Analysis: Iran without Iraq will be isolated

[yota691]

Analysis: Iran without Iraq will be isolated

 

Free / Subtitles - Washington

December 15, 2020

 

 

The Popular Mobilization Forces is one of the most prominent pro-Iranian militias in Iraq

"Without Iraq, Iran would remain effectively isolated," said Andrew Beck, a researcher at the Atlantic Council, in an analysis published by the National Interest magazine about Iran's influence in Iraq, which he considered a reason to strengthen Tehran's network of alliances in the region.

The writer who worked in the US State Department specializing in Iran and Iraq affairs, believes that the continued presence of the US embassy in Iraq is an important tool in confronting Iranian influence in this country.

An American soldier guards the US embassy building in Baghdad

Despite the reduction in the number of workers at the US embassy in Baghdad, its continued presence is considered strategic, with the presence of a superpower representation there, and even with the skirmishes that occur every period, but the threat from the Shiite militias has retreated from what it was in past years.

The analysis indicates that the American challenge in the Middle East during the coming period will be to achieve stability for the region and the Gulf states, Washington's allies against Iranian hegemony, which Tehran seeks to impose in any situation or "vacuum" it feels in the region.

The writer says that Iran, despite the crises it is suffering from, is still stronger with the support of its allies than its Arab opponents, especially since Russia is on its side, and leaving it without deterrence in the region, may push the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, to adapt what Iran can impose in the region, and allow It has control over the waters of the Gulf, which means that Tehran will become the major controller of the oil market and industry.

Iranian forces seize a ship in international waters

The writer affirms that Iran's influence in Iraq is the most important for it to achieve its goals in the region, as it has "tactical and operational control" there that enables it to transfer weapons and fighters between Syria, Iraq and Iran, not to mention that it uses it as a battlefield to extend its political influence, which is the only place it sees itself in A confrontation with a superpower such as the United States.

During the coming weeks, the United States expects difficult weeks before the transfer of power to the new administration in the White House, especially with Washington adopting a strategy of "maximum pressure" on Iran.

Even with the approaching first anniversary of the killing of the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Qassem Soleimani, the United States will withdraw hundreds of soldiers from Iraq and will keep only 500 soldiers there, and it is counting on the NATO forces there, which will not stand idly by in the event of threats On the American forces, according to Central Command Commander Frank Mackenzie recently.

[danielchu]

Ending of the auctions would crimp the iranians like never before!