Diplomat: Iraqis Embracing Democratic Principles, Despite Political Stalemate

While the United States’ outgoing ambassador to Iraq concedes that the country still faces major hurdles in the formation of its government, he is nevertheless optimistic toward the future of Iraqi democracy.

“If you look at what happens in Iraq in terms of the free press and in terms of freedom of speech, there is a lot of this,” Ambassador Christopher Hill said during remarks Wednesday at the United States Institute for Peace. “People have absorbed the concept of these individual rights.”

Hill also noted that while violence has plagued the country since the early days of the U.S. occupation, it is not the norm.

“Despite the horrific violence, which certainly has unnerved many people, overall the trend-lines in Iraq’s human rights are improving,” Hill said. 

The U.S. is scheduled to remove troops from Iraq at the end of the month, but will still hold a diplomatic stake in the country. According to Hill, the U.S. will not be the only foreign nation keeping a close watch. Hill said Wednesday that Iraq’s oil contracts have benefited the country by ensuring that the international community holds a vested interested in its success.