MEPS2024: KDP leader says Israel’s threats to Iraq expected due to regional conflicts

Shafaq News/ A senior leader in the Kurdistan
Democratic Party (KDP) said, on Friday that Israel’s threats against Iraq were
anticipated due to the stances of certain Iraqi political factions and groups
regarding the ongoing regional conflict.

Speaking at the Middle East Peace and Security
Forum (MEPS 2024) at the American University in Duhok, Hoshyar Zebari
highlighted that global expectations are generally negative. He said, “The
war that erupted on October 7 poses a threat to countries and will likely escalate
beyond the Gaza Strip.”

Zebari’s comments came after Israeli Foreign
Minister Gideon Sa’ar, in a letter to the UN, held the Iraqi government
responsible for “everything” occurring within its borders, including
the actions of Iran-backed forces, while reiterating Israel’s right to
“self-defense.”

The KDP leader also addressed Iraq’s economic
struggles, pointing out the country’s overwhelming dependence on oil. “With oil
prices falling and beyond Iraq’s control, the country will face challenges
securing public sector salaries due to excessive government spending.”

Notably, more than 90% of Iraq’s government
revenue comes from oil, with the figure reaching a record 96% in 2023.

Zebari acknowledged that Prime Minister Mohammed
Shia’ al-Sudani’s government is pursuing reforms but stressed, “Action,
not just words, is needed to address the challenges.”