Without Change, There Is No Hope for Iraq

By Dr. Layth Mahdi. The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Without Change, There Is No Hope for Iraq

I am a senior citizen that wants to contribute the last chapter of my life helping to rebuild Iraq. Despite all my efforts, I leave Iraq feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

During the last three governments, I was hopeful that I could assist in creating an Iraqi reconstruction program; however, I was confronted with certain politicians that lacked vision or viewed their role as a means of benefiting themselves.

While I walked the markets and streets in Baghdad, what used to be the global center for tourism and investment is now filled with people that have no hope. Most Iraqis who have the means to migrate, left.  Those that remain would not hesitate to leave the country if the opportunity arrives. I met a female electrical engineer, and I was saddened to hear her words "this country gave me nothing, I don't have a job and I do not see a path to build a family and a home - I must leave, it is my only option".

The majority of higher education is just represented by a piece of paper. Most of the universities are private and are running their programs for the sole purpose of profits. Therefore, designed to ensure students graduate rather than providing a level of education that will benefit the country. Rebuilding an education system is crucial for the long-term development and stability of the country.

The government has neglected and failed in promoting industry and the private sector. Lack of diversified industries and reliance on imports have limited job opportunities and hindered economic diversification. The absence of a strong private sector has stifled entrepreneurship and innovation.

Iraq agriculture sector has faced a multitude of challenges that have contributed to its decline in the recent years. To revive the agriculture sector there is a need for investment in modernizing farming practices, improving infrastructure, addressing water scarcity, enhancing security in rural areas and diversifying crops.

Militia, corruption, and mismanagement have plagued the country, diverting resources away from essential services and development projects. This has eroded public trust and undermined economic stability.

Many members of the government do not possess the skills and expertise to endorse beneficial programs. Instead, every program has failed with most of the advisors only looking out for their own interests, disrupting any project from which they do not benefit from financially. Therefore, the state's projects are an absolute failure.

During the Royal era, Iraq saw various political and social change to modernize the country. It marked the transition from an agrarian country to a more modern and industrialized one. There was a strong sense of national identity with a population that believed they can build a prosperous future. Unfortunately, very few of those that lived during that time are around to remind their people of those thriving times.

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, the previous Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives stated in an interview that the opposition came to power following the US "liberation" and were driven by revenge instead of focusing on rebuilding Iraq. He acknowledged that the governments and system are complicit in the destruction of the country.

The truth that is known by the Iraqis is that neither the President, the Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, or Judiciary have any knowledge or experience in rebuilding the country. There is no genuine interest in fighting poverty and unemployment or building a modern economy that serves the Iraqis people. Representatives of the government accuse the Americans and the British for ruining Iraq, but in reality, they are the ones who enabled this deterioration and destruction.

Iraq will not recover or progress if there are no changes and the people that have no hope are demanding change. The only hope for change is for the Iraqi government to onboard international organizations of consultants and teams to create and supervise programs/reforms in all disciplines of the country.