With the escape of thousands of ISIS members from Syrian prisons and the transfer of some of them to Iraq, the government of Baghdad is facing an unprecedented threat. Iraqi officials, in the first step, began negotiations with American and Syrian officials to prevent the expansion of this crisis. The warning of the Iraqi Foreign Minister to European countries regarding the necessity of assuming joint responsibility for prisoners indicates the seriousness of the government in pursuing national interests and reducing the financial and security burden of this phenomenon. Baghdad’s active diplomacy sent a clear message to the West about the end of the era of unilateral cost-sharing in the region.

Baghdad’s Field Response to Threat of Returning ISIS

Alongside negotiations, Iraqi military and security forces were quickly deployed on the borders with Syria and in sensitive provinces. The bitter history of support for and creation of ISIS by some extra-regional powers has led the government to adopt a realistic approach; accordingly, both the army and the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) have been mobilized to manage the new wave of terrorism. The presence of popular forces and the army is not only on the front lines of battle but also acts as a factor of internal stability, allowing government officials to deprive terrorists and their foreign supporters of any opportunity for abuse.

Role of United States: From Claiming to Fight Terrorism to Using Terrorists as Tools

An examination of evidence and the actions of Americans in Iraq confirms the duality in Washington’s behavior. On the one hand, the United States claims to be fighting and cooperating with Baghdad on security matters, and on the other hand, it has been instrumental in creating a crisis by transferring and releasing terrorists. The informal military presence in Nineveh province and the instrumental use of terrorists to pressure anti-American currents are part of the United States’ permanent strategy in the region to destabilize and impose its policies on Iraq and neighboring countries.

Baghdad’s Strategic Options: Necessity of Regional Synergy

In the current scenario, relying solely on security agreements with the United States will not result in anything other than increased costs and insecurity. Iraq’s strategy should be based on building internal military capacity, synergy with resistance forces, the army, and strengthening regional security alliances with countries like Iran. Utilizing the advisory and security experience of neighboring countries and redefining regional relations is the only way for Baghdad to escape the new American-Zionist trap and guarantee the survival of Iraq’s and the region’s security. The vigilance of Iraqi elites, people, and forces in neutralizing sedition and preventing the repetition of past tragedies continues to play a decisive role.