Riding the road to prosperity: Iraq’s 1,200km highway to hope

The Development Road reimagines Iraq not as a nation defined by its past but as one poised for progress, leveraging its strategic geographic location and human capital.Reflecting on post-pandemic projections, what is apparent is that initial optimism and manifest for global prosperity and economic growth have fallen short of hope. In an international environment marred by economic sanctions, political uncertainty and institutional instability, the feeders of global prosperity – trade, production, business – have yet to return to the "precedented” following the "unprecedented”.Charting a course towards consistent global economic revival, especially outside of the spheres of Western economies, is an undeniably challenging task. However, for those countries boasting strong institutional leadership and a growing appetite for growth, the outlook is far from dim.Once a nation synonymous with discord, political turmoil and economic precariousness, Iraq is now on the brink of a transformative era. The upcoming years paint a promising picture for this country, thanks to its potential to become a pivotal industrial, commercial and transit hub within the region. Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, a respected former Minister of Human Rights, Iraq is preparing itself for an unprecedented phase of advancement catalysed by an ambitious nationwide infrastructure initiative - the Iraq Development Road: a symbolic and remarkable shift for the country which sets the stage for a future brimming with optimism and potential.1,200km of two-way rail networks and a motorway for passengers linking southern Iraq to the border with Turkey from where it will connect to rail and road networks in Europe, the project will generate $4 billion annually against a cost of $17 billion and create at least 100,000 jobs in a nation which once held one of the lowest employment-to-total population ratios in the region. Once completed, this infrastructure will not only physically connect Iraq to its neighbours but also serve as a metaphorical conduit for economic exchange and cultural camaraderie.Complementing the rail and road networks are plans for logistic centres and industrial cities along the route, indicative of the Prime Minister’s holistic view of development that transcends connectivity. The industrial cities will function as hubs of economic activity which encourage job growth and foster a self-reinforcing cycle of growth. The inclusion of oil and gas pipelines in the plans is a shrewd recognition of the region's natural resource wealth.Mirroring the optimism of Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani’s leadership, the benefits the development road brings to the nation are unprecedented. Even with its abundance of oil wealth, Iraq has continuously struggled to keep pace with its neighbouring economies: Economic stagnation is largely due to the ripple effects of protracted warfare that have beset the country since the 1980s, punitive economic sanctions enforced by the UN during the 1990s and the ensuing political and security upheaval post the 2003 US-led invasion, which resulted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.However, the real promise of the Development Road project goes beyond the numbers. It represents a hopeful vision of Iraq's future - one where its citizens are not isolated but connected, not just within their own country, but with the wider world. It speaks of an Iraq that is not just rebuilding but growing, not merely surviving but thriving. It reimagines Iraq not as a nation defined by its past but as one poised for progress, leveraging its strategic geographic location and human capital.The Development Road project paints a picture of a nation that is prepared to defy expectations and assume its role as a vital link between Asia and Europe. It's a bold vision and its successful implementation could well redefine not just Iraq's economic landscape but its place on the global stage. Indeed, the road to prosperity may be long and it may be winding, but it is a road worth travelling. For Iraq, the Development Road project is more than a route on a map; it's a path towards a future of prosperity and promise.