David Des Roches, a professor at the Near East South Asia Center in Washington, affirmed that Iraq enjoys a unique geographical position that makes it a natural hub for regional trade in West Asia, despite ongoing political unrest.
In a press interview, Des Roches explained that Iraq has historically served as a crossroads for trade between various regions, granting it significant strategic potential.
He emphasized that while solutions to Iraq’s political and security challenges are well known, the real challenge lies in their effective implementation. He expressed confidence that dialogue platforms—chief among them the Baghdad International Dialogue—offer participants an opportunity to build trust and motivate sound decision-making.
Des Roches added that his frequent visits to Iraq have revealed tangible progress across several sectors, noting that the Iraqi people’s willpower and inherent energy will help the country regain its regional and international stature in the near future.