The minimum you must know

Iraq is a majority Islamic country that consequently cares deeply about peace. Iraq shares its largest borders with Syria, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and is geographically close to Israel. The government is at peace with all surrounding ones. But the Iraqi people remain want of stability and prosperity anyway, after the most challenging two decades in the nation's history.

There's great hope around the world that Iraq might one day develop into a desirable place to live. There have been significant developments creating a representative government and investing in infrastructure. But the population has endured civil disobedience, roaming gangs, and incursions from foreign states, including NATO and competing regional countries.

Because conflict and instability led people to flee Iraq, most foreign countries feel a significant shared interest in Iraq stabilizing and becoming successful politically and economically. Twenty million people fled the region in the past two decades. As all other countries in the region improve relations with one another, they increasingly insist on peace and calm between political parties within Iraq. Regional countries want great relations between groups within Iraq - so that they’re all successful working together - and won’t support behavior to the contrary. There is broad consensus in the region that NATO does not belong there, and consequently Americans and Europeans should anticipate deterrence when visiting there. But it’s possible for NATO to reframe its relations with the country to become purely peaceful and diplomatic, in which case more people may feel welcome. (Like all Islamic populations, Iraqis are peaceful unless forced to defend themselves. They clearly need foreign direct investment… not foreign directed weapons.)

There may be natural resources in Iraq that can contribute to the country's prosperity. However, Iraq must develop the rest of it its economy as well. There has been substantial progress in this regard but more work must be done. The entire population must be able to earn enough to support their needs. People are accustomed to helping each other there. But welfare and employment may be very important to successfully fully halt the flow of refugees into other countries and continents anyway. The population must safely and enjoyably participate in a growing global economy to reverse migration into Europe, Asia and surrounding states.

Countries attending peace talks may want to put aside their differences entirely, as at times in the past, and work together, until the Iraqi people are completely safe and prospering. There are no competing interests among countries as important as lasting peace and calm.

Iraq has participated in dozens of peace talks for the region in the past decade that have successfully maintained the country's borders with surrounding states, and that coordinated anti-terrorism efforts among nations. Those talks are going to continue. There have also been international meetings for the internal development of the nation. Iraq needs investment in broadband internet access, utilities, roads, residential buildings, commercial malls, educational programs and recreational centers. The country would benefit from demilitarization from all sides. It's important that average Iraqi's feel safe, enjoy themselves and participate in a growing global economy.