American Center: Al-Sudani takes a balanced approach in foreign relations

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[size=52]American Center: Al-Sudani takes a balanced approach in foreign relations[/size]

[size=45]Translated by: Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]An American Center for Studies expected that Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani would adopt a balanced approach in foreign relations, calling on the United States to urge neighboring Arab countries to continue economic projects with Iraq, especially in the electricity sector to reduce dependence on Iran.[/size]
[size=45]A report by the Arab Center for Studies in Washington, translated by (Al-Mada), stated that “Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani, although he is supported by parties that lean more towards Iran, is likely to follow the approach of balance in Iraq’s foreign relations.”[/size]
[size=45]And the report continued, "This will include maintaining friendly relations with both Iran and the United States, while also ensuring that bridges of communication with other countries of the Arab world are maintained, which his predecessor worked to build." While he referred to “attempts by Iran and its allies in Iraq to force Al-Sudani to distance Iraq from the United States and its Arab surroundings,” he went back to clarifying that “Al-Sudani is likely to resist such pressure as much as possible.”[/size]
[size=45]The report emphasized, "The Iraqi Prime Minister believes that following a balanced foreign policy is necessary to preserve the country's independence, support its troubled economy, and prevent the threat of ISIS terrorist gangs from re-emerging."[/size]
[size=45]But he came back to show that “any Iraqi prime minister is likely to have a friendly relationship with Iran, given the deep commercial and religious ties that developed between the two countries after 2003.”[/size]
[size=45]The report promised, “Iraq is the second largest market for exports of Iranian products, and Baghdad has also relied for a long time on the electric energy it imports from Iran and gas for its power stations.”[/size]
[size=45]He stated, "This is a fact recognized by Washington, and as a result, Iraq is granted exemptions from the sanctions imposed on Iran to meet its electricity needs."[/size]
[size=45]He noted that "former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, who was considered close to the United States, had maintained stable relations with it and even visited Tehran."[/size]
[size=45]The report pointed out that, "Decision-makers in the United States, although they hoped to keep Al-Kazemi in his position, are now sending signals that they want to establish a close relationship with Al-Sudani, who was warmly welcomed."[/size]
[size=45]And he added, "Al-Sudani, on October 17, before his official inauguration as prime minister, met with the US ambassador to Iraq, Elena Romanowski, and expressed his desire to strengthen the joint strategic framework agreement with the United States."[/size]
[size=45]The report quoted Al-Sudani as looking forward to “strengthening cooperation in the security field, with the United States continuing to provide support and advice to the Iraqi security forces.”[/size]
[size=45]And the report said, "This position does not indicate that there is an intention to get rid of the US role in Iraq in response to Tehran's desire."[/size]
[size=45]He stressed, "The Iraqi prime minister seems to realize that if the American trainers and advisors withdraw, this will not be in the interest of the Iraqi forces in their war against ISIS."[/size]
[size=45]The report stressed that "the Iraqi army still needs to develop and improve its capabilities to be able to confront the enemy by itself."[/size]
[size=45]He warned, "One of Al-Sudani's promises when he became prime minister is to ensure the reconstruction of the areas affected by the war against ISIS."[/size]
[size=45]The report finds, "This can only be achieved if the organization is not able to re-emerge in those areas."[/size]
[size=45]He added, "United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made a phone call on the third of last month, congratulating al-Sudani on assuming his post."[/size]
[size=45]And the report stated, “Blinken confirmed that Washington is eager to work with the Sudanese government to improve human rights, fight corruption, increase opportunities for economic cooperation, address the problem of electric power, stop importing it, and climate change problems as well.”[/size]
[size=45]The report quoted, "The US Secretary of State pledged the United States to continue supporting Iraq to achieve a permanent defeat of the terrorist organization ISIS."[/size]
[size=45]And he continues, “The first foreign official visit that the Sudanese made after assuming power was to the neighboring country, Jordan, not Iran.”[/size]
[size=45]And the report continues, “The governor of Anbar has met with King Abdullah and other Jordanian officials to reassure them that the previous agreements, which were signed with the previous government on laying pipelines and electrical connections, will remain valid.”[/size]
[size=45]And he recommends, “The wisdom of American officials obliges them to continue to give al-Sudani enough space and time as he charts his balanced approach in his foreign relations.”[/size]
[size=45]He went on to say, "The new prime minister is smart enough to maneuver his regional political relations, despite being supported by parties close to Iran in parliament."[/size]
[size=45]At the same time, the report called on American officials to encourage the Arab countries neighboring Iraq to continue their contacts with al-Sudani and his new government.[/size]
[size=45]And he demanded, “American officials also urge Arab countries to continue the economic projects that Al-Kazemi started with, which would make Iraq less dependent on Iran, especially in terms of electricity.”[/size]
[size=45]And the report went on, “What is required now is to give Al-Sudani enough time and space to proceed with both internal reforms and foreign policy issues, while continuing to support Iraq politically and economically, despite concerns and fears about Al-Sudani’s position, which is supposed to be in favor of Iran.”[/size]
[size=45]About: The website of the Arab Center for Studies in Washington[/size]
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