A successful state is built on institutions, the most important of which are the armed forces, which represent its backbone. The condition of the army is an indicator distinguishing failed states from successful ones, where the armed forces operate under unified command. Since 2003, Iraq has faced challenges in maintaining internal and external security due to the absence of a force capable of ensuring strategic security decision-making.
Therefore, the measures taken by the Iraqi National Security Council can be seen as a first step toward establishing a mechanism to restrict weapons to the state, unify security and military decision-making, and end the fragmentation of authority among militias, some of which operate on behalf of the Iranian regime. This has contributed to numerous crises for the Iraqi people and neighboring countries over the past 23 years.
This step not only establishes the authority to enforce internal decisions but also contributes to building sound relations with neighboring countries, especially in light of attacks launched from Iraq targeting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and other neighboring states, amid the absence of an Iraqi deterrent force to prevent such attacks.
During regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, statements attributed to the Popular Mobilization Forces were reported warning Syria against retaliatory actions for the attacks carried out by Hezbollah through terrorist cells or missile launches from Syrian territory. Such actions led to strained relations between Iraq and the Gulf states, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. Furthermore, they highlighted the absence of official Iraqi armed forces to prevent attacks carried out by these militias.
These stances revealed either the failure of the Iraqi state or, more accurately, its adoption of a policy favoring parties and militias linked to Iran. This failure has cost Iraq dearly and will have negative repercussions in the future if the Iraqi government does not take appropriate measures, especially since the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are considering seeking compensation from the countries from which the attacks originated, namely Iran and Iraq. Every country is responsible for attacks launched from its territory against other countries.
This means that Iraq is liable to face further trouble as a result of its failure to maintain its sovereignty. I have said it before, and I will say it again - failure is the destiny of any country whose decisions are controlled by terrorist groups working for the benefit of other countries.
The situation becomes even more dire when the beneficiary is Iran, which has spent 47 years working to dismantle neighboring countries, especially Iraq. The Iranian regime will never forget its defeat at the hands of Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War. The fact that some Iraqi political forces are currently allied with Tehran will not change this fact. Iranians are known for their tendency to seek revenge, even if it takes time. We must acknowledge that the United States has been Iran’s indirect ally in Iraq for the past 23 years.
America has aided Iran to a great extent, as American forces controlled Iraqi airspace while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, supported by sectarian militias, controlled the ground. This equation has fueled sectarian tensions, not only in Iraq but also with neighboring countries, which has contributed to the formation of armed groups. This situation is what occurred in Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Syria was fortunate when the popular revolution toppled the Assad regime and saved it from this abnormal situation. Recent official Iraqi measures provide a solid foundation upon which trust can be restored with neighboring countries, particularly the Gulf states
