The Expansion of NATO’s Role in Iraq )2003-2018)

Abstract

This study sheds light on the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Iraq and seeks to uncover the nature of the roles it has played in the country. It also aims to address several key questions: First, why has NATO shown such interest in Iraq? Second, is there consensus among its member states regarding the nature of its involvement in Iraq, and what are the reasons for agreement or disagreement? Third, why did Iraq request NATO’s assistance in training the Iraqi army? Finally, what role will NATO play in Iraq’s future?

The study concludes that NATO’s mission in Iraq has respected the country’s sovereignty and security forces, refrained from interfering in Iraqi internal affairs, and remained committed to its advisory and training functions, which are strictly non-combat in nature. This adherence to its defined mandate has fostered continued cooperation between NATO and Iraq, leading to the successful execution of security operations against the terrorist group ISIS and contributing to the stabilization of security in the country