Egyptian Researcher: Climate Is Iraq’s Next Major Threat After ISIS

Egyptian researcher in armed conflicts and regional security, Tamer Badawi, discussed the key challenges facing Iraq in the post-ISIS phase, highlighting climate change and water scarcity as emerging drivers of conflict in the country.

Badawi stressed that these environmental threats require broad regional cooperation with neighboring countries such as Iran, Syria, and the Arab states to prevent future crises that could undermine security and stability.

He added that Iraq could serve as a “bridge for regional dialogue” by leveraging the “Development Road” project as a platform to integrate joint environmental, agricultural, and water initiatives with neighboring countries.

Badawi proposed that the Development Road project include integrated initiatives to combat the effects of climate change, by linking it to shared agricultural and water projects with neighboring states—thus enhancing economic and environmental stability in the region.

He also praised the role of Iraqi think tanks, such as the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue, in building regional consensus and offering strategic insights that strengthen Iraq’s ability to play an active role in managing climate challenges and related conflicts, in coordination with state institutions.