In an interview with Al-Majalla published on January 24, 2022, Ramadan discussed a variety of issues, including Iraq’s foreign relations, the ongoing Iran-Iraq war, the economic situation, and the role of the People’s Army.
This position enabled him to oversee the activities of various ministries and state institutions, as well as undertake visits to Western European countries and the former Soviet Union.
He stated that in the early years of the war, some Arab parties used the conflict as a cover for their own issues, claiming that Iraq’s involvement was a distraction from the real battle – the defense of Palestine.
[5] He expressed disappointment with certain Arab states that failed to take decisive or supportive stances, criticizing their inability to act when Iraq was under direct threat.
He argued that while Iraq’s military strength was formidable, the Arab situation, international interests, and the Iranian stance made it difficult to resolve the war.
He refuted claims that Iraq’s economic difficulties were due to war, stating that the situation was more about monetary adjustments and borrowing from various countries, which did not indicate an imbalance.
He acknowledged that the war had created some social issues, but he emphasized the government’s focus on keeping the public engaged and responsible for their own defense.
[6] He led efforts to improve relations with Russia, India, Iran, and neighboring countries, positioning Iraq as a more active player on the global stage.
[6] His outreach aimed at diversifying Iraq's alliances and reducing its dependence on Western powers, particularly amid ongoing tensions with the United States.
At the same time, according to Middle East analyst Amir Taheri, he was also involved in a "Mafia-style crime syndicate" that dominated Iraq's trade, particularly in dealings with France and Germany.
[6] This suggests that beyond official diplomatic efforts, he played a significant role in managing illicit networks that facilitated trade and imports, circumventing international sanctions.
[6] These agreements weakened U.S. efforts to isolate Iraq economically and politically, providing the country with alternative markets and trade routes despite ongoing sanctions.
[6] In October 2002, four months before the United States invaded Iraq, Ramadan suggested U.S. President George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein settle their difference in a duel.
Ramadan proposed that the duel be held in a neutral land, with each party using the same weapons, and with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan presiding as the supervisor.
Ramadan endured multiple assassination attempts, surviving two in 1997 and another in 1999, highlighting the volatile nature of Iraqi politics and the threats he faced from both internal and external adversaries.