Unjustified haste in al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington… Issues need to be resolved before he leaves Baghdad
Many issues still require fundamental solutions, including restructuring internal affairs, unifying positions, formulating policies, and completing the cabinet before the Prime Minister’s trip from Baghdad to Washington. Criticism has mounted regarding al-Zaidi’s anticipated visit to the United States, given the existence of thorny issues that need clarification and a review of their effectiveness, particularly concerning the security agreement with the US administration and the ongoing dictates from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, some political figures have urged the Prime Minister to postpone the visit.
Former Minister Zuhair al-Jalabi told Al-Maalouma, “The United States assisted in the fall of Mosul in 2014, as well as the Speicher massacre, and seeks to keep the security and military apparatus in Iraq weak.”
He added, “America has conditions for Iraq, namely the disarmament of factions before Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington, which is completely illogical while the foreign occupation continues in Iraq.”
He explained that “a visit to America is not a pilgrimage to Mecca, a fact that should be taken into account by al-Zaidi’s hesitation in undertaking this visit, given the American conditions and Washington’s well-known intentions toward Iraq.”
On another note, MP Hussein Saheb confirmed to Al-Maalomah that “the security agreement between Baghdad and Washington has become ineffective and no longer aligns with the requirements of the current phase and the security and political developments in Iraq and the region.”
He continued, “The recent changes necessitate a comprehensive review of the agreement’s clauses or the adoption of a clear stance regarding them, one that preserves Iraq’s sovereignty, strengthens its independent security decision-making, and ensures that any agreements are compatible with the requirements of the current phase.”
He pointed out that “any security understandings must prioritize Iraq’s interests and be consistent with the new reality in the region, in order to achieve security and stability and preserve national sovereignty.”
In a related matter, MP Mohammed al-Hasnawi, from the Rights Bloc in Parliament, explained to Al-Maalomah that “the United States is dealing with Iraq with duplicity,” noting that “the weakness of the Iraqi negotiating position allows figures like Barak and others to impose their views on Iraq.”
He added that “Iraq needs a strong negotiator who believes in the country’s unity, stability, and the preservation of its resources,” stressing that “a cohesive negotiating position will prevent any party from interfering in Iraqi affairs or imposing its will.”
He pointed out that “leaving matters wide open allowed Barak and others to manipulate Iraqi affairs,” considering this to be “one of the reasons that prompted the Rights Movement to adopt an opposition stance within the Iraqi government.”
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is scheduled to travel to Washington on July 16 for an official visit, at a time when many issues remain unresolved, particularly those related to the cabinet. This increases concerns about American interference in such matters, in addition to its interventions in security, political, and economic affairs.
Almaalomah.me