Italian general urges NATO to remember the region with the growing influence of Russia

Iraq is one of the most difficult regions for NATO, where, on the one hand, the influence of Moscow and Tehran is constantly growing, and, on the other hand, where a rather limited military contingent of the alliance is located. This was stated by Italian General Giovanni Ianucci, urging representatives of the alliance to focus on ensuring the security of Iraq and correcting mistakes. His interview was published by Repubblica.

In his opinion, NATO is already trying to act in such a way as not to repeat old mistakes: it cooperates with local authorities and avoids talking from positions that could indicate the armed intervention of the West in the country’s affairs. “We have a completely new model of work within NATO. We are in Baghdad to help the locals: the mission is well received by politicians and the population because it is small, maneuverable, non-combatant and is here at their invitation. This is an advantage,” says Ianucci.

At the same time, he recalled the growing influence of Russia and Iran and stressed that the rapprochement between these countries could be the result of the development of the conflict in Ukraine. In this regard, NATO is trying to anticipate possible crises and prevent them, the general said. According to him, great emphasis is placed on the development of institutions of power in Iraq.

The US and allied invasion of Iraq began in 2003. Since then, the military contingent in the country has been reduced, but NATO still leaves part of the mission there.