U.S. Dominance in Iraq Has Failed to Deliver Economic Prosperity
WANA (Jan 30) – Majidreza Hariri, Head of the Iran–China Joint Chamber of Commerce, said that more than two decades of U.S. presence and influence in Iraq have not translated into economic well-being for the Iraqi people, describing the country as a clear example of the “gap between oil revenues and real public welfare.”
According to Hariri, Iraq currently earns nearly four times more oil revenue than Iran, yet this financial advantage has not necessarily led to a better quality of life for Iraqi citizens. Raising a critical question — “Are Iraqis today living more comfortably than Iranians?” — he stressed that, based on on-the-ground realities, the answer is no.
Pointing to persistent shortages, Hariri noted that residents of Baghdad, the country’s capital, still experience daily power outages lasting several hours, despite the long-standing and decisive role of the United States in Iraq’s political and security governance.
He added that infrastructure deficiencies go far beyond electricity, as Iraq’s road networks and urban infrastructure remain underdeveloped relative to the country’s economic potential.
Recalling Baghdad’s historical status as one of the region’s major cities, Hariri said the city now struggles with serious urban service and infrastructure challenges — a situation he believes is a direct consequence of foreign intervention and ineffective governance following the fall of Saddam Hussein.
Hariri also emphasized that indicators such as per capita income do not provide a complete picture of public welfare. While Iraq’s per capita income is higher than Iran’s, he explained that the experiences of businesspeople and those who live or work in Iraq suggest that overall living standards, economic security, and the quality of public services remain below expectations.
In conclusion, Hariri described Iraq’s experience as a warning to other countries in the region, arguing that narratives portraying U.S. intervention as a driver of development and prosperity are inconsistent with Iraq’s social and economic realities — realities that, he said, are clearly visible in the daily lives of its people.
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