Tikrit Journal for Political Science

France was one of the most important countries for Iraq in the period prior to the American occupation of Iraq in 2003. However, its position and status significantly declined after the occupation and until recently. Nevertheless, French policy, particularly during the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012), adopted a different approach than its predecessors, especially Jacques Chirac (2002-2007), who distanced France from the American-British war against Iraq in 2003. Sarkozy pursued a new policy towards the United States, and France is now trying to reap the benefits through the Iraqi gateway, especially after President Sarkozy's historic visit to Iraq on February 10, 2009, which marked the first visit by a French president to Iraq since the establishment of the Iraqi state. This was followed by President François Hollande's visit (2012-present) in September 2014.

In this research, we will discuss the prospects for developing Iraqi-French relations. However, it is necessary to first examine the general outlines of the history of relations between the two countries and their current reality before delving into a discussion of mechanisms for developing those relations.

Both the Obama administration, led by Democrat Barack Obama, and the US Congress, along with the 5+1 group of countries, were involved in negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear program and the alleviation of tensions between Iran and the international community. Amidst these efforts, the US Congress was present to stay informed about the progress of the negotiations and the outcomes, as outlined in the US Constitution, which establishes the conditions for Congress's approval of any agreements made by the US administration with international parties.

In order to lift the sanctions imposed on Iran, Republican members of Congress, including representatives and senators, attempted to delay the decision on the agreement until after the upcoming presidential elections or even withhold their approval. However, the negotiations progressed, and the Iranian negotiating delegation reached a comprehensive agreement aimed at reducing centrifuges and implementing a precise monitoring system, leading to the nuclear deal.

The Kurds never cease to think about establishing a Kurdish state in the region, and the Kurdish leader, Masoud Barzani, aspires to make history as the first Kurdish leader to succeed in establishing a Kurdish state in the modern era. The Kurdish choice of establishing a state is not only based on the principle of the right of peoples to self-determination but also on the various circumstances and developments that have unfolded in the relationship between the center and the region after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. This extends to the ongoing developments in the region and the significant achievements of the Kurdistan Region in terms of construction, development, and progress on all levels. However, this does not mean ignoring the role of the regional factor, which historically opposed Kurdish aspirations for independence.

The Iraqi-American relations after 2003 are an interesting topic due to their positive and negative effects on the Iraqi situation specifically and the region generally. This research examines the nature of the relations between the two countries، with a focus on the agreement on the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq and the Strategic Framework Agreement، as they are crucial in determining the nature of the governing relations between the two countries. The research also discusses the developments in the relations between the two countries after June 10، 2014، especially following the initiation of military and security forces in Iraq، including the army، police، Popular Mobilization Forces، and other formations، in the operations to liberate Iraqi cities from the control of the terrorist organization ISIS. This stage serves as a true test of the seriousness of the United States of America in fulfilling its commitments towards Iraq، which fell short of the required level of assistance needed by Iraq.

Abstract: The sophistication of international system, the overlap of interests among great states, the change of power balance and the emergence of a number of international and non-international actors at the international arena level may lead the United States, which seeks to maximize its gains, to make a balance between the use of hard and soft power in order to maintain its role and position in the international system .The matter Which has led to the a adoption of the technique of smart power in its foreign policy because it is considered as an integrated strategy that seeks to combine between the hard and soft power, and wise use of pressure when it should be necessary. Particularly nowadays, where the information has become a rapidly spreading and economies have become interrelated ; consequently , the use of smart power has been considered to be a qualitative addition to the USA's power points. This fact particularly can explain to us the secrete behind the great dynamism that American strategy enjoys, which attempts to take the advantages of relatively superiority of the USA in order to achieve its national goals and interests regardless of the damage that may cause to other state as a result of such as a strategy . However, despite the propagation of the notion of smart power, the great impact of the hard power at the international level remains non-changed, especially after the emergence of terrorist organizations such as (ISIS), which should be dealt with by a power and not soft ways, beside the emergence of nuclear powers outside the Western dominance that still rely upon their military power more than any other things instead.

The Israeli higher education system underwent radical changes during the 1980s and 1990s. The number of degree-granting institutions increased from 10 to over 80, and the number of university students grew from 50,000 to over 120,000. Until the late 1980s, over 90% of university students studied at one of the six research universities. The expansion primarily occurred through the establishment of non-research-oriented, less selective colleges specialized in higher education. Various types of colleges were created, including regional public colleges, teacher training colleges, branches of foreign higher education institutions, and private colleges that offered degrees in professions such as law, accounting, and management, where tuition fees were twice as high as those in public institutions.

This paper describes these changes and examines their effects on the educational stratification process at the tertiary level. It also studies the differences between graduates from different types of tertiary institutions in terms of their occupational achievement and income.

The competition between Shia and Sunni communities in Iraqi society after the US occupation of Iraq in 2003 became the focal point of political conflict in the Iraqi state. These tensions and sectarian conflicts hindered state-building processes and destabilized the country. Furthermore، the lack of clear efforts by successive Iraqi governments to overcome these divisions and build a common national identity exacerbated the situation. Many of the measures taken so far have only contributed to further fragmentation of the state.

Historically، the disagreements between Shia and Sunni have revolved around political، theological، and doctrinal issues، which have been the cause of the division between the two sects. However، the competition for power، resources، and status is the driving force behind their modern manifestations and expressions. Gradually، the idea of sectarian representation has dominated political relations instead of representing citizens، leading to the exacerbation of existing divisions rather than alleviating them.

American foreign policy bases on several main pillar structure and bases on some strong and complicated institutions, it will be prepared for the sake of American foreign policy’s objectives, and will be implemented. American foreign policy is well-known either for its constant, or for its changing, it moves between reticence and intervention. In one hand, American foreign policy falls under the influence of rational principles. On the other hand, it is the policy of power and making interests. This research pursues the key pillars of American foreign policy, including history, thought, intellectual pillars and also it concentrates on economic and military pillars. Regarding history, this study exposes how the principles of American presidents had influence on American foreign policy, such as the principles of James Monroe, Woodrow Wilson, Ronald Regan, and George Bush. Also, this research sheds light on the role of all the mentioned pillars on American national security strategy and how American policy is prepared and implemented. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that if we want to make an accurate reading for American foreign policy, we have to understand these main pillars, which this policy establishes upon them, and also indicate the pillar’s influential on the policy.

Political consciousness is an individual's awareness of their society's reality, as well as their regional and international environment. It involves understanding the different problems of the era and the influential forces involved in decision-making, both domestically and globally. It encompasses knowing the facts, monitoring influential aspects and forces, tracking events, analyzing and exploring their backgrounds, dimensions, and effects. Additionally, it entails understanding the traditions, customs, cultures, sciences, prevailing and obsolete laws that have evolved and continue to shape it. It also involves familiarizing oneself with the terminology, political, literary, and scientific languages of the era in order to read and analyze its discourse, to gain knowledge about the projects of friends and foes, and to explore the various transformative experiences and investigate the reasons behind their success or failure.

Therefore, societal political consciousness acts as a supportive bond for individuals in confronting their social reality, resolving its problems, and protecting it from regional and international challenges. It serves as a stabilizing force for society, both in its internal and external dealings. This research aims to explain the concept of political consciousness, its sources, and its importance for the state and society.

Kuwait is significant to Iraq due to its association with the events of 1990/1991 and 2003, both of which had a negative impact on Iraq and its circumstances throughout the preceding period. One of the crucial points that necessitates examination and study is the Kuwaiti perspective towards Iraq, which shapes Kuwait's foreign policy towards Iraq. This is the subject matter addressed in this research.

After 2003, Iraq started to perceive the Kuwaiti foreign policy decision-maker and its influence on the bilateral relations between the two countries. There was an increasing focus on developing shared interests in politics, economy, security, and culture. Diplomatic relations between Iraq and Kuwait were restored, and official visits between officials of both countries were exchanged. Pending issues between Iraq and Kuwait, such as borders, outstanding debts, and war reparations, were addressed, and agreements and understanding solutions were reached between the two nations.