When Iraq’s prime minister traveled to Washington in the spring, he hoped to negotiate a much-needed economic development package and discuss shared strategic interests with the United States, one of his country’s most important international allies.
Both the United States and Iran have long held sway in Iraq.
But since the war between the U.S. ally Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas broke out in Gaza almost 10 months ago, they are increasingly at odds.
With regards to Iraq, one of the most contentious issues is the continued presence of 2,500 American troops on Iraqi soil.
Over the past 20 months, Iran has used its considerable influence to try to persuade the Iraqis to push those forces out, and if it succeeds, it would give Tehran even more say over Iraqi policies.
Persons:
Mohammed Shia, Israel
Locations:
Washington, United States, Iran, Israel, Tehran, Iraq, Gaza