into permanent alternatives to the state. 🔸 The Development Road project will transform Iraq into a global trade corridor. 🔸 Our relationship with Washington must move from crisis management to strategic partnership. 🔸 Iraq has the fifth-largest oil reserves and should be seen as an opportunity. 🔸 Diversifying international partnerships is a strategic necessity, not a political choice. 🔸 We will not allow Iraqi territory to be used to attack neighboring countries. 🔸 The real challenge is to ensure that the control of weapons is exclusively in the hands of the state. 🔸 Global companies have returned to Iraq because they see improved stability. 🔸 Iraq is capable of playing a connecting role between Washington, Tehran, and the countries of the region. 🔸 We are working to build strong institutions and a cohesive national leadership structure. 🔸 Iraq does not need externally imposed formulas but rather a partnership based on mutual respect.