Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator
Iraq is a democracy in the midst of Middle Eastern turmoil and changing dynamics. To the west, Syria experienced a 14-year civil war, and regime change in December. To the east, Iran has been threatened with a US military attack after decades of meddling in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine.
The Israeli war crimes and genocide carried out against the Palestinian people in Gaza have destabilized the entire region.
Iraq suffered from decades of war and occupation and is still in the process of recovering from the 2003 US invasion, occupation and regime change.
Recently, a number of powerful Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq have signaled their willingness to disarm to avoid the threat of US retaliatory attacks.
On Saturday, the US and Iran will have high level talks concerning its nuclear program. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, his side is coming to the talks in Oman “with a view to seal a deal.” US President Donald Trump has spoken hopeful of striking a deal which will prevent Iran from ever having a nuclear weapon, while holding a threat of a major military attack as leverage.
Iraq was the second-largest oil supplier to the US in the Arab region, after exporting over five million barrels of oil to the US in March 2025, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Trump has imposed a 39% tariff on Iraq recently, and it remains to be seen how that will affect the trade.
Before 2011, Iraq was one of Syria’s most important partners in trade, especially in pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles and energy. The civil war brought the trade to a halt, but Iraq now has an opportunity to benefit from Syria’s reconstruction efforts by investing in infrastructure projects, energy development and industrial revitalization. Joint ventures in construction, transportation and energy production would create jobs, and lead to prosperity on both sides of the border. However, nothing can begin in Syria until the US sanctions are lifted.
Steven Sahiounie interviewed Reema Naissah, Syrian journalist, News Anchor and with vast experience on Iraq to get her views on what are some of the challenges facing Iraq today.
1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): There are reports that Iraqi militias have agreed to lay down their arms to remove the American threat. What is your take on that report?
Reema Naissah (RN): This move, if true, may reflect a strategic shift among Iraqi militias toward de-escalation and political integration. Laying down arms could indicate a decline in their dependence on Iran—or perhaps that Iran has withdrawn its support for them, similar to what happened with the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. I believe it is a step in the right direction toward achieving autonomy and restoring political decision-making in Iraq away from the dominance of ruling militias. However, the key question remains about the mechanisms of implementation and what role these militias will play after giving up their weapons, which are the foundation of their power, influence, and control over political decisions. The extent to which these agreements are sincere and will be implemented is still unclear. Trust-building measures and government oversight will be critical to ensure that this is not a temporary tactic but a step toward lasting peace.
2. SS: The tension between the US and Iran has reached a high level. Some believe that the US may attack Iran. In your opinion, how would Iraq react?
RN: Iraq would likely be placed in an extremely difficult position. As a neighbor to Iran and a country with strong ties to both nations, Iraq would be pressured to maintain neutrality. However, any military conflict involving Iran would inevitably spill over into Iraq—politically, economically, and possibly militarily. Iraq would likely call for de-escalation and push for diplomatic resolutions.
3. SS: Syria has a new transitional government after the fall of President Assad. In your view, how is the relationship between Damascus and Baghdad?
RN: With the formation of a transitional government, Baghdad sees an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations based on shared interests such as border security, counterterrorism efforts, and economic cooperation. However, these areas largely depend on the orientation of the new Syrian leadership. Iraq’s openness to cooperation with the new Syrian government faces several challenges, most notably security-related concerns tied to the background of the new rulers in Syria and their past connections to al-Qaeda—an organization that carried out jihadist operations on Iraqi soil and was responsible for the deaths of many Iraqis. This is where the real dilemma lies. However, everything could change if a new regional equation emerges.
4. SS: US President Trump has put 39% tariff on Iraq. In your opinion, how will this act affect the Iraqi economy?
RN: A 39% tariff would significantly impact Iraq’s trade balance, especially if it targets key exports. It could increase the cost of doing business with the U.S., reduce Iraqi competitiveness, and lead to inflationary pressures domestically. Iraq might respond by seeking new trade partners or pushing for negotiations. In the long term, this could also trigger internal discussions about economic diversification and reducing reliance on limited markets.
5. SS: Analysts have predicted that Syria may be divided. In your opinion, if this happens how would it affect Iraq?
RN: Without a doubt, this is a scenario that no one desires. It would certainly have significant impacts on Iraq. The division of Syria could lead to long-term instability along Iraq’s western border. It may result in increased cross-border smuggling, an influx of refugees, and the resurgence of extremist groups in ungoverned areas. Additionally, it could complicate regional diplomacy and pose a challenge to Iraq’s internal cohesion, especially if ethnic or sectarian divisions spill over. Iraq will need to strengthen border control and be prepared for both humanitarian and security emergencies.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist
