Iraqi Stability and the Impacts of Recent US-Iranian Tensions

“Iraqi Stability and the Impacts of Recent US-Iranian Tensions“

Speaker: van den Toorn (Iraq Fund for Higher Education (IFHE))

Date: 14 January 2020

Speaker Session Preview

SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Ms. Christine van den Toorn (Iraq Fund for Higher Education (IFHE)) as a part of its SMA CENTCOM Speaker Series. Ms. van den Toorn’s presentation focused on Iraqi stability and US-Iraq relations, in light of the Iraqi protest movement and US-Iranian escalations. She began by providing an overview of the Iraqi protest movement, highlighting that the Shia-centric, post-2003 order in Iraq is over. This shift towards a new order began in 2015 when the protests began, and since then, the movement has picked up speed and culminated. Moreover, according to Ms. van den Toorn, there are now indications of widespread discontent and a rejection of the current political order and elite. She stated that a range of socio-economic groups and ethnic groups are participating in the movement. Furthermore, there is a strong silent majority that supports the protestors’ ideals and goals, including a complete overhaul of the Iraqi system of governance, as well. Ms. van den Toorn then expressed her belief that this is a positive movement that could lead to a more stable, prosperous, democratic Iraq. This large group of protestors, she explained, are not only seeking jobs, education, a better life, and more economic opportunities, but they are also seeking a homeland and an entirely new political order, free from the current class of elites, who have not accepted blame or responsibility for the lack of employment and economic opportunities. The protestors also want the current political elites to accept accountability for the violence against protestors. Ms. van den Toorn proceeded to discuss how the recent airline strike in Iran and the death of Qassem Soleimani have caused the protest movement to come to a temporary halt. Despite these setbacks, she expressed confidence that these protests will continue. To conclude, Ms. van den Toorn spoke about how the US can assist Iraq’s movement towards reform. She stated that ultimately, US engagement in Iraq is beneficial for both parties, though there is a lack of trust in the US’s provision of continued assistance. Ms. van den Toorn stressed that the US must remain a stable ally in order for a more stable, US-allied, prosperous Iraq to emerge as a result of the protest movements. Although US-Iranian tensions are indeed a setback, an opportunity for positive change in Iraq still remains.

Speaker Session Audio Recording

To access an audio recording of the session, please email Ms. Nicole Omundson (nomundson@nsiteam.com).

Ms. van den Toorn’s relevant article, entitled “US-Iran Tensions Shift Iraq From Brink of Reform to Brink of War,” can be found at https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/01/us-iran-tensions-iraq-soleimani-brink-war-reform.html

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