Iraqi National Security in the Context of Regional Competition: An Analytical Study of Strategic Options

Abstract

This study examines the issue of Iraqi national security amid the escalating and complex regional competition in the Middle East. The interwoven regional environment presents multifaceted challenges, characterized by the overlapping political, military, and economic influence of major regional powers such as Iran, Turkey, and the Arab states. The research focuses on analyzing the strategic alternatives available to Iraq in addressing its internal challenges, including political crises, sectarian divisions, institutional weakness, and external interventions that directly affect its sovereignty and stability.

Furthermore, the study explores how Iraq’s national policies can be adapted within this dynamic context, providing theoretical frameworks that explain the nature of regional competition and its implications for national security. It also assesses the current state of Iraqi national security through an examination of multi-dimensional threats and their rapidly evolving variables.

In conclusion, the study proposes a set of realistic and flexible strategic recommendations, including the adoption of a policy of positive neutrality, the establishment of balanced regional alliances, and the restructuring of the security and diplomatic systems to strengthen Iraq’s resilience and enhance its national capacity.