Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – US Envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi in Baghdad, emphasizing Washington’s sustained involvement with Iraq as the two nations prepare to enter a new chapter of ties after the departure of US-led coalition troops.
Barrack regarded the discussion as positive and lauded the Iraqi prime minister’s leadership, linking Iraq’s stability and prosperity to regional security.
“Stability is not inherited; it is built by leaders who choose the hard road,” Barrack wrote on X after the meeting.
“Iraq’s security and prosperity are the region’s,” he said, praising al-Zaidi for his leadership and collaboration.
The meeting comes after the US-led coalition completed its military operation in Iraq on September 30, marking a dramatic shift in ties between Baghdad and Washington.
At the time, Barrack praised the pullout, claiming that US President Donald Trump had brought Baghdad, Erbil, regional allies, and Washington’s interests together in a common strategic framework.
Barrack also portrayed the transition as a chance for Iraq to place its armed forces under unified state leadership, with the US retaining a connection with Baghdad via diplomacy and collaboration rather than a permanent military presence.
“With that alignment, a door long closed has opened,” Barrack wrote on September 30, alluding to Iraq’s ability to consolidate state control over its security institutions.
He described the growing relationship as one in which “America is a friend rather than a garrison.”
The current Baghdad conference takes place as Iraq and the United States strive to widen their alliance beyond the military war against ISIS, with a focus on economic cooperation, investment, diplomacy, and common regional interests.
Barrack has also met with top Iraqi officials recently, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Turkey and Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan in Baghdad, as Washington continues high-level engagement with Iraq’s political and judicial institutions.
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