August 5th, 2008 by Sarah

Bitter Lemons, Rana Sabbagh-Gargour, Reza Molavi, Ariabarzan Mohammadighalehtaki, Ahmet O. Evin, and  Ghassan Attiyah debate Iran’s increasing influence in Iraqi politics.

Reza Molavi and Ariabarzan Mohammadighalehtaki explain why a stable Iraq is in Iran’s best interests and outline how Iran has contributed to the relative calm in Iraq. “It was Iran that advised Muqtada al-Sadr to dissolve the Mahdi army, thereby preventing a major clash between it and the Iraqi armed forces. Later, when the Baghdad operation took place and supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr refused to give up their guns, once again it was Iranian mediation efforts that saved the day and stopped escalation of the conflict in Sadr City.”

According to Ahmet O. Evin, Turkey has played an important role in fostering stability in Iraq, realizing its benefits to Turkey’s domestic security. However, because Iran has been able to capitalize on the rising sectarian divisions in Iraq by exerting influence on the Shi’ite communities, the question of Iran’s influence on Iraqi policies toward the north may pose challenges to Turkey’s efforts.

For the full debate, click here.

Posted in Iran, Iraq, Turkey |