Ambassador Faily Speaks at Carnegie: 'The Future of Iraq'

On July 1, 2014 Ambassador Lukman Faily participated in a discussion with Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Dr. Marwan Muasher in Washington, DC.

Ambassador Faily opened his remarks by discussing the current situation in Iraq, particularly the recent establishment of the proclaimed ISIL “caliphate” in Syria and Iraq, and how this new development poses a threat to all people – regional and global. Ambassador Faily highlighted that the government of Iraq recognizes there must be a comprehensive strategy to address the threat from ISIL and discussed how the government is working towards a resolution that includes political, security, and economic reforms.

Ambassador Faily went on to discuss the formation of a new Iraqi government and stressed that the new government would be formed based on the results of the April 2014 elections as they were viewed as free and fair by the international community. Further, the Ambassador indicated the importance of elections as they set the tone for democracy to succeed in Iraq.

Ambassador Faily also discussed the security situation in Iraq, noting the importance for Iraq and the international community to work together to address the threat posed by ISIL; urging all communities – international and domestic – to understand the immediacy and urgency of the situation. He stressed the importance of continued military aid to Iraq in order to combat the terrorist advances and discussed the process of the deliverance of U.S. military hardware such as F-16’s to Iraq. In addition, he spoke about offers from the international community for military support in the effort to push back ISIL.

Finally, Ambassador Faily highlighted Iraq’s relationship with the United States, emphasizing that the United States is Iraq’s partner of choice as defined through the Strategic Framework Agreement. The Ambassador also underscored that the United States will remain Iraq’s most important ally.

The event concluded with a Q&A session with the audience.

To watch the entire event video, click here.