Why Washington's efforts to weaken Iran's influence in Iraq may be doomed to fail
BEHIND THE LINES: The United States seems to be looking for short-term quiet in return for a tacit acknowledgment of Iran’s ascendant position in Iraq.
US Middle East envoy Tom Barrack met with Faiq Zaidan, the president of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, multiple times in the last month. Barrack emphasized the importance of strong, independent judicial institutions and deeper cooperation between legal systems. However, the meetings may not have focused on legal matters. Zaidan is a key player in the pro-Iran structure in Iraq, and the US is seeking to curb militia influence in the country.
Despite the US's efforts, there are divisions among Iran's servants in Iraq, and some factions appear to be engaged in a charade to avoid conflict with the US.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
