Iraq is entering the “new phase” of stability as a draw of the eye of the American forces

Iraq is entering a “new phase” of stability and growth, said President Abdullative Jamal Rashid in an interview, declaring the country “100% safe” while American troops are preparing to shoot after more than two decades on the ground.

While praising the United States for helping to defeat the Islamic State, Rashid stressed that Iraq now intended to stand alone-by maintaining links with the United States and neighboring Iran.

“The Americans helped us defeat terrorism … and I think Iraq is 100% safe,” Rashid told Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “This is a new phase in Iraq, really focusing on improving infrastructure.”

Those who served in Iraq in the early 2000s – by the war against terrorism and a civil war – may not recognize it as the same place, according to Rashid.

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Rashid spoke with Fox News Digital after his speech by Unga. (Eduardo Munoz / Reuters)

“We have started development in all areas of life, and there are good opportunities for the number of American companies, American Businessmen, to be our partner in improving the situation in Iraq.”

Under this “new phase”, Rashid said he wanted Iraq to be defined less by conflicts and more by trade.

“Our relationship with the United States is a long relationship. We want to make a stronger relationship … on trade, on investment, energy and water.”

The timing is significant. The Coalition led by the United States which overthrew Saddam Hussein in 2003 and later led the Islamic State was planned under an agreement last year to start its final withdrawal in September. This exact calendar is not clear and the Pentagon has disclosed little details.

The question is sure to dominate the legislative elections next month, where a group of Iraqis wants the United States to adhere to its agreement and leave.

“This is a political problem with hot button,” said Behnam Taleblu, a member of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), “with a calendar that was technically – or at least allegedly – already supposed to have started by then, will be something on which we should keep our eyes.”

American commanders have warned that Islamic State cells remain active in rural areas, while the militias aligned by Iran have targeted American and Iraqi government facilities with rockets and drones.

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Some maintain that the counter-Isis mission is not over and that American troops should stay. Others say that the American footprint does not have a clear goal at this stage.

“The dissuasive effect of the American forces there, I think, could be significant,” said Taleblu.

Capting these concerns, Rashid rejected the discourse on the fact that Iraq is “invaded by Iranian proxies” as exaggerated and said that Baghdad is determined to prevent external powers from dictating its policy.

“We want to keep our independence, our decision-making in Iraq as Iraqi, so as not to be influenced by foreigners,” he said.

On militia attack reports, Rashid claimed ignorance but insisted that such actions would not be tolerated.

“I am not really aware of the groups (carrying out attacks). We do not allow it. And these are against Iraqi security and Iraqi independence,” he said.

However, the perception of Iranian influence remains a flash point in Washington.

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American troops have been present in Iraq for more than two decades. (Goran Tomasevic / Reuters)

“Iranian influence has already resumed Iraq,” said representative Joe Wilson, Rs.C., to Fox News Digital.

Tehran has close ties to the Shiite parties that shape government coalitions in Baghdad, and he supports militias in popular mobilization forces which remain powerful actors in the country’s security environment.

Iraq is also based on Iranian imports of electricity and natural gas, while Iranian products fulfill the local markets, making Iraq one of the most important business partners in Tehran despite international sanctions.

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This scope, however, is not undisputed. Iraqi nationalist movements – including many Shiites – have resisted the grip of Tehran, and mass manifestations in recent years have condemned the role of Iran, sometimes targeting its consulates. Baghdad remains today a competing space of influence.

“The Islamic Republic benefits from Iraq resembling Swiss cheese,” said Taleblu, referring to the Iranian pockets of influence across the country and its institutions.

“Iran and Iraq are two neighbors,” said Rashid, stressing that they had friendly relations. “We will not allow politicians (United States or Iraq) to be imposed on the Iraqi people.”

Still others say that Iran could take note of Iraqi success. In less than 20 years, the nation has gone from decades of conflict and dictatorial leadership under Saddam Hussein to relative stability and democratic elections.

Rashid confirmed that Baghdad and the Kurdistan regional government have resolved their dispute on oil exports, paving the way back after months of disruption. “It’s a big problem,” said Rashid, who is himself Kurdish by background.

The veterans of the war in Iraq may not recognize today’s Baghdad, which, according to President Rashid, is “100% safe”. (Thaier al-Sudani / Reuters)

The Iraqi presidency is reserved for a Kurd under an informal power sharing agreement, while the Prime Minister is Arab and the President of the Parliament is Sunni Arab.

Rashid also underlined the November legislative elections as proof of democratic stability.

“We are going to have elections in two months in November. This is really an indication of the country’s stability … We want the process to be fully democratic,” he said.

But the popular mobilization forces (PMF) – an umbrella sanctioned by the mainly Shiite militias, some with close ties with Tehran – are considered by criticism as a parallel power structure undermining the sovereignty of Iraq.

Rashid, however, argued that the integration of all armed groups under the Constitution is reinforced, rather than weakening the state.

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And on foreign policy, Rashid tried to position Iraq as a bridge.

He hosted growing recognition of a Palestinian state, practiced the Donald Trump’s push with Gaza, and reiterated this war – whether in the Middle East or Ukraine – “does not solve any problem.