After the new Iraqi government, led by Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, won the confidence of the parliament, attention in the next phase is focused on Baghdad’s vision of cooperation with Washington, as the administration of President Joe Biden is interested in “Iraq is a center. for stability in the Middle East.”
Prime Minister designate @Die_Morocco Affirmed that the maintenance of security is the mainstay of any economic reform, and expressed the desire of the future government to strengthen the relationship with the United States of America, in addition to security cooperation, to include economic, cultural, scientific and other aspects . pic.twitter.com/vYBbizoSoL
— Media Office of the Prime Minister 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) October 25, 2022
And Jennifer Gavito, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, confirmed in an interview with the Al-Hurra channel that the United States “will not abandon Iraq”, and that Washington sees Baghdad as a “strategic partner ” regard.
She said: “We have an ambitious agenda in Iraq, and we see it as a strategic partner for America, and we see a partner in the new Iraqi government.”
However, the new Iraqi government may not consider the partnership with Washington “too urgent,” according to political analyst Ahmed Hussein.
Hussein told Al-Hurra that “the parties that formed the Iraqi government are known for their continued hostility towards the United States, and some of them can also be considered a full-fledged Iranian arm in the country.”
Prime minister @Die_Morocco Today, Saturday, he receives the American ambassador in Iraq @USAmbIraq Wherein it conveyed the congratulations of the American Government to His Excellency on the occasion of the acceptance of his duties, the formation of the new Government, and the obtaining of the confidence of the House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/uMvTQcPmJz
— Media Office of the Prime Minister 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) October 29, 2022
The forces of the coordination framework of the Shiite forces, known for short as “the framework”, formed the new Iraqi government, and its head, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, previously belonged to the State of Law Coalition led by Nuri al-Maliki, who nominated several ministers in the government, and in the government there is a minister, Naim al-Aboudi – Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Until his appointment, he was a deputy in the Iraqi parliament of the Sadiqoun Bloc (Asa’ ib Ahl al-Haq) and a spokesman for the militia.
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Hussein adds: “It is difficult to expect a big change in the thinking of the parties that form the government just because they came to power.” This is clear and reflects the positions of the United States along the line.
The Iraqi government has not yet identified a spokesperson, but the “Al-Hurra” website tried to ask the minister of higher education, Naim Al-Aboudi, about his position on cooperation with the United States, but he got no response.
The Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, met with the US Ambassador, Alina Romanowski, before and after his government won the confidence of the Parliament.
Designated Prime Minister @Die_Morocco Receive the US Ambassador to Iraq @USAmbIraqAl-Sudani emphasized the importance of building distinct and balanced international relations, in the interest of the Iraqi people, and building bridges of cooperation with brotherly and friendly people in the local and international environments. pic.twitter.com/wqfH05MUVT
— Media Office of the Prime Minister 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) October 17, 2022
A statement from Al-Sudani’s office said on Saturday that the two sides discussed the development of relations between the two countries.
The Iraqi political analyst, Muhammad Al-Mamouri, says that “the government’s obligations are different from the obligations of the parties that form it.”
He added on Al-Hurra website, “It is expected that there will not be an exceptional separation of cooperation or a significant strengthening of relations, but most likely the relations will not deteriorate either.”
Al-Mamouri confirms, “Baghdad needs Washington militarily and security, and Washington doesn’t want Baghdad to stray too far, so the two sides will continue with a stable relationship for the most part.”
The Iraqi political and academic analyst, d. Muhammad Nana` said that the United States wants a stable Iraq, as recent data indicates.
Nanaa told Al-Hurra that “Washington has international priorities, especially regarding Ukraine, Russia and China.”
He said that the formation of the government in its current form may not be liked by Washington or not in its interest, but “it has tolerated the formation of the government in this way for the sake of stability,” noting “what happened in Iraq in terms of instability and delay in the formation of the government lasted Baghdad’s ability to make strategic decisions, including this.” increase oil production.
The US ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, confirmed earlier this month that the strategic framework agreement guides Washington’s relations with the new Iraqi government.
“Progress in achieving our common interests is important to Iraqis,” Romanowski added in a tweet.
And she continued, “an Iraq that fights corruption and creates jobs, an Iraq that is stable through strong government security institutions and free from ISIS, and an Iraq that is resilient in dealing with climate change.”
Iraq and the United States signed the Strategic Framework Agreement in 2008, which included several axes, including the regulation of the presence of American forces in the country, in addition to items related to strengthening cooperation in the economic, cultural and political fields.