“A historic and decisive moment lies ahead.” Washington reveals its “Iraqi” cards under the umbrella of “America First.”
Washington directly intervenes in the Baghdad-Kurdistan dispute and determines its paths.
– Regarding the Popular Mobilization Law and the presence of factions: “There is no force outside the control of the Iraqi state.”
“Post-Alliance” Features of a New Security Partnership: Iraq 2025 Will Not Be the Same
“Ask Baghdad about the return of the Baath Party.” This is our position on the Iraqi elections.
Baghdad – Shafaq News
In the heart of Baghdad, where regional politics intersect with domestic balances, US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris is presenting what amounts to a “roadmap” for the next phase of Washington’s relationship with Iraq.
Harris, who has been closely involved in the Iraq file for years, returned to the capital at what he described as “sensitive and historic times.” In an exclusive interview with Shafaq News Agency in Baghdad, he revealed the outlines of Washington’s vision for Iraq under President Donald Trump, speaking frankly about his country’s priorities for the next phase.
He emphasized that the US administration, despite the reported decline in interest, still views Iraq as a vital partner in its strategy. He emphasized that the “America First” principle applies here as everywhere else, and that the relationship with Baghdad benefits both peoples, with security and political developments he is closely monitoring.
The release of researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, 903 days after her abduction in Baghdad, provided a starting point for Harris’s discussion. For him, the release was not just a humanitarian event, but a direct political message from President Trump, Harris said, demanding the release of all American hostages “unconditionally.” The Iraqi government confirmed that the release occurred without any deal, money, or exchange.
The timing of these developments has raised questions about Iraq’s place in Trump’s foreign policy, especially given the delay in appointing a new US ambassador. Harris rejected the notion of “marginalizing Iraq,” emphasizing that the “America First” principle applies globally and that the partnership with Baghdad is “essential for both parties.”
Harris also believes that the United States wants a sovereign Iraq that is secure within its borders, contributing to regional stability and becoming more prosperous through economic development. He noted that this serves “the interests of both Washington and Iraqis.”
Harris emphasized that the security partnership with Iraq is “continuously evolving,” noting Iraqi sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He emphasized that his country is implementing a transition plan commensurate with the challenges, adding, “Iraq in 2025 is not the same as it was in the past.”
Interview details:
Question : Mr. Harris, let’s start with the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov. There is much mystery and controversy after more than 900 days of her detention. Various scenarios are being circulated, including deals with the kidnappers or threats against Baghdad. What actually happened?
Harris: Thank you very much. I am delighted to be with you today. It is a pleasure to be back in Iraq at this important time. Iraq is a country that holds a special place in my heart. I have worked on this file for years, and I am delighted to be here again at a sensitive time in our relationship. Regarding Elizabeth, it is wonderful that she has been released and returned to her family after such a long absence. It was a great honor for me to meet her, and she is now in good spirits and where she should be, with her family.
Her release came shortly after a very clear statement from President Trump about the priority he places on releasing the hostages. His position, and that of the US government, was clear: the hostages must be released, unconditionally. We greatly appreciate the personal efforts and leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to achieve this, as well as the Iraqi government’s efforts to secure Elizabeth’s return home.
This crime should never have happened. The kidnapping of a U.S. resident is a violation of Iraqi law, and there must be accountability. The Iraqi government has made clear to us that there was no deal, no money was paid, and no one was released in exchange. We take this seriously and expect it. What you see here is the implementation of the United States’ policy: peace through strength. Elizabeth was returned to her family because of this policy, and that is what we will continue to do.
Question : In this context, it’s worth noting that the Trump administration hasn’t given the Iraqi issue the weight it once did. For example , there’s been a delay in appointing a permanent ambassador. Has Iraq truly become marginal in American policy, as some research centers and politicians claim, often linking it to the Iranian issue or the nuclear negotiations?
Harris: Thank you for the question. The United States, under President Trump’s leadership, puts American interests first. This applies to our relationship here as well as to what we do around the world. We have a fantastic team of professionals in our mission in Iraq, working every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. We do this through a U.S.-Iraq partnership that meets the needs of both countries.
This is a very important relationship, and we want to ensure that it serves the interests of both Americans and Iraqis. So, let me explain the vision we are bringing to this stage: The United States wants to support a fully sovereign Iraq, secure within its borders, and able to contribute to the stability of the region. We also want a prosperous Iraq that achieves economic progress that benefits Iraqis and Americans alike. These are our priorities, and this is what we are working on with our partners in Baghdad.
Question : With the international coalition forces’ mission nearing its end and the US military presence in Iraq withdrawing, how do you see the future of the security relationship between the two countries? What guarantees will there be no recurrence of the security vacuum that occurred after 2011? Has Baghdad requested that US forces remain?
Harris: Thank you for this important question, and for the opportunity to talk about the future of our security relationship, which is a critical aspect of our relationship with Iraq at this time.
The first thing I want to say is that the United States and Iraq have a very important and very effective partnership to defeat terrorism. Together, our soldiers in the United States and Iraq have fought bravely and nobly to defeat terrorism. This is a burden that Iraq has borne, alongside the United States, on behalf of the entire world, and for that we are grateful. This has resulted in great suffering and a terrible loss of Iraqi lives, and we honor those lives.
We are implementing an agreed-upon transition plan that will enable this partnership to move forward in addressing the current global challenges we face together. Iraq is a founding member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, alongside the United States, and we are developing our relationship together to ensure we have the position, partnership, and tools necessary to ensure the sustainable defeat of terrorism in this region. Significant progress has been made in this regard.
As we have returned to Iraq in recent weeks, Iraq 2025 is a very different place. We recognize the tremendous efforts and progress made. There is still more work to be done. We need to work together to ensure the sustainable defeat of terrorism. This is absolutely in the United States’ interest, and I know it is in Iraq’s interest as well. We are here to continue together to ensure we take the necessary steps to keep ourselves safe.
At the same time, we are working together very hard to define the next phase of our relationship, including our security relationship. This relationship, of course, needs to meet Iraq’s needs, and it urgently needs to meet the needs of the United States as well. We have active and important discussions about the contours of the next phase of our security partnership, and what it will look like.
This is quite natural. It reflects the fact that our relationship continues to mature and evolve, and we are fully confident in our ability to continue working together effectively to address common challenges. Most importantly, we will do so in a way that meets the needs and priorities of the United States, and of course, Iraq as well.
Question : Has Baghdad submitted a request for US forces to remain?
Harris: Certainly, the Iraqi government needs to talk about any position it might take on this. What I can talk about is how the United States views the situation. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with a number of Iraqi leaders in recent weeks about this next phase of our relationship. I’ve also had the pleasure of hearing from a number of our Iraqi friends and colleagues about their vision for the next period, and I look forward to continuing those conversations. But as to what the Iraqi government may or may not want, that’s something our Iraqi partners need to discuss.
Question : As we know, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF ) bill has been postponed until the next parliament discusses it. What is the United States’ role in this? Or how did it react to the idea of passing the bill?
Harris: Thank you for raising this issue. I’m not going to speculate on future legislation. But I can tell you how the United States has viewed this debate so far. What I’m here for, beyond our mission, is to put American interests first. We want a partnership with Iraq that fundamentally meets our needs. It must meet Iraq’s needs. Likewise, it is the Iraqi government’s duty to ensure that Iraq’s interests are put first. These are very compatible approaches that form a solid foundation for our partnership.
We firmly believe in Iraq’s sovereignty and the importance of ensuring its protection, and I know this is a view shared by our Iraqi friends. However, what is deeply concerning is that one of Iraq’s neighbors continues to disregard Iraq’s sovereignty, violate Iraqi laws through a series of affiliated groups within that country, and attempt to drag Iraq down a very dangerous path toward regional conflict.
We will continue to speak out very clearly about our concerns, about the presence of Iranian-backed militias and terrorist groups operating in this country outside the control of the Iraqi government. These groups pose a burden on Iraq’s sovereignty and a burden on an effective and strong American partnership with Iraq. We will speak out about this very clearly.
Last week, as you know, the United States announced the designation of four foreign terrorist organizations. These are four groups based in Iraq, directed and controlled by Iran, that threaten the United States, continue to threaten our interests, and threaten the very strong partnership between the United States and Iraq. We will continue to speak out clearly about the threat of Iranian-backed terrorism.
The United States, under President Trump’s leadership, will do everything in its power to preserve the security of our country and the safety of the American people. We will act in our interests around the world. We have a critical dialogue with our Iraqi partners about what is required during this period, the gravity of the current situation, and the seriousness of ensuring the preservation of Iraq’s sovereignty and dealing with the serious challenge posed by Iranian-backed militias and terrorist groups operating outside Iraqi law and outside the control of the Iraqi government in a sustainable manner. We will certainly continue this dialogue with our Iraqi partners.
There simply should be no debate about the presence of any security force or armed presence outside the command and control of the elected Iraqi government.
Question : How does Washington view the impact of the dispute between Kurdistan and Baghdad, particularly the issue of employee salaries , on political and security stability? Are there American diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis?
Harris: These issues are very much on my mind. I just returned from Erbil yesterday, where over the past few days I had the opportunity to reconnect with our partners in the Kurdistan Regional Government, including Mr. Barzani, to discuss these very issues, to talk about the special partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and how we can move forward together on our priorities.
As with our partners across this beautiful country, we have a very active dialogue, of course, with our partners in the Kurdistan Regional Government about our shared priorities: ensuring the defense of Iraq’s sovereignty, ensuring the security of this country within its borders and its ability to provide security to the region, and ensuring that we do everything we can to promote the prosperity of our people and advance the interests of both Iraqis and Americans. We will continue to discuss shared priorities with partners who are able to achieve this agenda.
We in the United States are providing all possible facilitation between the Baghdad government and the Kurdistan Region regarding the resumption of oil exports from the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. Resuming exports is a priority for us and is of utmost importance to our administration.
This progress in oil exports reflects the interests of all, including those of American companies. It is a very important positive sign, as it creates an attractive environment for American investment, business, and companies, by providing opportunities here. This, in turn, has a positive impact on energy security in the region and the world. These matters are extremely important, helping to achieve progress and contributing significantly to securing Iraq’s sovereignty.
We will continue to foster dialogue between the central and regional governments to achieve common interests and priorities, and we look forward to tangible progress in this regard.
Question : How does Washington assess the current situation in the Kurdistan Region, particularly following the escalation in Sulaymaniyah and the power struggle on the one hand, and the faltering formation of the local government on the other?
Harris: Again, I want to say that I greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit the Kurdistan Region, even in recent days, and to engage with friends and partners, regarding the political situation in the Kurdistan Region and to engage with our Kurdish friends. I think they are the best people to answer this question in a more in-depth way. We will continue to work to overcome any outstanding or existing issues in the region or Iraq as a whole, in accordance with the priorities of the United States and our Iraqi partners. But violence anywhere in Iraq is a very serious concern for us, and we will continue to assess and consider. Violence is unacceptable in any part of Iraq.
– A question about the Iraqi elections: What is the American message regarding whether they will be held on schedule or not, and the boycott by the Sadrist movement and other forces, and does Washington believe this will affect the legitimacy or influence of the next government?
Harris: Yes, thank you for that. We believe the Iraqi people are best placed to answer these questions and express their vision for their country’s future, but I can answer as far as it concerns the United States and its interests.
There is a dialogue with Iraqi leaders and elites across the country. In the United States, our interests lie in engaging with a strong and effective Iraq that serves the mutual interests of both countries. This is what we are working on with the current government and with any government after the elections. This is the path the United States is taking with regard to Iraq.
The United States has invested so much in Iraq and its success, and we have very high expectations for our partnership with Iraq going forward, to ensure a partnership that truly meets our shared needs. Therefore, we will continue to speak with great clarity and pride about America’s priorities and how we see our interests here, and we will continue to talk with our Iraqi partners about ensuring a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Iraq that meets our needs.
Our Iraqi friends and partners have a sovereign choice about how to move forward in this partnership, but I will continue to speak clearly about what is in the United States’ interest.
Question : Recently, the largest operation of its kind since 2003 took place, disqualifying hundreds of candidates from the Iraqi elections for various reasons, including their previous affiliation with the Ba’ath Party. What is your comment on this, and does Washington see any serious attempts to revive the Ba’ath Party in Iraq?
Harris: With all due respect, this is a question that should be directed to the Iraqi authorities. I can speak for the United States and our priorities, but regarding this particular question, I encourage you to follow up with the Iraqi authorities to discuss it.
Question : Okay, on another note. How does Washington view Iraq’s role in the recent tension between Israel and Iran, and what are your messages to Baghdad?
Harris: I heard very clearly from my conversations with my Iraqi partners that Iraq does not want to be drawn into a conflict within this region. I want to commend the commitment of the Iraqi government and leadership, including the Sudanese prime minister, to ensuring that Iraq does not become embroiled in the conflict that took place in June, the 12-Day War.
I won’t speculate on the future, but I will say that to keep Iraq out of conflict, there are actions the Iraqi government can take that will reduce the likelihood of Iraq falling into conflict. This means, in particular, addressing the serious challenge posed by these Iranian-backed terrorist militias operating against Iraqi sovereignty and against the strong partnership with the United States. I believe our Iraqi partners fully understand what is necessary.
Question : How do you evaluate freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Iraq?
Harris: Well, what I want to say is that I’m very happy to be having this conversation with you, and I think that’s clear from the very important questions that you asked today about what the United States is doing and the challenges. I think that reflects what you’ve said.
This meeting of ours is extremely important, as through it we expressed the policy of the United States and President Trump around the world, and our engagement and partnership with the Iraqi political spectrum and the Iraqi government, and this is something we welcome.
– Question : Do you think there is a specific file you would like to talk about?
Harris: Yes, thank you for that. Look, we’ve covered a lot of ground. I appreciate you raising a number of important questions. I’m grateful for that. I want to say in closing that we are at a pivotal moment. We are on the cusp of an important, decisive, and historic moment for the country and the world. Together, through our partnership between the United States and Iraq, we have an opportunity to rise to this moment and seize the opportunities available to us.
What I’ve heard from my Iraqi friends and partners, having returned to this very special country in recent weeks, is that they don’t want to be involved in a conflict in this region. They want to be safe within the borders and geography of their country, and this applies to all peoples around the world.
As well as investing in economic opportunities, the United States’ vision for our partners is very clear, and it matches the vision I have stated and made clear to all our friends, which is that we want to see a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Iraq. Members of our mission in Iraq and all diplomats strive daily to achieve tangible results within the framework of U.S. foreign policy through a genuine and sustainable partnership.
I was very pleased to meet you and to have the opportunity to discuss what Iraq and the United States are doing together to advance the interests of both countries.
Shafaq.com