US Envoy: Iraq can anchor regional security, trade corridor

Shafaq News- Washington

US Presidential Envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack said on Fridaythat Iraq is leading a new regional security and strategic framework by linkingthe Gulf, the Levant, Turkiye, and Egypt through economic and infrastructurecooperation.

Speaking at the US-Iraq Business Summit in Washington,Barrack noted that diplomacy, intelligence, and military strategies oftenfollow the private sector, labeling business leaders as the "bestdiplomats" in advancing energy, electricity, and regional connectivityprojects.

"This project will shift dependence away from maritimeshipping through the Strait of Hormuz toward overland routes and integratedlogistics networks, reducing the strategic importance of the strait within twoyears.”

He also highlighted the importance of the "MiddleCorridor," which stretches from Turkiye and Azerbaijan through CentralAsia, saying it could transport vast quantities of natural gas to Europe. Hedescribed regional trade integration as "the real alternative" tomilitary conflict.

Barrack criticized previous foreign policies toward the region,saying intervention and efforts to change governments had failed and that theregion needs strong leaders with clarity and transparency to achieveprosperity. He expressed confidence in Iraqi Prime Minister AliAl-Zaidi's leadership and urged American and international businesses tosupport investment in Iraq, stressing, “such backing could help transform twodecades of instability into a lasting security and economic partnership.”

Read more: Iraq-US investment deals depend on implementation ...