Washington to Baghdad: The withdrawal will not be without a price...reveals the content of the Ameri

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[size=52]Washington to Baghdad: The withdrawal will not be without a price...reveals the content of the American message to Iraq[/size]

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January 26, 2024 AD - Rajab 14, 1445 AH
A convoy of American vehicles after their withdrawal from northern Syria at the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing October 2019 (Reuters)
London: Ali Al-Saray
Reliable sources revealed the content of a letter delivered by the American authorities to the Iraqi government, regarding arrangements for the withdrawal of forces. International coalition.
The message included “the method and timetable for withdrawal,” in addition to “the obligations arising from the Iraqi side,” stressing that this withdrawal, if it occurs, will not be without a price and “will not stop the deterrent attacks of armed groups loyal to Iran.” The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stated, on Wednesday night, that an “important message” had been received from Washington, and that Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani would study it carefully.[/size]
[size=45]The sources explained, “Washington does not mind moving to a new phase of bilateral relations, but withdrawing forces (by any means) will not stop the deterrent attacks on the activity of pro-Iranian armed groups, as long as they contribute to destabilizing the security and stability of the region.”[/size]
[size=45]Al-Sudani shared “important aspects” of the American message with leaders in the “Coordinating Framework” coalition, including “confirming that American strikes will not stop against the factions,” according to what the sources reported. The letter indicated that “the expected technical negotiations to arrange the withdrawal will not be easy and quick, and will take the time necessary to ensure that all files related to this presence are settled.”[/size]
[size=45]According to the sources, “Washington encouraged Baghdad during the letter to understand and realize the consequences of the withdrawal, including the financial and economic obligations that bind the two countries.”[/size]
[size=45]Iraq has deposited its oil revenues in a bank account controlled by the US Treasury since 2003, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution No. 1483, which was intended to “help Iraq manage its resources in a transparent manner.”[/size]
[size=45]Since the American message reached the government offices in Baghdad, political forces have been active in intense dialogue, in an attempt to understand the appropriate way to deal with “this sudden step.” Three informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that “an influential Shiite party within the (coordination framework) is now trying to convince the factions involved in the field escalation against the Americans to back off a little.”[/size]
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