“We are not clear where are the boundaries in the U.S. and their relationship to Iraq. Last week, they were talking about oil, now they are talking about banning Iraqis,” says Faily. “In the executive order, it talks about 9/11, there is no association of 9/11 with Iraq. It is unjust and unfairness. Iraqis feel they are being betrayed.”
Trump is heading down the wrong path, one that has left a feeling of mistrust in Baghdad and reminders of the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011. It could ultimately force Iraq to deal with the threat of ISIS on its own, he says.
“In 2011, U.S. troops left without defending Iraq, now these actions are similarly considered by the Iraqis as the U.S. not being a reliable partner. These steps are targeted at the wrong people. It’s propaganda,” he says. “We don’t want to [fight ISIS] alone, but, if we have to, then unfortunately that’s a step we have to take.”
Trump is heading down the wrong path, one that has left a feeling of mistrust in Baghdad and reminders of the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011. It could ultimately force Iraq to deal with the threat of ISIS on its own, he says.
“In 2011, U.S. troops left without defending Iraq, now these actions are similarly considered by the Iraqis as the U.S. not being a reliable partner. These steps are targeted at the wrong people. It’s propaganda,” he says. “We don’t want to [fight ISIS] alone, but, if we have to, then unfortunately that’s a step we have to take.”
