US Envoy Tom Barrack: Iraq Holds ‘Magic Key’ to Regional Crises, Dialogue with Iran

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria, Tom Barrack, announced today that Iraq holds the “magic key” to resolving regional crises and managing dialogue with Iran. Barrack indicated that Washington encourages Baghdad to expand its trade and pilgrimage relations with Iran, rather than adopting a confrontational stance towards Tehran. During a discussion panel hosted by Chatham House in London, Barrack stated that the United States intends to learn from past experiences and recognize the importance of the rule of law and democracy. The U.S. Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria admitted, “We must review our performance over the past 23 years in Iraq. We were guests in this country, and in many instances, we were bad guests; we were not the homeowners.” Barrack explained that Iraq is in a unique and difficult position due to its religious commonalities and extensive borders with Iran, necessitating a special policy towards these two countries. Referring to Washington’s approach towards Baghdad-Tehran relations, he asserted, “The U.S. position is to prevent Iraq from becoming an enemy of Iran, but rather to empower it to become the magic key to unlocking solutions and pave the way for dialogues that the United States is unable to directly lead.” Barrack also claimed that this approach is being pursued while the U.S. economic blockade against Tehran continues and Washington does not rule out military options if necessary. He concluded by stating, “Washington will not remain in Iraq forever to directly guarantee security and stability, but rather seeks to support Iraq’s unity, stability, and the rule of law so that Iraq can independently take responsibility for its own protection in a region that constantly witnesses developments and changes.”