As Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi prepares for an official visit to Washington on July 16, political debate inside Iraq continues to intensify. Several politicians and former officials argue that important domestic issues should be resolved before the trip takes place.
Critics say Iraq still faces major challenges, including restructuring government institutions, unifying political positions, developing clear policies, and completing the cabinet formation. Some political figures have even called for postponing the visit until these issues are addressed.
Former Minister Zuhair al-Jalabi strongly criticized the planned trip, claiming that the United States continues to seek influence over Iraq’s security and military institutions. He said Washington is reportedly demanding the disarmament of armed factions before al-Zaidi’s visit, a condition he described as unacceptable while foreign forces remain present in Iraq.
Al-Jalabi also argued that the visit should not be treated as a necessity, stressing that Iraqi leaders must carefully consider the political conditions and objectives surrounding any engagement with Washington.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Hussein Saheb called for a comprehensive review of the security agreement between Baghdad and Washington. According to Saheb, the agreement no longer reflects the current security and political realities in Iraq and the wider region.
He said recent developments require Iraq to reassess the agreement’s provisions and adopt a position that protects national sovereignty, strengthens independent decision-making, and ensures that future security arrangements serve Iraq’s interests first.
Saheb emphasized that any future security cooperation must be based on the country’s needs and aligned with the changing regional landscape in order to preserve stability and national sovereignty.
In a separate statement, MP Mohammed al-Hasnawi of the Rights Bloc accused the United States of using a double standard in its dealings with Iraq. He argued that weaknesses in Iraq’s negotiating position have allowed foreign figures and officials to exert excessive influence over Iraqi affairs.
Al-Hasnawi said Iraq needs strong negotiators who prioritize national unity, stability, and the protection of the country’s resources. He added that a unified and firm negotiating position would help prevent external interference in Iraq’s internal matters.
According to al-Hasnawi, the lack of a strong national approach has contributed to ongoing foreign influence, which he said was one of the reasons his political movement chose to adopt an opposition stance within the government.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s visit comes at a sensitive time, with several political, security, and administrative issues still unresolved. As the trip approaches, discussions continue over the future of Iraq’s relationship with the United States and the extent of foreign involvement in the country’s security, political, and economic affairs.
