For decades, foreign intervention in Iraq has had a significant impact on the political, military, and economic landscape of the nation. External powers have repeatedly influenced Iraq’s sovereignty and decision-making, from colonial rule to recent military operations. This has led to long-running debates about the country’s independence and its future.
Iraq commemorated its independence from British mandate rule and its admission as a fully sovereign state to the League of Nations on its 92nd National Day on October 3.
In solidarity with Lebanon and Palestine, which are experiencing severe crises as a result of the Israeli aggression, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani declared a public holiday but postponed official celebrations.
Legislators and observers of politics have criticized the celebration this year.
The British Mandate over Iraq, which began in 1920, was established under the pretext of assisting the country’s development, but it effectively limited Iraq’s sovereignty. This is the beginning of the modern history of foreign intervention in Iraq. Even though Iraq became officially independent in 1932 and joined the League of Nations, British influence persisted for decades, particularly in the country’s military and oil industry. Although the monarchy was overthrown in the 1958 revolution, foreign powers, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union, continued to compete for influence during the Cold War.
The 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq was the foreign intervention with the greatest impact. The invasion toppled the Baathist government and threw Iraq into chaos, despite being justified by the destruction of weapons of mass destruction and the end of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Insurgency, sectarian violence, and the rise of extremist groups like al-Qaeda and later ISIS were all made possible by the power vacuum that resulted.
Thousands of US troops were stationed in Iraq for years to combat insurgents and aid in the stabilization of the new Iraqi government. Although the United States officially ended its involvement in combat in 2011, it did not end. The United States continued to exert influence over Iraq’s political and military decisions through military advisers, airstrikes, and the international coalition fighting ISIS.
Iran, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the most significant regional players in Iraq since Saddam Hussein’s fall. Iran has been able to significantly influence Iraq’s political landscape through its close ties to Shiite political parties, military forces, and religious leaders. During the fight against ISIS, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), many of which are backed or aligned with Iran, and the political group the Coordination Framework, which includes all Shiite parties but the Sadrist movement, exemplified Tehran’s influence. In both parliament and government, the Framework controls a majority.
Some Iraqis see Iran as a strategic ally, particularly in the fight against extremist groups, while others see Iran’s growing influence as a threat to Iraq’s sovereignty. It has been alleged that Iraqi forces backed by Iran undermine the nation’s unity and operate independently of the government.
Another significant regional player, Turkiye has repeatedly intervened in Iraq, primarily to target Kurdish militant groups like the PKK, which has bases in northern Iraq. Turkish airstrikes and military operations in the Kurdistan region are frequent, and Ankara explains that these actions are necessary for the country’s safety. Ankara and Baghdad’s relationship has been strained as a result of these operations, which Baghdad views as violations of its sovereignty.
The debate regarding Iraq’s sovereignty continues to be dominated by foreign interventions. With slogans calling for an end to both US and Iranian influence, protests in recent years, particularly those in 2019, highlighted the public’s dissatisfaction with foreign interference.
The country still faces difficulties, despite the fact that it has taken steps toward reclaiming its sovereignty, such as reducing the number of foreign troops present. The political landscape of Iraq continues to be shaped, particularly by US and Iranian influence. In addition, Iraq’s dependence on economic and military assistance from abroad makes it challenging for the nation to fully assert its independence.
“Sovereignty is a concept merely debated while violations from Turkiye, Iran, and the US continue,” Bassem Khashan, an independent MP, stated.
“External forces control Iraq’s fate,” Khashan added. Many of Iraq’s decisions lack true sovereignty because they are influenced by Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Turkiye.
According to Shafaq News, independent MP Yasser Al-Husseini, the ongoing violations of Iraq’s security, economy, and geography demonstrate that the government lacks control over the country’s sovereignty.
The holiday was also questioned by political analyst Abbas Al-Jubouri, who stated, “October 3, 1932, marks Iraq’s entry into the League of Nations, but this is not full independence.”
Al-Jubouri inquired about the current state of Iraq and asked, “Is Iraq sovereign today? No, Turkey, the United States, and other nations are occupying the country. American aircraft conduct airstrikes and control the skies over Baghdad. How can we celebrate sovereignty?
When Iraq is neither sovereign nor independent, why celebrate independence and sovereignty? Foreign states use the political forces in this area as instruments.
Others praised the recent accomplishments of the Iraqi government in spite of these opposed voices.
On the Right Path, Dr. Fadel Al-Hilali, a political researcher, argued that Iraq’s National Day is a significant occasion, stating, “The 1932 anniversary symbolizes Iraq’s full recognition as a sovereign state.”
According to Al-Hilali, “Iraq’s government is making efforts to strengthen these elements, though challenges remain.” Al-Hilali emphasized the significance of sovereignty’s political, legal, and economic dimensions.
Dr. Saadoun Al-Saadi, a professor of international relations, told Shafaq News Agency that sovereignty is more than just a celebration. He said, “while Iraq has international recognition, past conflicts have invited foreign interventions.”
He said that Iraq is “on the right path,” but that it still faces challenges in building its military capabilities and defense systems. He praised the current government for actions like ending the UNAMI mission and reducing the role of the International Coalition.
