Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Iraqi parliament disagree over Iraq-Iran relationship
Regional politics
Following PM Nouri al-Maliki's official visit to Iran, political opinions are divided on relations between the two countries. The Kurds seem in favour of the Shia religious leadership, who believe that the relationship with Iran is strategic and beneficial to Iraq. Kurdish leader Mahmoud Othman said, "Iraqi politicians in power do not want to get involved in the settlement of scores between Washington and Tehran. What is important is Iraq's interest,"
The Shias, however, have several points of view. Hassan Sari, a Shia, member of SCIRI and Minister of State in the Iraqi government said, "We used to get support from Iran while we struggled against Saddam Hussain's regime, which is not something we need today. We are now seeking good neighbourhood relations, mutual respect and non-interference, which is the case with all neighbouring countries." He denied any Iranian role in supporting some Shia armed groups. The United States, however, accuses Shia leader Moqtada Al Sadr of being the arm of Iranian influence and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) in Iraq. An American security report revealed a few days ago that IRGC is training members of Al Sadr's army and supplying them with weapons.
The American stand mostly accuses Iran of direct interference in the political and security situation in Iraq. Sunni leadership appear closer to the American stance regarding Iran. Mohsin Abdul Hamid, Head of the Consultative Council of the Islamic Iraqi Party, said "We told the Iranians about our fears but they denied being involved in Iraq."
There is contradiction within the Iraqi government too. Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, Shia and leader of al'Dawa, wants the best relations with Iran in the security, political and economic fields, while his Defence Ministry and General Intelligence appear closer to the American stand.
The toughest challenge facing Al Maliki is his ability to handle Mujahideen Khalk Organisation (MKO), which is a crucial issue in determining the strength of Iraq-Iran relations.
MKO is a rebellious Iranian group currently based at Ashraf Camp in Diyala province, under the supervision of the American forces. Closure of the Ashraf Camp and deportation of MKO members from Iraq is Iran's prerequisite for any security agreement with Baghdad. On the other hand, Iran is accused of supporting the call to establish the southern and middle Shia region in Iraq.
There is contradiction within the Iraqi government too. Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, Shia and leader of al'Dawa, wants the best relations with Iran in the security, political and economic fields, while his Defence Ministry and General Intelligence appear closer to the American stand.
The toughest challenge facing Al Maliki is his ability to handle Mujahideen Khalk Organisation (MKO), which is a crucial issue in determining the strength of Iraq-Iran relations.
MKO is a rebellious Iranian group currently based at Ashraf Camp in Diyala province, under the supervision of the American forces. Closure of the Ashraf Camp and deportation of MKO members from Iraq is Iran's prerequisite for any security agreement with Baghdad. On the other hand, Iran is accused of supporting the call to establish the southern and middle Shia region in Iraq.
