Iraqi politicians divided over relations with Iran

Baghdad: Political stances in the capital have been divided over the relations between Iraq and Iran.

While the Kurdish stand seemed in favour of the Shiite religious leadership, who believe that the relationship with Iran is strategic and beneficial to Iraq, Shiites have several points of view.

The American stand mostly accuses Iran of direct interference in the political and security situation in Iraq.

Hassan Sari, Minister of State in the Iraqi government, told Gulf News relations between the Iraqi Shiite powers and Iran have changed.

"We used to get support from Iran while we struggled against Saddam Hussain's regime, which is not something we need today. We are now seeking good neighbourhood relations, mutual respect and non-interference, which is the case with all neighbouring countries," Sari said.

He denied any Iranian role in supporting some Shiite armed groups.

The United States accuses Shiite leader Moqtada Al Sadr of being the arm of Iranian influence and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) in Iraq.

An American security report revealed a few days ago that IRGC is training members of Al Sadr's army and supplying them with weapons.

Sunni leadership appear closer to the American stance regarding Iran. Mohsin Abdul Hamid, Head of the Consultative Council of the Islamic Iraqi Party, told Gulf News: "We told the Iranians about our fears but they denied being involved in Iraq."

There are contradictory stands within the Iraqi government too. Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, who started a tour of Iran yesterday, wants the best relations with Iran in the security, political and economic fields, while his Defence Ministry and General Intelligence appear closer to the American stand.

Kurdish leader Mahmoud Othman told Gulf News the important thing in the Iraq-Iran relationship is to keep it away from the Iranian-American disputes.

"Iraqi politicians in power do not want to get involved in the settlement of scores between Washington and Tehran. What is important is Iraq's interest," he said.

The toughest challenge facing Al Maliki is his ability to handle Mujahideen Khalk Organisation (MKO), which is a crucial issue in determining the strength of Iraq-Iran relations.

MKO, a rebellious Iranian group, is currently based at Ashraf Camp in the Iraqi Diali province, under the supervision of the American forces.

Closure of the Ashraf Camp and deportation of MKO members from Iraq is Iran's prerequisite for any security agreement with Baghdad.

On the other hand, Iran is accused of supporting the call to establish the southern and middle Shiite region in Iraq.