Washington Envoy Sets the Course for the Next Phase in Baghdad: Leadership Aligned with the American Vision

Thomas Barak, the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, emphasized the necessity for Iraq to have a leadership that is "effective and capable of keeping pace with American policies" during the upcoming phase, in statements reflecting Washington's approach to the shifting Iraqi political landscape.

Productive Meeting and Direct Messages

In a post on his official account on the "X" platform, Barak revealed that he held what he described as a "productive" meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, during which the two sides discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation and priorities for the upcoming phase, amid intertwined internal and regional challenges.
The American envoy confirmed that the current phase requires a more effective partnership between Baghdad and Washington, based on supporting stability and enhancing political and security coordination.

Anticipated Government and American Objections

These statements come at a time when Iraq is awaiting the formation of its new government, amidst indications of American reservations regarding the return of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to the political forefront, adding an additional dimension to the implications of the meeting and the statements issued from it.

Shared Vision or Realignment?

Barak noted that he discussed with al-Sudani a shared vision for building a future that aligns with President Donald Trump's plan for peace, indicating Washington's desire to align Iraqi policies with its regional strategy.

These statements reflect clear American efforts to reshape the rules of cooperation with Baghdad at a politically sensitive moment that could redraw the balances of Iraqi internal affairs and its foreign relations.