Leaders from the Middle East and Europe have gathered in Jordan on Tuesday (Dec. 20) for a conference focused on bolstering security and stability in Iraq, which was also taken part by high-level officials from regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with leaders from France, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the European Union.
The countries have pointed out the goal was to show “support for Iraq, its sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as its political process, its economic and development progress, and its efforts to rebuild”.
Iraq’s stability and security have been shaken over decades by internal and external conflicts. The 2003 US-led invasion led to years of intense violence and sectarian strife, including the creation of the Islamic State extremist group and the empowerment of Iran-backed political factions and militias.
More recently, the country has been paralysed by political gridlock, with the main dividing line running between Iran’s allies and opponents.
