Opinion | Editorials
Al Maliki must be transparent on US plan
Before allaying the fears of Iran, Iraq's prime minister should listen to his people
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:36 June 9, 2008
The visit by the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to Iran is aimed at assuring Tehran that the planned US-Iraq security agreement would not be used to facilitate a future attack on the Islamic republic.
Al Maliki might be sincere in his rejection of any plan to use Iraqi territory as a launch pad by the US to attack Iran. But if there was a plan as such, would Al Maliki (or any future Iraqi leader) really have a say in it?
This is doubtful. Nevertheless, this is not the critical point in all this issue. Why would Al Maliki take the trouble to go to Tehran to promote the long-term agreement with the US occupation when he doesn't seem capable of selling it at home?
It is obvious that a majority of Iraqis, including Al Maliki's partners in the ruling coalition, is against the mooted pact, which should go into effect in July.
Thousands demonstrate daily to press the government to quit the negotiations. The problem with the agreement is that little is known about it. It is being negotiated "secretly", according to its critics.
The Iraqi people need to see the full picture. The agreement must be transparent and debated by the people's representatives and the concerned bodies of civic society.
Iraq has been witnessing some sort of stability lately as terror activities have decreased and militias are on the run. The situation even encouraged some regional governments into resuming diplomatic relations with Baghdad, including the UAE which announced it will send an ambassador soon. But the division in Iraq over the security agreement could very well reignite violent rebellion.
Before assuring Iran or other neighbours of any potential threat of the planned security agreement, Al Maliki needs to listen to his people.
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