Iraqi President Condemns Coercion by Force, Calls for Respect of Sovereignty Amid Middle East Turmoil
Iraq’s Kurdish President Abdelatif Rashid denounces attempts to dictate terms through military aggression, highlighting the urgent need for diplomacy over force in the volatile Middle East conflict involving Iran and Israel.
In a candid interview during the UN’s Financing for Development conference in Sevilla, Iraqi President Abdelatif Rashid sharply criticized the destructive cycle of military aggression that has recently engulfed the Middle East. Emphasizing national sovereignty and mutual respect among nations, Rashid stated bluntly, “You cannot impose your conditions by simply bombing or attacking a country.”
This statement strikes at the heart of a troubling trend where powerful nations use military might as leverage to reshape regional dynamics. The recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel left hundreds dead but failed to resolve deeper hostilities that long threaten peace.
An Unwavering Defense of Sovereignty
Rashid’s insistence reflects a principle that America First conservatives have championed: no nation should suffer coercion or regime change under threat or use of force. As the leader of a country caught geographically and politically between these major players, Rashid underscores that Iraq witnessed these bombings helplessly as foreign powers disregarded its airspace.
From Gaza to Lebanon and Syria, Rashid condemned what he calls Israel’s “criminal expansionism,” signaling that military strikes do not bring lasting solutions—only more instability.
The Palestinian Issue: The Core Unresolved Conflict
The Iraqi president also pointed out what many conservatives have long asserted: true Middle East peace hinges on acknowledging Palestinian rights. “No solution is possible without resolving the Palestinian problem,” he affirmed, calling for recognition of Palestine’s right to self-determination and statehood according to international law.
A Call for Honest Diplomacy with Iran
On Iran’s contested nuclear program, Rashid reflects a nuanced stance often ignored in mainstream narratives. While Israel and Washington claim Tehran aims for nuclear weapons capability, Rashid insists that Iran seeks civilian nuclear energy rights within agreed frameworks—and demands clear diplomatic engagement rather than unilateral sanctions or attacks.
This is critical context as American conservatives debate how best to handle Iran—whether through toughness alone or smart diplomacy backed by strength.
The U.S. Military Presence and Terrorism Claims Under Scrutiny
On U.S. troops in Iraq, Rashid questions European media obsession with withdrawal timelines. He stresses that forces remain only by agreement to combat terrorism—a threat he claims has been largely defeated on Iraqi soil except for isolated individuals.
Rashid notes ISIS activity persists mainly in Syria now, underscoring how effective security cooperation can be when respecting host nation sovereignty instead of endless occupation.
Kurdish Unity: Aspirations vs. Realities
The discussion closes with reflections on Kurdish ambitions amid shifting regional alliances but cautions against unrealistic expectations about immediate unification across borders—a reminder that national interests must prevail over romanticized separatism.
A Message America Must Heed
This interview from Iraq’s president is more than regional commentary—it carries vital lessons for U.S. foreign policy under an America First framework:
- Sovereignty cannot be bulldozed by bombs;
- Diplomacy backed by strength is essential;
- Respecting local realities prevents endless conflicts;
- The Palestinian question remains central to long-term peace;
- Terrorism must be defeated without permanent occupation.
As patriotic Americans committed to freedom and common sense conservatism, we must demand our leaders apply these principles rigorously—not surrender American interests or values at globalist tables bent on instability.