‘Bold recognition of crisis’: KDP figure hails Trump’s Iraq envoy pick
Shafaq News – Erbil
US President Donald Trump’s appointment of Mark Savaya as his special representative to Iraq signals Washington’s view that the situation in the country is “abnormal,” Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) senior figure Hoshyar Zebari stated on Monday.
In a post on X, Zebari noted that Trump’s choice of Savaya—an American of Chaldean Christian and Iraqi descent—reflects recognition that Iraq’s state of affairs “is neither stable nor normal,” calling for “decisive measures beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks” to restore order.
تعين الرئيس دونالد ترامب ممثلا خاصا له في العراق مارك ساڤايا أمريكي مسيحي كلداني ذوو أصول عراقية هو اعتراف بان الوضع في العراق غير طبيعي و يحتاج إلى اجراءات و قرارات خارج الاطر الدبلوماسية و الرسمية المعتادة لتصحيح و تقويم الوضع المضطرب و المشوش . كل تمنياتنا بنجاح مارك بمهمته
— Hoshyar Zebari (@HoshyarZebari) October 20, 2025
In a separate English-language post, Zebari described the move as “welcome news and a bold decision to restore Iraqi sovereignty and independence away from corruption and mismanagement of its resources, and militias rule.”
The appointment of Mr Mark Savaya an American of Chaldean & Iraqi origins by President Trump as his Special envoy to Iraq is a welcome news & a bold decision to restore Iraqi sovereignty & independence away from corruption & mismanagement of its resources, and militias rule.
— Hoshyar Zebari (@HoshyarZebari) October 20, 2025
Savaya, expressing gratitude for the appointment, said he was “honored and humbled” to take on the role. “I am committed to strengthening the U.S.–Iraq partnership under President Trump’s leadership and guidance,” he posted on X.
I am deeply humbled, honored and grateful to President Donald J. Trump for appointing me as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq.I am committed to strengthening the U.S.–Iraq partnership under President Trump’s leadership and guidance.Thank you, Mr. President. 🇺🇸🇮🇶 pic.twitter.com/NdLq3BGmNC
— Mark Savaya (@Mark_Savaya) October 20, 2025
Trump announced the appointment on his Truth Social platform yesterday, adding that Savaya’s “deep understanding of US–Iraq relations and extensive regional ties will help advance the interests of the American people.”
