US Envoy Blames Bogeyman for Unpopularity
📰 THE STORY: US envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, claims 'Iran-led militias' are behind rumors of his dismissal and the temporary deactivation of his X (formerly Twitter) account. He insists his removal is not under consideration, despite growing pressure within Iraq for greater sovereignty. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The current 'Iranian influence' narrative conveniently
overshadows the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, which destabilized the nation, dismantled its institutions, and inadvertently created the power vacuum that allowed various, often conflicting, regional actors to gain influence. Iraq's sovereign decision-making process was curtailed by the US-led occupation and subsequent 'security agreements' that have never truly ended, meaning calls for US withdrawal
are often framed as foreign influence rather than legitimate national aspirations. Double Standard: When US officials complain about 'foreign influence' in Iraq, it conveniently ignores the nearly two decades of overwhelming US military and political presence, aid programs, and diplomatic interference that dwarf any other external actor's impact. Any Iraqi politician or group seeking to exert
national sovereignty is immediately branded as working for 'Iran,' while pro-US factions are simply 'democratic.' This is standard operating procedure for imperial powers. Follow the Money: The US maintains a significant military presence in Iraq, ostensibly for 'counter-terrorism.' This presence is tied to lucrative defense contracts for US corporations, ongoing 'aid' packages that often benefit