From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
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Iraq and Turkey deepen economic alliance


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj

Kurdish Policy Analysis

Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi convenes Iraqi-Turkish business leaders as Baghdad accelerates economic reforms, cross-border trade, and strategic investment ties with Ankara.

Iraq and Turkey are strengthening economic ties through investment, trade facilitation, and business cooperation, signalling a new phase in their strategic partnership.

Iraq and Turkey Deepen Economic Alliance

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi chaired the Iraqi-Turkish Roundtable on Tuesday, bringing together senior government officials and a large delegation of Turkish business leaders in a meeting that underscored Baghdad's determination to deepen economic integration with one of its most important regional partners.

While the meeting focused on investment opportunities and trade facilitation, its broader significance extends far beyond commerce. As Iraq seeks to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and position itself as a regional logistics hub, closer economic cooperation with Turkey is becoming an increasingly important pillar of Baghdad's foreign and economic policy.



A Shift Toward Economic Diplomacy

According to the Iraqi government, discussions centred on expanding bilateral trade, encouraging private-sector investment, and creating mechanisms to improve economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Al-Zaidi emphasised the importance of strengthening commercial relations in ways that generate mutual economic benefits while supporting Iraq's broader programme of economic reform.

The meeting also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to simplify investment procedures, improve the business environment, and reduce administrative barriers affecting cross-border trade with Turkey.

These measures form part of Baghdad's wider strategy of economic openness designed to attract foreign investment and integrate Iraq more closely into regional supply chains.

Turkey's Growing Economic Role

Turkey has long been one of Iraq's largest trading partners.

Bilateral trade exceeds tens of billions of dollars annually, with Turkish companies playing major roles in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, energy, and transportation projects throughout Iraq.

The Iraqi market has become increasingly important for Turkish exporters, while Turkey provides Iraq with critical access to European markets through its extensive transport and logistics infrastructure.

Strengthening these commercial links offers strategic advantages for both governments.

For Iraq, Turkish investment can contribute to infrastructure modernisation, industrial development, and job creation.

For Turkey, deeper economic engagement reinforces its position as one of Iraq's principal commercial partners while expanding Ankara's regional economic influence.



Trade Beyond Oil

The roundtable also reflects Iraq's broader effort to rebalance its economy away from excessive dependence on hydrocarbon revenues.

Baghdad has increasingly promoted private-sector development, industrial investment, transport corridors, customs modernisation, and cross-border commerce as essential components of long-term economic sustainability.

Closer cooperation with Turkey aligns with these objectives.

Projects involving transport infrastructure, border crossings, logistics, manufacturing, and industrial zones could significantly increase bilateral economic interdependence over the coming years.

Geopolitical Significance

The economic partnership also carries important geopolitical implications.

Despite periodic political disagreements over water resources, security operations against the PKK, and regional developments in Syria and the Kurdistan Region, both Baghdad and Ankara recognise that expanding economic cooperation serves their long-term strategic interests.

Economic interdependence can create greater political stability while providing incentives for continued diplomatic engagement on more contentious regional issues.

Moreover, enhanced Iraq-Turkey cooperation complements broader regional connectivity initiatives aimed at linking the Gulf with Europe through new transport and trade corridors.

Future Implications

The Iraqi-Turkish Roundtable signals that economic diplomacy is becoming an increasingly central element of Iraq's regional strategy.

Several developments are likely to follow:

  • Bilateral trade volumes are expected to continue expanding as customs procedures and border infrastructure improve.
  • Turkish investment in Iraqi infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics may accelerate under Baghdad's reform agenda.
  • Iraq could strengthen its position as a regional transit corridor connecting the Gulf, Turkey, and European markets.
  • Greater economic interdependence may help stabilise broader political relations between Baghdad and Ankara.
  • The partnership is likely to support Iraq's long-term objective of diversifying its economy beyond the energy sector.

As Iraq pursues ambitious economic reforms and Turkey seeks to consolidate its regional commercial influence, both countries appear to view deeper economic cooperation not simply as a business opportunity, but as a strategic investment in regional stability and long-term growth.

#Iraq #Turkey #Trade #Investment #Geoeconomics


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