President Trump criticizes Baghdad in Riyadh speech
In his remarks, Trump praised the rapid modernization of Gulf capitals while criticizing past U.S. foreign policy efforts. He stated:
'The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders… who spent trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad… the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought about by the people of the region themselves.'
While the former president's speech was aimed at promoting Gulf-led development and investment, local Iraqis found the comments disheartening. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Trump himself has previously criticized, led to widespread destruction, instability, and the loss of countless Iraqi lives.
For many, hearing a U.S. president—especially one speaking in the region and addressing allies—refer to Baghdad in such dismissive terms adds insult to injury.
The statement has reignited debates around the legacy of American involvement in Iraq and the enduring consequences of war. For many Iraqis, the remarks serve as a painful reminder of promises broken and a city still seeking to recover.
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