Iraq Seeks Regional Balance

What was the objective behind al-Ebadi’s presence in Iran as his first regional state visit?

After the visits made by al-Ebadi to New York in order to participate in the UN General Assembly and the Security Council and meet with US officials, his first regional visit was to Iran because Iran is the most influential country in Iraq, having helped this country in its fight against ISIS. Although Iraq was interested in Iran’s participation in the anti-terrorism coalition, it could not succeed in this matter because this issue was out of its control. Of course, this visit would not mean that Iraq considers Iran as the only regional power. Contrary to Maleki, al-Ebadi maintains a regional balance with regard to its relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries. Iran also encourages Iraq to maintain this regional balance although it may not be in its own interests. Al-Ebadi’s performance during this period with regard to the army, the popular forces in the army who fight against ISIS and also relations with the Middle East countries and the sensitivity of the Sunnis has been positive. This is contrary to Maleki’s improper performance in his second term.

Some believe that al-Ebadi’s visit to Iran proved the US’ mistake regarding the absence of Iran in the coalition. Al-Ebadi had previously warned the coalition about Iran’s absence. Could this visit be defined along this line?

It cannot accurately be said that this visit was aimed at this objective. Following al-Ebadi’s meeting with Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf, the objective of this visit was stated to be cooperation and resistance against ISIS and there was no mention of a coalition. The aim of this visit was collaboration, which is natural. Iran has its own considerations with regard to the coalition. These considerations are related to the presence of certain countries in the coalition which have different objectives and the issues which were discussed in the media. Therefore, Mr. al-Ebadi’s visit was aimed at stabilizing Iran’s regional power and also maintaining the balance. His future visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey will, thus, impact the region.

How would the closeness of relations between Iran and Iraq impact relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

This could be very effective. The reason is that the less tension there is in the region, the better relations would be, particularly if al-Ebadi is able to establish a balance. Iran has no problem with this issue. Even the US encouraged al-Ebadi’s visit to Iran. Furthermore, there was no criticism by the Sunnis against this visit which were previously experienced. Prior to his visit of Iran, al-Ebadi met with the provincial council and the people of al-Anbar. He explained to them that no force could replace the army and popular forces in Iraq in the fight against ISIS and warned against the problems created by the presence of the US ground forces in Iraq. On the other hand, he listened to the existing corruption in the army or other institutions and gave aid to the people of al-Anbar. This could help the understanding between the people and different groups in Iraq.

What effects would these visits have on the domestic developments in Iraq especially with regard to ISIS? The government of Iraq believes in cooperating with Iran in the fight against ISIS. Will this visit cause new measures to be taken by ISIS?

It seems that Iraq will maintain its regional balance in its relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other countries. On one hand, it would reduce the pessimism and misunderstanding which have been created in the Sunni region with regard to the spread of ISIS’ activities. On the other hand, Iran is interested in the reduction of regional sensitivities against itself so that it would be able to perform its mission in the fight against terrorism and helping democracy-seeking people. There have not been sensitivities with regard to al-Ebadi’s behavior and the Sunni-inhabited regions have been attracted to the army due to their positive analysis of him. This view of ISIS by some people in Mosul or the Sunni regions which looked at them as their saviors has now been reduced and they asked the army to be present in their region. They considered it a national issue rather than a religious one.

Following the resignation of Maleki and the coming to power of the new administration, Saudi Arabia’s approach towards Iraq changed and the embassies were opened. Is the new government capable of establishing closer relations with Tehran and Riyadh?

It seems difficult due to the existing pessimism in the region. But Saudi Arabia knows him – his father was a renowned physician – and Maleki’s resignation was important. These two factors caused Saudi Arabia to welcome al-Ebadi. I hope that this attitude would not be temporary and both countries would change their previous pessimistic attitudes towards each other and take new steps. Today Saudi media expresses an optimistic view of the new government in Iraq. Besides, any government which has come to power in Iraq has attempted to maintain its strategic relations with Iran as well.