Iraqi Stability and Security: A Conversation with Ambassador Fareed Yasseen
October 8, 2020
H.E. Dr. Fareed Yasseen, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States, joined the school for a discussion on Iraqi stability and security hosted by the Careers in Diplomacy student organization.
Ambassador Yasseen began his remarks by reflecting on the complexity of Iraq's history and foreign relations. He discussed how the country is currently navigating a variety of challenges, including unemployment, COVID-19, and post-conflict reconstruction. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of private sector investment for Iraq's economic development and expressed his belief that veterans in the United States, along with the Iraqi diaspora, have an important role to play on that front. Furthermore, he mentioned the importance of democratic governance in Iraq, in the context of last year's protests and the parliamentary elections that are set to take place next year. Finally, Ambassador Yasseen recognized the importance of religious pluralism and faith to the Iraqi people.
Ambassador Yasseen concluded the event fielding attendee questions ranging from the role of Iraq in addressing global climate change, the business environment in the country, to Iraq's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.