Iraq in 2025 will be turbulent throughout the country’s self-government, stability, political, economic and development concerns. The security landscape is as volatile as the political platform, and the presence of ISIS and the threat of militias undermine Iraq’s public security. Border security concerns, smuggling and drugs make the situation in the country more fluid and complicated. Any attempt to disband the militias is expected to face significant obstacles, which could lead to clashes. Iraq’s fragile political and security environment requires continued international and strategic support to combat threats and terrorism, but none of these issues can be achieved without national compromise.
Iraq’s administration’s past is not hopeful
The economic crisis in Iraq shows no signs of resolution. Economically, fluctuations in global oil prices are wreaking havoc on the country’s revenue streams, indicating the need to diversify the economy. Security concerns will also hamper the attraction of foreign and semi-domestic investors for 2025. The financial burden and cost of infrastructure reconstruction, if included in the government’s plan, will be a heavy burden on the shoulders of the government. Worst of all, despite efforts to diversify revenue sources, Iraq’s reliance on oil exports alone will have a devastating impact, especially on wages, if oil prices fall due to regional and global stability after Donald Trump. To mitigate the negative effects of fluctuating oil prices, the government must prioritize economic reform, private sector growth and investment in renewable energy, which again does not seem to be at the level of Iraqi political culture and management and Iraqi officials.
Communities and classes do not trust the government and are weak against each other”
Misunderstandings, phobias and fears between communities have also made the security situation unfavorable. Iraq is a country where communities are politically divided, the Kurds have little confidence in the Arabs, the Sunnis do not trust the Shiites, and vice versa. They no longer trust the Sunni Arabs in relation to the Yazidi Kurds. This has led to social discord mixed with security issues. Meanwhile, protests against legal amendments and women’s rights concerns continue. The poor living conditions for the disabled are another aspect, as if no one cares about this group, which again confirms the failure of management, management thinking and management culture of Iraqi leaders and political parties. Migration continues due to security problems and climate change, which forces citizens to migrate from rural areas to cities. These issues underscore the need for inclusive policies, addressing the well-being of marginalized communities.
“Climate change threats are no less than terrorism threats”
Climate change will be a serious threat to Iraq’s future and the signs will be more than in 2025. It increases regional water shortages by 50%, desertification and migration, threatening livelihoods. This is despite rising temperatures, low rainfall and intensifying drought. Environmental degradation and water scarcity require more commitment and attention from politicians and officials to urgently review management practices. This requests to rely on agriculture that relies less on water, try to revive the natural environment and stop municipal encroachment on greenery and agricultural land. Services need to be increased in rural areas, preventing voluntary revival from these areas and ensuring a brighter future. Renewable energy, solar and wind energy should be used to mitigate the effects of climate change. Looking at the vague prospects for 2025 should bring more reflection to the joint efforts of the government, international organizations and civil society. Precedence by institutional strengthening, economic diversification and social welfare can help mitigate these risks. This requires an integrated approach, drawing on the expertise, human resources, academics and civil society activists who care about different issues. To achieve stability, Iraq must adopt a comprehensive strategy. Consolidating democratic institutions, electoral processes, and healthy and sustainable environmental policies will ensure a more positive, or less dark, future. Iraq’s future depends on its ability to overcome these challenges, and the role of the international community is important.
