Al-Abadi warns against policy ‘adventurism’ in volatile Middle East

DUHOK — Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi addressed attendees at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum at the American University of Kurdistan on Saturday, focusing on Iraq’s political progress and the broader regional dynamics.

In his talk, Al-Abadi congratulated the organizers of the forum and lauded the recent parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, conducted on October 20.

Reflecting on Iraq’s post-2003 developments following the fall of the Baath regime, Al-Abadi highlighted the resilience of the country’s political system amidst challenges. “Iraq has succeeded in building a political system capable of withstanding severe threats. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of this system, but as a state, we must address our shortcomings to face future challenges effectively,” he noted.

Discussing the broader Middle East condition, Al-Abadi emphasized the significance of “structural shifts” driven by ongoing regional conflicts and evolving global policies. “The Middle East today is undergoing fundamental transformations, primarily due to the ongoing wars in the region and their new geopolitical implications. Iraq is inherently part of this situation, as is the impact of the U.S.’s new strategic orientation, which reflects on our country as well.”

Al-Abadi urged caution during what he described as a volatile period. “This is a deeply uncertain, reactive, and confrontational moment in history. Reckless, conspiratorial, or adventurist actions could jeopardize the future of our countries,” he warned.

He called for political awareness and discipline, advising leaders to avoid critical missteps during transitional phases. “Political errors in transformational moments are dangerous, as history has shown us in Iraq.”

He outlined three key threats to navigating these transitions. Firstly, sharp political divisions on national decisions and policies. Secondly, allowing “adventurists” to lead national policy and decision-making. And finally, bias in decisions and policies toward specific ‘regional or global powers’.

Al-Abadi also cautioned that “external conspiracies” against Iraq would only succeed if supported by internal vulnerabilities. “Adversarial and conspiratorial scenarios against our country cannot succeed without internal factors enabling them—chiefly, a failed state structure, a rentier economy, ineffective governance, backward administration, and societal and political divisions.”