Diplomats matter. The US withdrew most of its diplomats from #Baghdad this summer. That ceded influence during a period of rising tension. Iran by contrast doubled down. The Iraqi people are now demanding through mobilization better service, less corruption, and accountability.
These demands are in line with Iraq’s full sovereignty and global integration, something Iran has never wanted. The US can play an important role as a true friend of Iraq. It can demand that the Iraqi government support the Iraqi people and its right to peacefully protest.
Violence against unarmed protestors must be condemned unequivocally and prosecuted. If the government cannot do that, there are last resort constitutional means for new national elections. Active US diplomatic engagement is essential and in a crisis can be determinative.
This is the worst moment to have a threadbare diplomatic presence in such an important country – particularly as we withdraw from Syria. We have a talented ambassador in place but it's not enough. Line diplomats are essential: the lifeblood for protecting American interests.
US Middle East policy is all pressure without diplomacy. Where there is diplomacy, it’s not backed by Trump and thus weak. Pressure is now being met with counter-pressure for which we were clearly unprepared and now absent. Our allies know this. So do our adversaries.
