Exploring the role of unofficial channels in Middle Eastern diplomacy

Iraqi diplomat Yasser Abdul Hussein releases new book on back-channel diplomacy

2024-07-25 | 20:34

BAGHDAD – Iraqi diplomat Yasser Abdul Hussein’s latest book, “The Black Market of Diplomacy: Worlds of Back Channels in Foreign Policy,” has been released by Dar Al-Rafidain in Beirut, Lebanon. The book examines the roles of non-diplomatic figures in diplomatic work and mediation, particularly focusing on the Middle East and highlighting Iraq’s need to adopt back channels.
In an interview with 964media, Abdul Hussein discussed various aspects of his book, providing examples of what happens behind the scenes in official diplomacy worldwide. He emphasized the importance of back channels in achieving diplomatic goals, especially in the complex political landscape of the Middle East. Abdul Hussein explained that back channels involve unofficial representatives who operate independently of formal diplomatic frameworks to achieve political objectives.

Abdul Hussein, an advisor-ranked diplomat and academic, is part of the young generation of Iraqi diplomats post-2003, after the fall of the Baathist regime. He has a prolific writing and research career, consistently producing works on regional and global events. He holds a bachelor’s degree (2006-2007), a master’s degree (2009), and a Ph.D. in international studies (2014) from the College of Political Science, University of Baghdad. His extensive academic background has significantly contributed to his insights into international relations and diplomacy. He also served as the Assistant Dean of the Foreign Service Institute at the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abdul Hussein’s previous publications include “Leadership in U.S. Foreign Policy After the Cold War,” “World War III: ISIS, Iraq, and the Management of Savagery,” “Iranian Foreign Policy: The Future of Politics During President Rouhani’s Era,” “The Vacuum Area in International Relations,” “The Second Generation of Diplomacy: Identity Conflicts in Foreign Policy,” and “One Hundred Years of Iraqi Foreign Policy 1921-2021.” These works have established him as a significant voice in analyzing and interpreting complex diplomatic and political issues.

In his new book, Abdul Hussein elaborates on the concept of the “black market” in diplomacy. He explains that while the term typically has negative connotations in economics, referring to commercial transactions that avoid tax laws and regulations, a black market in diplomacy involves “unofficial channels” where individuals operate outside formal diplomatic frameworks. These unofficial representatives work independently to achieve political goals, often succeeding where traditional diplomatic efforts fail.

“Unlike economic black markets, participants in diplomatic black markets may be rewarded after societal isolation and the fall of sovereignty. These reasons have led many countries to re-establish old ‘back channels’ for use in foreign policy, thereby increasing the use of back channels in international relations. These back channels operate independently of formal diplomatic communications and use unofficial representatives,” Abdul Hussein explained to 964media.

Abdul Hussein stated that given the long and recent history of wars and the ongoing global turmoil, traditional diplomatic meetings, international organizations, and conventional initiatives often “fail to deliver the desired outcomes on the ground.” He highlighted that politics is constrained by internal conflicts, political disputes, and the increasing complexity of foreign policy decision-making. His book discusses creating a conducive environment for back channels to balance the critical regional environment of Iraq and solve regional impasses.

The book aims to develop modern diplomatic mechanisms by distinguishing between back-channel diplomacy and secret diplomacy, highlighting the significance of back channels in achieving diplomatic solutions among international actors and overcoming diplomatic standoffs. It advocates for regulating the use of back channels to enhance their effectiveness in serving national interests. Additionally, the book addresses overcoming political stalemates and blockages in bilateral relations through mechanisms that allow for specific diplomatic movements. This approach includes leveraging personal and public relations to establish back channels, particularly in the Middle East.

The book delves into the shift away from traditional sovereignty and the emergence of new forms of conflict and competition, including the increasing influence of non-state actors. This evolving landscape necessitates policies of neutrality, balance, and moderation for certain countries historically and geographically positioned in the midst of regional storms and proxy wars. These countries have limited options and often resort to such policies to mitigate conflicts and safeguard their national security, keeping themselves distant from conflict zones.

Abdul Hussein highlights the declining relevance of neutrality and independence in international relations, noting that these concepts have become almost obsolete, “akin to outdated documents in an old diplomatic archive,” he said. The book suggests a need to revisit and revise these and other related terms, such as sovereignty.

A dedicated chapter in the book focuses on Iraq’s mediation efforts between Tehran and Riyadh, particularly when the regional and international geopolitical environment is unstable and in need of dialogue initiatives. The author argues that effective mediation requires avoiding the influence of pressure groups, media, and states opposed to such agreements. Iraq, facing significant internal challenges, particularly needs these understandings, as stable conditions for focused mediation are elusive.

The book notes that the current geopolitical upheavals in the Middle East are comparable to those experienced after the formation of national states following the Sykes-Picot Agreement. “Consequently, any declared negotiations will likely encounter substantial obstacles and may not yield significant results.” Thus, the author posits that back-channel diplomacy might be the solution. If effectively employed, this type of diplomacy could be key to achieving settlements.

The book sheds light on the pivotal roles played by significant non-diplomatic figures in global diplomacy, focusing on individuals who have contributed to preventing major conflicts. Among these figures is John A. Scali, an American journalist who played a critical role in averting a potential third world war through back-channel diplomacy.

Scali, a journalist with ABC, engaged with a senior Soviet intelligence officer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The officer inquired if the Soviet Union withdraws from the Bay of Pigs, will the United States do the same, with measures to prevent imminent war, such as the supervised removal of Soviet weapons and assurances that the U.S. would not invade Cuba. Scali’s initiative, despite him not being a diplomat or a policymaker, was instrumental in preserving peace in 1962.

The book also references Pope John XXIII’s encyclical “Pacem in Terris” (Peace on Earth), published in the Soviet press, which contributed to diffusing the threat of war. President Richard Nixon underscored the importance of back channels, advocating for U.S. presidents to establish such channels away from bureaucratic and media scrutiny for effective negotiations.

Another highlighted figure is Salem bin Nasser Al-Ismaily, the head of Oman’s Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development and a close advisor to the late Sultan Qaboos. Al-Ismaily facilitated dialogue between Iran and the West, culminating in the 2015 nuclear agreement. From 2009, he made numerous visits to meet Iranian leaders and engaged with U.S. officials, including Dennis Ross and John Kerry, then-chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Thus Muscat, Oman, played a critical role in fostering peace through the nuclear deal.

Abdul Hussein’s exploration of back-channel diplomacy offers a unique perspective on achieving diplomatic solutions and balancing regional complexities in the Middle East. His book serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding the mechanisms and benefits of back channels in modern diplomacy.