Iraq's openness to America and the Arab Gulf ... Implications and challenges
The attempts to
rapprochement between Iraq on the one hand, and the United States and the Arab Gulf states on the other hand, go back to the period of former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's rule, which witnessed the first serious attempt to rapprochement with equal relations with those parties, and Baghdad's relationship with Washington before the American withdrawal in 2011 was limited. On the military context, while tension was hanging over Iraq's relationship with its Arab and Gulf surroundings due to the difference in policies between the two parties.
During that period, Iraq and Saudi Arabia formed the "Joint Coordinating Council", with the aim of promoting bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields and coordinating efforts to develop the strategic partnership between them. This movement led at that time to positive popular reactions towards a new page of relations between Baghdad and Riyadh.
The "Saudi-Iraqi" Coordinating Council held its first meeting in early October 2017, under the auspices of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Al-Abadi, and former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Al-Abadi's visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE were widely welcomed, but this coordination quickly collapsed with the arrival of the resigned Prime Minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, as he released the armed factions at the local level and allowed them to control Iraq's foreign relations.
New attempts
Al-Kazemi is again engaged in a seemingly tougher attempt to restore balance to Iraq's external relations, not based on visits and statements only, but, as his recent visit to Washington showed, he is trying to "interlock" economic interests between Iraq on the one hand and the United States and the Gulf states on the other hand, in a way that guarantees Make those relationships strategic and sustainable whether or not he continues in office.
The Iraqi government has signed a series of agreements with US companies for sustainable energy, as well as memoranda of understanding to establish a new energy company in Dhi Qar Governorate (southeast), and also include managing the entire energy file in the province near the Iranian border.
According to a statement by the US Department of Energy, the total value of the agreements signed between Iraq and US companies reached $ 8 billion.
As for coordination with the Arab Gulf states, Al-Kazemi instructed on July 13, 2020, to reconstitute the Iraqi delegation in the "Saudi-Iraqi" Coordination Council headed by the Minister of Finance, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Allawi.
On July 20, the Iraqi delegation headed by Allawi signed a set of agreements and memoranda within the Coordination Council in the fields of investment, education, sports, energy and others.
Al-Kazemi affirmed that he is optimistic about the future of relations between Baghdad and Riyadh, stressing their importance, as he said that "relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia are firm and based on belief in common strategic interests, and he is optimistic about their future."
Iran bumpers
These developments did not constitute good news for Iran, whose loyalist groups dominated most of the country's economic and political joints, and Tehran benefited from that equation in making Iraq isolated from its regional environment and the international community, which provided a space for it to make Iraq a major economic lung that would make it able to face sanctions. The American economy, as well as being able to manage its foreign relations scene through parliamentary blocs close to it.
Tehran proceeds through three tracks to obstruct any Iraqi openness to the United States and the Arab Gulf states, which are summarized by attempts to promote sectarian rhetoric and aggravate the security scene, in addition to blocking any potential agreements between Iraq and those countries through the Iraqi parliament.
Tehran benefits from a high trade exchange balance with Iraq of about $ 12 billion and seeks to raise it to reach the limits of 20 billion, although its goods are not considered competition in the Iraqi market, but the absence of trade exchange agreements or openness to Iraq with other countries has enabled Iran From the exclusivity of influence over the country's economic and political scenes.
Observers believe that all of these factors push the "loyalist factions" (a term referring to the armed factions that owe allegiance to Iran) to confront any attempts at rapprochement between Iraq on the one hand and the United States or the Arab region on the other hand with fierce media attacks, where several papers are used as buffers, Among them is the sectarian escalation paper as one of the most prominent means of confronting such projects.
The leaders of the armed factions are anticipating any possibilities of openness to the Arab Gulf states with fiery statements aimed at sectarian escalation. On June 14, 2020, the leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, Qais Khazali, said, “The Gulf project, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is one of the projects that I want it from. The destruction of the country, "attributing this to the" lack of acceptance of the existence of a political system in Iraq governed by the Shiite majority, "a metaphor that the leaders of the militias linked to Iran have often repeated in their attempts to sectarian polarization and limit Iraq's relations with Iran.
Khazali had accused Israel, the United States and the UAE of trying to cause chaos and internal strife, during the Iraqi uprising of October 2019, which is the media discourse that all pro-Iranian media tools followed in the face of the demonstrations calling for political reform and holding the corrupt accountable.
Parliament is a major obstacle
Observers point out that these forces will face the opening of Iraq to any country outside the axis of Iran, by blocking any potential agreements in the Iraqi parliament, where it has sufficient influence to block any agreements outside Iranian hegemony.
Military targets
In another context, observers are likely to use these factions to hint at military targeting of any potential projects for Iraq with the Arab Gulf states or America, as the military operations that these groups launch against the American columns, even if they are withdrawn, give a clear impression that those armed forces that are proposing Speech hostile to America and the Gulf states, they will not object to aiming their guns at any potential Gulf projects in Iraq.
Tehran's investment in obstructing the security of Iraq
In the context, observers point out that targeting US interests with Katyusha missiles goes beyond an attempt to provoke Washington or draw it into a conflict on the ground, to an attempt to provoke security tensions that prevent the emergence of a safe investment environment and impede investments outside the framework of companies that represent fronts for Iranian interests and Iraqi militias linked to them.
This is what the head of the Independent Research Group, Munqith Dagher, pointed out, saying that "targeting US interests with missiles is an attempt by Iran's arms to make the investment environment insecure for companies outside its influence," noting that "this matter is what pushes the Arab Gulf states to rethink Before entering the line of economic partnerships with Iraq. "
He added to "The Independent Arabia" that "Iran is trying to restore the scene of the years 2006 and 2007 in Iraq, which destroyed the country's economy and its social fabric, making it easier for armed groups to control these areas and keeping Arab countries away from establishing economic, political and security partnerships with it."
Dagher added, "Iran's most prominent investment in Iraq was in the field of obstructing the security file, and since it cannot play the role of an economic partner, it is resorting to security escalation," noting that "Iran relies on sectarian and security escalation to obstruct any openness to the Arab Gulf states." ".
State media assumptions
It seems that what constitutes the first gesture that enables any Iraqi prime minister to block the attempts of Tehran's arms to thwart Baghdad's efforts to open up to any country outside the Iranian axis, which focus on the seriousness or lack of seriousness of the Arab Gulf states and America in playing a role in the investment issue inside Iraq, and helping the Iraqi state To build a sober economy and to make investment partnerships with it.
On economic relations with the United States, Habib affirmed that "the armed factions are actively promoting hypotheses, among them that the American General Electric Company has not succeeded in supplying Iraq with the energy it needs despite its commitment to several decades," noting that "the media of the factions focuses on accusation The American company avoids talking about corruption and waste of money files in the Ministry of Electricity.
He concluded by saying that "the battle is mainly informational, but the achievements on the ground will block the way to any systematic propaganda campaigns for these groups," noting that "the biggest challenge is the success of Iraq and its new friends in the region in proving their ability to build economic partnerships and not be satisfied with political meetings."
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Today at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Today at 8:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Today at 8:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Today at 7:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Today at 7:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Today at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Today at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Today at 7:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Today at 7:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Today at 7:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Today at 7:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Today at 7:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Today at 7:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Today at 7:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Today at 7:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Today at 7:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Today at 7:28 am by Rocky
» utube 5/4/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - No Float of Exchange Rate - Budget -2024 - Schedules -
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» utube MM&C 5/7/24 Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - Regional Trade - A Progession of Reforms - A Global Bac
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission told Al-Sabah: We are the people’s eyes on the government and s
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Provincial Council: The capital is facing a new urban and service phase
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Customs, security and economic aspects
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Central Governor: We face “increasing challenges” in complying with international laws
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Payment of end-of-service benefits to employees referred to retirement for the month of May
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Billions “evaporated”.. What is the truth about closing the “theft of the century” file in Diyala?
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Labor approves the extinguishment of debts owed by transgressors from the families o
Today at 4:43 am by Rocky
» How did Washington comment on Nechirvan Barzani's visit to Tehran?
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» The honeymoon is over and the salary crisis continues. Baghdad and Erbil exchange accusations, but s
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Why has Iraq not submitted a file to stop burning gas over the past years?
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» A slight increase in the exchange rate...more than 146 thousand per 100 dollars
Today at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Do Iraq's debts pose a threat to the economy? Parliament answers
Today at 4:37 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Today at 4:36 am by Rocky
» President Masoud Barzani meets an Iraqi parliamentary delegation
Today at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary criticism of the government’s delay in sending the budget schedules despite the approa
Today at 4:33 am by Rocky
» A report reveals the existence of an undeclared “Iraqi-British” agreement regarding asylum seekers
Today at 4:32 am by Rocky
» Alternative energy... advanced stages of the largest solar energy station in Iraq
Today at 4:31 am by Rocky
» Its delay raised concerns... it is likely that the 2024 budget schedules will be approved today
Today at 4:30 am by Rocky
» The industry reveals the reasons why Russian companies stopped reconstructing 7 factories in Anbar
Today at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Billions evaporated.. What is the truth about closing the theft of the century file in Diyala?
Today at 4:28 am by Rocky
» Nouri Al-Maliki to the Saudi Ambassador: Iraq is open to all countries of the world
Today at 4:26 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi generation that “does not fear” America and Iran.. Nadim Al-Jabri explains his expectations
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» After 9 years.. the third session of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between Iraq and A
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» “These are our goals.” The Turkish President talks about his visit to Iraq last month
Today at 4:21 am by Rocky
» Romanowski: The Iraqi judiciary is independent and the Federal Court seeks to consolidate democracy
Today at 4:19 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The presidency of Parliament will remain vacant until the end of the current session
Today at 4:17 am by Rocky
» Political: The Iraqi economy is threatened by American hegemony because of the coordination administ
Today at 4:16 am by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi will not become Speaker of Parliament
Today at 4:15 am by Rocky
» Planning reveals the mechanism for examining gold in local markets
Today at 4:14 am by Rocky
» Including railway connectivity and water shares... Iraq and Iran are discussing a number of common i
Today at 4:12 am by Rocky
» Oil is preparing to export gas oil after achieving self-sufficiency
Today at 4:11 am by Rocky
» Trade is preparing to hold a number of specialized exhibitions in Baghdad and the provinces
Today at 4:09 am by Rocky
» Erdogan: Our goal is to raise the volume of trade with Iraq to more than 20 billion dollars
Today at 4:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani confirms Iraq's openness to fruitful partnerships with French companies
Today at 4:07 am by Rocky
» Determining the launch date for the activities of the 48th session of the Baghdad International Fair
Today at 4:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Today at 4:05 am by Rocky
» utube 5/3/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar Update - Expectation - Implementation - Activation - New Exchange Rat
Yesterday at 7:30 am by Rocky
» “Services” asks the Central Bank about billions of foreign banks in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:27 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Iraqi banks still face challenges in complying with international laws and standards
Yesterday at 7:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: The Central Bank offers hard currency to “mafias” on a golden platter.. The Suda
Yesterday at 7:20 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Central Auction witnesses a rise in foreign remittances to $267 million
Yesterday at 7:19 am by Rocky
» Wednesday.. The session to elect the President of the Iraqi Parliament is heading towards “Al-Issawi
Yesterday at 7:14 am by Rocky
» The Union of Arab Banks proposes 4 “important” points for Iraqi banks to meet compliance standards
Yesterday at 7:12 am by Rocky
» In the document... the Central Bank decides to return the “Al-Mal” Bank to work... in this case
Yesterday at 7:08 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi-American agreements and cooperation were the most prominent topics of Al-Araji and Romanow
Yesterday at 7:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim meets a joint delegation of resolve and sovereignty and renews the call to hold a session t
Yesterday at 7:05 am by Rocky
» Nearly one billion dinars were recovered and 3 million liters of fuel intended for smuggling in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani and the European Union ambassador discuss issues of economic partnerships, civil aviation,
Yesterday at 6:59 am by Rocky
» More than 950 million dinars... petroleum products announced their recovery
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Forming a committee to follow up on stopping the sale of the dollar to travelers
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Justice visits Al-Muthanna Governorate to discuss mechanisms for developing judicial
Yesterday at 6:52 am by Rocky
» Agriculture: Farmers who were affected by the recent rains will be compensated
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed issues a warning regarding applying for advances and loans
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Yesterday at 5:24 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed warns of offices and pages claiming to promote the Salaf
Yesterday at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Adviser to the Prime Minister: There are no conflicts in the route of the Baghdad Metro
Yesterday at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are keen to develop the work of the TBI Bank and address the problems it faces
Yesterday at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Yesterday at 5:17 am by Rocky
» “The shocks have changed.” The Governor of the Central Bank explains the impact of the openness of I
Yesterday at 5:16 am by Rocky
» The President of the Association of Private Banks sends an “important” invitation to the Central Ban
Yesterday at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: The Iraqi banking sector has witnessed significant qualitative developments in response to
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» On behalf of Al-Sudani, the Minister of Planning sponsors the signing ceremony of a memorandum of un
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Travel Companies Association participates in the Arab Travel Market Exhibition
Yesterday at 5:10 am by Rocky