Former Iraqi President Barham Salih was a fellow at one of the most important American research centers
Shafaq News / The Harvard Crimson website, affiliated with Harvard Kennedy School, reported that former Iraqi President Barham Salih joined the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and the Middle East Initiative, a center affiliated with the university, as a senior fellow.
The report, translated by Shafaq News Agency, stated that Barham Salih will occupy this senior position at the Belfer Center until the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, and thus he will be part of “the community of experienced researchers and leaders brought together by the Middle East Initiative and the center in general to conduct research.” And teaching about the area.”
The report stated that Saleh assumed the position of the eighth president of Iraq from 2018 to 2022, in addition to that he previously held the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and Minister of Planning in the transitional government that was formed in 2005.
According to the American report, Saleh was also a prominent figure within the Kurdish leadership, as he had previously held the position of Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, adding that he was involved in the Kurdish National Movement and in activity opposing Saddam Hussein and was targeted by the Baathist regime, which had previously arrested him more than Once.
The report quoted the prominent researcher at the Belfer Center, Edward B. Gueregian, saying that the appointment of Barham Salih “fills an important void and provides an Iraqi, Arab and Kurdish perspective.”
The report also quoted the director of the Belfer Center, Megan Sullivan, as saying that Saleh’s appointment will enhance understanding of “events in Iraq and the broader region, and about the evolving role of middle powers in the current global scene.”
In addition, the head of the faculty at the Middle East Initiative, Tariq Masoud, praised the appointment of Barham Saleh as a senior fellow at the center, explaining that “Saleh’s experience as a statesman and institution builder, along with his broad thought, make him a vital addition to our intellectual community.”
In addition, the report pointed out that Barham Salih has extensive experience in the educational field as the founder of the American University of Iraq – Sulaymaniyah.
The report indicated that the appointment of Barham Salih took place at a time when official talks were taking place between Iraq and the United States about the possibility of ending the mission of the international coalition against ISIS, and in light of the White House’s preparations to host Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani.
The report quoted Tariq Masoud as saying, “All of us in the Middle East Initiative look forward to working with Saleh to formulate visions that can help the region become more peaceful, prosperous, and free.”
Translated by Shafaq News Agency
Shafaq.com