There is nothing new about the IRGC carrying out military attacks in northern Iraq using missiles, drones, conventional fighter jets or other means. This practice is repetitive and goes beyond violating the sovereignty of the Iraqi state to threatening the security and interests of other states. Iraq is not considered an independent and sovereign state by the IRGC, but a vassal of Iran.
Moreover, Iraq is an important regional state with a geopolitical and geostrategic weight and influence that is unknown to anyone. The debate in this context does not need to be confirmed by any scholar nor acknowledged by Iranian side or others. This chaotic Iranian expropriation of Iraqi territory is only comparable to the desecration of Arab lands by other powers.
Turkey is doing what Iran is doing. Both cases are about the same thing. The objective is also the same.
Perhaps this is one of the few goals where Tehran and Ankara’s interests coincide, along with a common desire to share interests in Syria and reap the benefits of strategic expansion in the Arab world in recent years.
One of the main reasons for Iran’s violation of Iraqi sovereignty is not only the inability of Iraqis to unite and stand up for their country’s interests and give them the highest priority over other personal, partisan and sectarian calculations and interests. But also in the current phase of international relations.
The chaos and the absence of simple blame and verbal condemnations have become emblematic of a time when the United Nations, with its institutions dealing with international peace and security, first and foremost the UN Security Council, has completely distanced itself from the tasks assigned to it and is no longer even able to hold simple meetings, even mock meetings, to reaffirm its positions and determine its policies.
It could be said that the weakness of the United Nations is nothing exceptional or temporary، Iran has been intervening militarily in Iraq and exerting its influence for almost two decades.
That is true, but it has always been possible to take a stance, at least rhetorically, that reflects the international community’s position on these violations and abuses, even knowing that they cannot be prevented and cannot be remedied. But such positions gave hope that they would one day become commitments that could be translated into goals for collective international institutional action.
Iraq is not being referred to here merely because it is an Arab country. It is its right to us as Arabs and inhabitants of the Gulf. But Iran’s behavior is not primarily aimed at realizing the IRGC’s ambition.
But it includes «messages» to other states and parties. It often chooses the timing of these «messages» very carefully. It is also about demonstrating Iranian power and informing other regional parties of the extent of Iran’s ability to inflict pain, as perceived by the leaders of the Iranian regime.
These objectives in their entirety should not take place in another country. They should not emanate from a state that does not stop talking about peace, dialogue, and regional stability, and then fails to act without tyranny and disregards all international laws, customs, and conventions.
Treating Iraq as a sovereign country requires Iranian support for its capabilities and concern for its sovereignty rather than constant interference in its affairs, imposing a diktat and constant threats of attack. A permissive Iraq would only be a thorn in the side of Iran and others. This great country does not want it.
But the security situation of the country will allow the conspirators to play this role from its territory, which needs regional and international support to fully extend its control. I am fully aware of the reality of Iranian intentions toward Iraq and Iraqis, but Tehran’s calculus sees Iraq’s continued weakness as a strategic path for the current Iranian regime.
I do not expect it to deviate from its behavior and practices, either toward Iraq or toward other neighboring countries. But I always bet on the historical and cultural heritage of Iraqis، there will always be people in this ancestral land who refuse to see their neighbors holding Iraq captive to an idea that lives in the minds of a regime that thinks only of chaos and plots.
It does not need to appeal to the collective position of the Arab countries that are in countless crises. But it must be said that Iraq urgently needs strong Arab support to overcome this difficult phase in its history.
Iraq also needs the awakening of the conscience of its loyal sons so that they abandon the calculations of external and internal powers and work for the good of their people who deserve all the sacrifices after a long time.
