Iraq is reasserting its regional role with an economic and development agenda.

 Iraq is preparing to host the 34th Arab League Summit, amidst great momentum and widespread aspirations to restore its historic role on the regional stage. Baghdad, which for decades served as a focal point for Arab decision-making before being sidelined by wars and conflicts, is returning today with a new outlook based on stability and development and economic ambitions.

The summit, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, is the first hosted by Baghdad since 2012. It represents a true test of Iraq's ability to lead Arab dialogue, not only politically, but also economically and developmentally, at a time when the region is facing unprecedented challenges, most notably the water crisis, desertification, energy crises, and economic integration.

Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, believes the summit represents a "strategic turning point" in Iraq's contemporary history, demonstrating that the country now possesses the political, security, and logistical capacity to bring together Arab leaders on its soil. In a statement to Al-Sabah, he said that the summit has two main dimensions: the first is political and symbolic, representing Iraq's return to its natural position within the Arab regional system, and the second is economic, represented by the government's efforts to strengthen regional development partnerships, thus enhancing Iraq's geographical position as a major logistics hub between Asia and Europe.

Saleh points out that the "Development Road" will feature prominently on the summit's agenda, as a strategic project that could achieve integration between the countries of the Levant and the Maghreb by linking the Iraqi ports in Basra to the Turkish border, reaching Europe. He explains that the project is not limited to transportation, but includes the establishment of industrial and commercial zones along the route, providing major investment opportunities.

Economist Dhurgham Mohammed Ali believes the summit represents an important platform for revitalizing Arab initiatives on vital economic issues, stressing that the positive political climate surrounding the summit gives it additional momentum. Speaking to Al-Sabah, he added that among the most prominent issues on the table are desertification and food security, as Iraq and neighboring countries suffer from worsening environmental threats that can be addressed through joint Arab coordination in the areas of water, smart agriculture, and land reclamation.

Ali continues that the summit also offers Iraq the opportunity to renegotiate electricity and gas interconnection projects with the Gulf states, Jordan, and Egypt. These issues are witnessing rapid developments in bilateral agreements, but collective coordination within the framework of the Arab League could give them a deeper dimension.

He stressed the need to leverage the presence of Arab leaders to promote investment opportunities within Iraq, particularly in the renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure sectors, noting that the Iraqi government has demonstrated a clear willingness to provide genuine facilitations to Arab investors.

Economist Diaa Al-Mohsen believes the summit carries a political dimension no less important than its economic aspect, especially as it is being held in a turbulent regional context witnessing a struggle for roles and influence between regional and international powers. Al-Mohsen told Al-Sabah: "The mere fact that the summit is being held in Baghdad is a political and diplomatic victory for Iraq, and a message that the country has regained its health and is capable of serving as an arena for dialogue, not a battleground."

Al-Mohsen asserts that the government has made significant efforts to improve the capital's infrastructure and create security and logistical conditions for the summit's success, which will positively impact Iraq's image regionally and internationally. He also noted that the political and diplomatic momentum accompanying the summit could help attract Arab capital, especially given the desire among Gulf investment funds to engage in strategic projects within Iraq.

Legal and economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Shaikhli believes the summit also represents an opportunity to rebuild trust between Iraq and its Arab neighbors after decades of estrangement and tension. Speaking to Al-Sabah, he explained that Iraq has suffered from political isolation for years, resulting from internal conflicts and foreign interventions, but the summit represents an indication of a gradual shift toward a stable political environment that will enable regional reintegration.

Al-Shaikhli adds that Iraq has already begun implementing broad economic reforms in line with the requirements of a free economy, which qualifies it to be part of Arab economic integration projects. He points out that the summit could serve as a platform for developing unified Arab financing mechanisms that support small and medium-sized enterprises and achieve development goals. He concludes by saying that if Iraq succeeds in formulating a unified Arab position on environmental and economic issues during the summit, it will have achieved a strategic gain that transcends the confines of politics, establishing itself as a regional player capable of initiative and influence.  link