Tehran-aligned agents in Baghdad strangling pro-U.S. Kurds
Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi (Iranian state media)
According to Republican foreign policy leaders, Iraq is on the brink of losing itself to Iran as Tehran-aligned elements in Baghdad’s government suffocate the pro-U.S. Kurdish population. This dire situation has caught the attention of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who penned a letter to the White House, expressing their concerns and urging action.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has been a steadfast ally of the United States in the Middle East. However, it is now facing economic strangulation, political and legal pressure, and military threats from Iran and its proxies in Baghdad. The KRG’s semi-autonomous region in Northern Iraq is where the majority of American forces are stationed, making it a crucial source of support for the U.S. Yet, Iran is systematically dismantling the Kurdish government to eliminate this support and further its own interests.
Iran’s increasing influence over Baghdad’s ruling regime has allowed it to exploit Iraq and use it as a platform to expand its illicit oil trade, worth billions of dollars. The Biden administration’s reluctance to confront Iranian meddling has emboldened Tehran, leading to a surge in its influence operations. Meanwhile, Turkey, a key trading partner of Iran, has closed an oil pipeline used by the Kurds, severely impacting the KRG’s finances and global crude supply. This move has also enabled Iran to boost its own heavily-sanctioned oil exports, which the Biden administration has turned a blind eye to in its pursuit of a revamped nuclear accord.
Representative Michael Waltz, along with other Republican lawmakers, warns that Iraq is on the verge of being lost to Iran. He emphasizes the need for the Biden administration to address the blockade of the Kurdish allies and the escalating Iranian oil smuggling, which fuels terrorism and jeopardizes regional stability.
The KRG, with its own oil exports reduced to almost zero, is struggling to survive and is beginning to question the benefits of its alliance with the United States. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has expressed his concerns to President Joe Biden, fearing that the ongoing campaign against the Kurds may lead to the collapse of the Federal Iraq model that the U.S. supported since 2003.
Despite these pleas, the Biden administration’s approach in Iraq remains unchanged, frustrating Republican lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. They urge President Biden to take decisive action to end the mistreatment of Iraqi Kurds and the KRG by Iran-aligned elements in Iraq. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken has voiced support for the Kurds, his department has made little effort to reopen the vital Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline and rescue the Kurdish government from financial collapse.
The lawmakers emphasize the need for a new Iraq strategy that addresses the crisis and prioritizes the well-being of the Kurdish allies.
What specific actions has Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani taken to undermine the Kurdish population in Iraq and further Iran’s regional ambitions?
As a proxy to further its regional ambitions. The close ties between Tehran and certain factions within the Iraqi government have created a hostile environment for pro-U.S. Kurds in the country.
One of the key figures in this Tehran-aligned effort is Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. Al Sudani, known for his close ties with Iran, has been instrumental in implementing policies that undermine the Kurdish population. Under his leadership, the Kurdish region has faced economic strangulation through the imposition of hefty taxes on oil exports. These taxes have depleted the KRG’s finances and hindered its ability to provide basic services to its citizens.
Moreover, the pro-U.S. Kurds in Iraq have also been subjected to political and legal pressure. Dissenting voices within the Kurdish government have been silenced or imprisoned, while the ruling regime has forcefully imposed its policies on the Kurdish population. This blatant disregard for the rights and autonomy of the Kurdish people is directly linked to Iran’s desire to undermine American influence in the region.
In addition to economic and political pressure, pro-U.S. Kurds in Iraq are facing military threats from Iran and its proxies. The Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a paramilitary group formed to fight against ISIS, have been increasingly targeting Kurdish areas. These attacks not only disrupt the stability and security of the region but also aim to weaken the pro-U.S. Kurds and diminish their influence.
The situation has alarmed the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which recognizes the strategic importance of the Kurdish region and its role in supporting American efforts in the Middle East. In their letter to the White House, the committee urges immediate action to address the plight of the pro-U.S. Kurds and counter Iran’s growing influence in Iraq.
It is essential for the United States to stand by its Kurdish allies and support their aspirations for autonomy, democracy, and stability. The U.S. has a vested interest in ensuring that pro-U.S. Kurds are not suffocated or eliminated by Tehran-aligned elements within the Baghdad government. Failing to protect and support the Kurds would not only undermine U.S. credibility in the region but also allow Iran to further consolidate its control and dominance in Iraq.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s letter serves as a wake-up call for the White House to take proactive measures in support of the pro-U.S. Kurds in Iraq. Diplomatic pressure, economic aid, and military assistance should be considered to bolster the Kurdish region and help it withstand Iran’s attacks on its autonomy. Additionally, the U.S. should engage in diplomatic efforts to address the Iranian influence within the Baghdad government, working towards a more inclusive and representative political landscape that protects the rights of all Iraqis.
In conclusion, the Tehran-aligned elements within Baghdad’s government are systematically strangling pro-U.S. Kurds in Iraq, posing a significant threat to American interests and stability in the region. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s concerns and call for action to address this dire situation should not be taken lightly. It is imperative for the United States to step up its support for the pro-U.S. Kurds and counter Iran’s influence in Iraq to ensure the long-term security and stability of the region.
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