Washington Returns Stephen Fagin to Baghdad in Anticipation of Disarmament Hurdles

mesoiraq - International press reports revealed on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that the US administration is fully aware of the challenges surrounding the disarmament of armed factions. Despite outward optimism, there are underlying concerns regarding attempts to buy time and delay implementation. In this context, the US State Department has decided to return Stephen Fagin to head its embassy in Baghdad, replacing Joshua Harris, whose diplomatic mission has concluded. This appointment leverages Fagin's extensive experience with the Iraqi file and aims to reassure allies, following assessments that the previous downgrade in diplomatic representation had reduced cooperation with Iraq. The US Embassy in Baghdad has officially welcomed Fagin's assumption of his duties.