Experts, citizens urge Iraq to stay out of potential regional conflict

The call for peace is clear: Iraq must steer clear of any war that would only deepen its struggles and leave the country facing an even grimmer future.

A man drives his motorcycle in front of Palestinian (L), Lebanese (C) and Iraqi flags hanging on the wall of a mosque in Bagdad on September 26, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
A man drives his motorcycle in front of Palestinian (L), Lebanese (C) and Iraqi flags hanging on the wall of a mosque in Bagdad on September 26, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Amid growing fears that Iraq could be drawn into a regional conflict, citizens and experts are calling for the country to avoid becoming an arena for war, especially as some militias, driven by Iranian interests, seek to involve Iraq in a confrontation similar to the situations in Lebanon and Gaza.

The sentiment of "No to the specter of war" is echoed by many specialists, who argue that Iraq cannot afford the destruction another war would bring.

Decades of conflict have left deep scars on the country, and there is growing concern that some armed factions are determined to drag Iraq into a conflict with Israel, despite the catastrophic consequences this could entail.

"Keep us away from this confrontation for a simple reason: Iraq is not an economically strong country," said political observer Ahmed al-Saraji in an interview with Kurdistan24.

"Iraq relies heavily on oil, and most of the Iraqi population is unemployed. If a war breaks out, and the country's infrastructure—such as electricity and ports—is destroyed, I believe there will be famine and total destruction."

Iraq's lack of technological and military advancement further compounds the risk. As al-Saraji emphasized, Iraq is not equipped to face an advanced military like Israel, which could paralyze the nation's economy with just a few strikes.

Political analyst Salam al-Zubaidi echoed these concerns, telling Kurdistan24 that Iraq’s military capabilities are not on par with Israel's.

"Israel has advanced techniques, technology, and military power, making the battle unequal from the outset. Iraq must approach the situation with reason and avoid a conflict that would leave the country in ruins," al-Zubaidi warned.

While the Iraqi government maintains that it is not a party to any regional conflict, limiting its involvement to humanitarian support for Lebanon and Gaza, some factions within the country are actively trying to push Iraq into the quagmire of war.

Experts warn that these efforts disregard the devastating and terrifying consequences a war would have on Iraq, a nation still recovering from its previous tragedies.

The call for peace is clear: Iraq must steer clear of any war that would only deepen its struggles and leave the country facing an even grimmer future.

 

Further reporting was done by Kurdistan24 correspondent Seif Ali.