US and Iraq Agree on New Chapter in Bilateral Relationship Despite Security Concerns

Strategic Insights -

US President Barack Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at the White House on Monday, marking a significant shift in their countries' relationship. As the US prepares to withdraw its troops from Iraq, Obama emphasized the importance of establishing a "normal relationship between sovereign nations, an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect." However, experts warn that Iraq may face security challenges following the US pullout, with some predicting that internal tensions between Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish groups could escalate into violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and Iraq have agreed to establish a new, formal channel of communication between their national security advisors.
  • Iraqi forces have been in the lead for the better part of the past three years, patrolling the streets, dismantling militias, and conducting counterterrorism operations.
  • Despite the progress, Iraq remains "deeply troubled, and retains the potential to cause great harm to the rest" of the Gulf region, according to Kenneth Pollack, director of Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution.
  • The US is maintaining its interests in Iraq through a huge embassy in Baghdad, which houses around 15,000 people, and arms sales to the Iraqi armed forces.
  • The US has notified Congress for a second batch of 18 F-16 warplanes to be sold to Iraq.
  • President Obama has warned that "other nations must not interfere in Iraq" and that the US will "never waver in defense of our allies, our partners, or our interests."

Statistics:

  • The US embassy in Baghdad houses around 15,000 people.
  • The US has sold 18 F-16 fighters to Iraq and is notifying Congress for a second batch of 18 F-16 warplanes.
  • Violence remains at record lows in Iraq, according to President Obama.
  • Iraq consists of 70% Shia, 20% Sunni, and 9% Kurdish populations.
  • The US has a huge presence in the Middle East, with around 30,000 troops stationed in the region.
  • The US has a significant influence in Iraq, with 90% of the country's oil exports going through the US.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX
  • Congressional testimony by Kenneth Pollack, director of Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution
  • Brookings Institution
  • White House Press Conference by President Barack Obama
  • Xinhua News Agency