Since the approval of the Constitution in 2005, the Iraqi government has still been far from stable, though President Trump may have unknowingly exposed how conflicted the Iraqi Federal Government actually is. What set forth this divide between the Legislative and Executive Branches was President Trump’s temporary travel ban, which included all Iraqi citizens, including US Green Card and Visa holders. In response, the Iraqi Parliament (those directly elected by the people of Iraq), voted with an overwhelmingly majority that the Baghdad Administration should issue a reciprocal policy, temporarily banning all Americans from entering the Republic of Iraq. On the complete opposite side of the issue, Prime Minister Haider al- Abadi (appointed by President Fuad Masum, and approved by Parliament), has stated that they will “not do anything of the sort”, referring to this cry for reciprocity. While it’s not terribly uncommon for an Executive and Legislative branch to disagree, the Prime Minister (who typically acts as an extension of Parliamentary power), is acting in complete discord with the general Iraqi population. al-Abadi is taking a pro- America stance, favoring the the Trump administration over the Obama administration in terms of combating ISIL in the region; however, Parliament’s stance can best be described as less forgiving, claiming that the reciprocity ban must be put in place until President Trump’s executive order is withdrawn. With all these events considered, I believe it’s entirely plausible that we see a resurgence of more anti- American rebel groups within the Iraq region, those who disagree with the Prime Minister’s refusal to treat the Americans as they are being treated. While the Executive Order is not entirely at fault for this divide, it only served to worsen the problem, and until an Iraqi Prime Minister that sides with the people takes power, conflict will only further brew within an already tumultuous region of the world. Aside from the formation of new groups, this anti- American sentiment, and now anti- Haider al-Abadi sentiment, may lead to increased ISIL recruitment, as individuals may see this as the only way to do what is right, getting even with the United States without the involvement of a Prime Minister many view as unrepresentative. The solution in this situation is very difficult: to start, removing the travel ban may help reduce anti- American sentiment garnered by the Iraqi people; however, too much U.S. interference could have an adverse reaction. Iraq needs a Prime Minister who is representative of the people, but also can serve as an ally to United States, acting as a pillar of stability in an already tumultuous region.
