Iraq seeks to reclaim leadership role, status in Arab world

President Barham Salih told in an interview last month that it’s “time we say we need a new political order ... in which Iraq must be an important pillar.”

Iraq's President Barham Salih attends the 30th Arab Summit in Tunis, Tunisia March 31, 2019.

Iraq is seeking to reclaim a leadership role in the Arab world after decades of conflict, with its leaders determined to maintain good relations with both Iran and the United States.

A flurry of recent diplomatic activity and high-profile visits to Baghdad including this month’s re-opening of a Saudi Consulate, for the first time in nearly 30 years points to a new era of openness.

Iraq has emerged from a ruinous three-year war against the Islamic State group and faces the mammoth task of rebuilding and returning tens of thousands of displaced to their homes.

President Barham Salih told in an interview last month that it’s “time we say we need a new political order ... in which Iraq must be an important pillar.”