US Ambassador to Iraq Mathew Tueller revealed that the Biden administration’s foreign policy in the country is outlined by four key priorities that include fighting ISIS, aiding Baghdad’s effort to combat corruption, and overcoming economic challenges.
Speaking at a virtual event organized by the US Institute for Peace (USIP), Tueller tackled Washington’s policy on US presence in Iraq and discussed confronting the coronavirus pandemic and climate change fallout in the region.
Tueller pointed out that successive US administrations have maintained the same strategic goals regardless of who sits in the White House but noted that different leaderships have brought different practical approaches to handling those objectives.
“A new US administration brings fresh eyes to all challenges, and we're fortunate in our system that every four or eight years we get to have a new set of eyes looking at all challenges, particularly those right now facing Iraq and the region,” said Tueller.
“These eyes bring fresh lenses to some of the challenges we face but of course there will be continuity,” he stressed.
“US interest in this vital country will not change,” affirmed the diplomat.
“President Biden has made it clear that the Covid-19 crisis economic relief and climate change are priorities for his administration.”
“Getting the pandemic under control is his top priority, not only to save thousands of lives daily but also because it is essential to economic recovery,” said Tueller, adding that fighting the pandemic is also vital for economic growth in the Middle East.
He explained that the globally shared economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic also threatens US national security if left unchecked.
“The president also recognizes there's no greater long-term challenge than climate change; we all need to raise our climate ambitions,” urged Tueller, reiterating the US commitment to working with other countries in the region on how to “maximize contributions to the Paris Agreement goals.”
Rising temperatures, intense droughts, declining precipitation, desertification, salinization, and the increasing prevalence of dust storms have made Iraq's environmental, security, political, and economic challenges worse.
“Climate change is a real problem in Iraq, which already is affected by water scarcity and limited access to potable water,” said Tueller.
“Temperatures are rising, and droughts are more frequent, exacerbating poor harvest,” he warned, adding that Washington backs “Iraq's urgently needed efforts to reform and diversify its state-centric oil-dependent economy.”
“Iraq presented a white paper on economic reform in October of last year and a reform implementation plan in January. We hope these reforms go from paper to reality.”
On counterterrorism operations, Tueller revealed that defeating ISIS remains a priority security mission for the US in Iraq.
“The dual suicide bombings in Baghdad in January served as a sobering reminder of the threat that terrorism continues to pose despite ISIS losing its physical caliphate,” he highlighted.
“The presence of US forces in Iraq is at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” reminded Tueller, explaining that American troops are in the country “to carry out a limited mission focused on advising and assisting Iraqi counterterrorism forces, including the Peshmerga.”
He went on to say that US assistance helps prevent ISIS’ reemergence, which not only puts US security at risk but also threatens friends and allies in the region.
“Iraq’s upcoming elections represent a turning point for Iraqi democracy,” said the envoy, adding that Washington believes that “effective international election monitors would be instrumental in boosting confidence in the electoral process and preventing a repeat of the low turnout of the 2018 election.”
Tueller recounted how low turnout resulted in Iran-aligned parties making gains in the council of representatives.
“Our status as the pen holder in the UN Security Council on this issue gives us added responsibility to advocate for an effective solution,” he stated.
“Our leadership is committed to supporting efforts to ensure the most credible transparent and inclusive elections,” he affirmed.
