Iraq replaces the United States with France and a basket of revocable memorandums of understanding

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[size=52]Iraq replaces the United States with France and a basket of revocable memorandums of understanding[/size]

[size=45]Baghdad / Tamim Al-Hassan[/size]
[size=45]The coordination framework celebrated what it described as "the largest agreement" in more than half a century that Iraq concludes with France, when in fact it is just "memorandums of understanding" according to some sources.[/size]
[size=45]The "framework" exaggerated the praise of French President Emmanuel Macron, while last year he had accused him of "interfering in Iraq's affairs."[/size]
[size=45]It is likely that the excessive description of what happened during the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani to Paris is behind concern from the United States.[/size]
[size=45]In remarks on the sidelines of the visit, Al-Sudani touched on the dollar crisis and the future of foreign forces in Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]The official media revealed that what it called the "strategic partnership" with France included 50 articles and more than 60 items.[/size]
[size=45]An informed political source told Al-Mada that "what happened in France are memorandums of understanding, meaning that they are the beginnings of a partnership."[/size]
[size=45]The source, who asked not to be named, added: "The memorandums of understanding are subject to the mood of the political equation that controlled that period. If this equation changes at a later time, these understandings may be canceled or not completed."[/size]
[size=45]He asserts, "The political instability in Iraq is what prevents countries from concluding long-term agreements and contenting themselves with memorandums of understanding, on the basis of which the situation is evaluated."[/size]
[size=45]And previous memorandums of understanding were concluded by former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi in 2021 with 27 billion dollars with France in energy and transportation projects that no one is talking about anymore.[/size]
[size=45]The well-informed source indicated that "the exaggeration of the size of the visit and the reference to many clauses of the partnership with France is due to the concern of an imminent clash with the United States."[/size]
[size=45]It is likely that the source "coordinating framework is thinking of finding another country to reach an understanding with it or a gateway to the United States, which is still not reassuring to deal so far with the Shiite coalition."[/size]
[size=45]Yesterday, Saturday, Prime Minister Muhammad al-Sudani concluded a two-day visit to the French capital, Paris, in 8 foreign tours by the prime minister since he assumed power less than 100 days ago.[/size]
[size=45]The media office of the Prime Minister said in a statement that "Al-Sudani concluded his visit to France after the visit witnessed the signing of the strategic partnership agreement between Iraq and France, which included more than 50 items for cooperation and exchange in various fields."[/size]
[size=45]The statement added that «the visit included the signing of a number of memorandums of understanding in combating corruption and recovering Iraqi funds, protecting antiquities, supporting scientific research and training diplomats».[/size]
[size=45]The statement pointed out, "The visit also witnessed meetings with a number of representatives of major French companies in the sectors of energy, transportation, military armament and infrastructure."[/size]
[size=45]The timing of the visit comes as Iraq is facing an unprecedented crisis in the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar and threats of new protests against monetary policy.[/size]
[size=45]Last Wednesday, protesters gave the government one week before returning to sit in front of the Central Bank to protest the rise of the dollar.[/size]
[size=45]The platforms and bloggers of the coordination framework, similar to a unified discourse, repeated information about the details of the understandings with Paris and a lot of praise for President Macron.[/size]
[size=45]Some bloggers said that the French President "violated diplomatic traditions" during the visit to welcome the Sudanese and showed unprecedented hospitality in receiving the Prime Minister.[/size]
[size=45]These same platforms had criticized Macron's welcome and relationship with former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, due to the latter's previous positions.[/size]
[size=45]Qais Khazali, the leader of the League, said at a dialogue conference held in Baghdad last year, that "the French president intervened directly and contacted the Iraqi leaders to mediate by choosing Al-Kazemi."[/size]
[size=45]He added, "We reject French interference in Iraqi affairs," noting that "some time ago, during the current government, it took more space and a role than its own, by investing in its relationship with personalities and statesmen."[/size]
[size=45]Khazali then threatened Paris and said: "The French presidency must correct its position before there are repercussions towards France after the formation of the government (meaning the Sudanese government before its formation)."[/size]
[size=45]Prior to the visit, information had been received by (Al-Mada) that it was likely that the visit would include behind the scenes, talking about the "dollar crisis" and negotiating the presence of foreign forces, and Iraq's offer of mediation between opposing countries.[/size]
[size=45]During the prime minister's presence in Paris, he said in press statements that "Iraq does not need foreign combat forces, but rather cooperation with the international coalition led by the United States or with countries outside the international coalition in the field of combating terrorism and ensuring stability and security."[/size]
[size=45]Regarding the international mediation file, Al-Sudani confirmed during his televised interview with a group of French channels that “since the first day we started our work, we were keen to play the role of rapprochement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Arab brothers in order to perpetuate rapprochement and understanding, leading to security and reducing tensions in the region.” Region".[/size]
[size=45]And between «we got assurances from these countries, and we are continuing the efforts. There is a keenness of the two countries to resume these meetings under the auspices of Iraq, and soon we will contribute to achieving a meeting in Baghdad.[/size]
[size=45]As for the dollar crisis, the prime minister hinted at the government's desire to negotiate with the United States in this regard.[/size]
[size=45]Al-Sudani said that "a delegation headed by the foreign minister and a group of specialists will visit Washington, carrying several files with him."[/size]
[size=45]And he indicated that one of these files “will be dealt with with the US Federal Bank and the Treasury Department, to find out the repercussions of applying the standards set by the US Treasury in a way that guarantees the desired goal of all parties.”[/size]
[size=45]On the other hand, observers believe that the economic crisis is one of the drivers of the visit to France, according to Ihsan al-Shammari, head of the Center for Political Thinking.[/size]
[size=45]And he adds in an interview with (Al-Mada) that «the government wants to find a new Western equivalent that will be effective inside Iraq and a gateway to the European Union».[/size]
[size=45]And the researcher in the political affairs indicates that «France took advantage of the American retreat in the region and expanded in the region, and Iraq picked up the French desire for expansion».[/size]
[size=45]Al-Shammari indicated that "France has long-standing cooperation with Iraq since the days of the former regime, especially in concluding arms deals with Baghdad."[/size]
[size=45]The researcher pointed out that "the political crisis pushes Iraq to search for any space to invest in Iraq, which will have important repercussions on the economic file."[/size]
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