U.N. Gambles on Former Iraqi Leader to Head Refugee Agency Amid Western Funding Cuts

In an era where America’s steadfast support has been the backbone of global refugee assistance, the United Nations now faces a precarious moment. Secretary-General António Guterres' recent recommendation of former Iraqi President Barham Salih as the next head of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) raises urgent questions about leadership, competence, and America’s strategic interests. Salih, a Kurdish politician who led Iraq from 2018 to 2022, steps forward at a time when UNHCR is reeling from significant budget cuts due largely to reduced contributions from the United States—the agency’s top donor—and other Western allies. This shortfall has forced devastating...