The American Role in the Political Crises of the Arab World: Iraq as a Case Study (2011–2021)

This study aimed to analyze the American stance on the political crises occurring in the Arab world, using Iraq as a case study from 2011 to 2021. To achieve this, analytical, descriptive, and qualitative methods were employed, focusing on the collection, interpretation, and analysis of secondary data, which were deemed most appropriate for the nature and objectives of the study. The results indicated that US-Iraqi relations have significantly shifted according to American interests. The U.S. position often influenced the onset, escalation, or resolution of political crises. For example, the U.S. occupation of Iraq and the poor decisions made during that period contributed to the emergence of ISIS. Initially, the U.S. adopted a non-interventionist stance, claiming ISIS was a local Iraqi issue and not affecting U.S. interests. This approach allowed ISIS to gain control of several Iraqi provinces. However, when the U.S. intervened and supported Iraqi forces, ISIS was eventually defeated. The study also found that the selection of political leaders, such as the prime minister in Iraq, is heavily influenced by U.S. interests, loyalty, or the influence of candidates deemed beneficial to American strategies. The qualification or sectarian background of candidates, such as Nuri al-Maliki's Shiite sectarianism and marginalization of Sunnis, was less relevant. During Maliki’s tenure, Iraq experienced deteriorating security, increased violence due to sectarian divisions, worsened services, widespread corruption, and suppression of protesters. Despite this, he was appointed Prime Minister for a second term, even though another candidate had won the election. The study recommends further research into the extent to which the U.S. upholds democratic and human rights ideals during its involvement in such crises. More studies are needed to explore the contribution of U.S. policies to the rise of terrorist organizations in specific countries, to clarify the facts and better understand U.S. strategies, beyond the methods employed to distort the truth.