Sunni bloc says Al Hakim call is licence to meddle

Baghdad: The call of Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, head of the Shiite bloc, for Iranian-American talks on Iraq has provoked mixed reactions among the varied political blocs.

Dhafer Al A'ani, spokesman of the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front, described Al Hakim's call as a licence for Iran to play a role in domestic Iraqi issues.

"This proves that we were right when we believe Iran was behind acts of violence in Iraq. Iran is involved in triggering sectarian violence in my country."

Jalal Al Deen Al Sageer, a prominent leader in the United Iraqi Alliance, a Shiite party, said that any talks between Iran and the USA would be beneficial for Iraq's security and stability, adding: "American-Iranian communications concerning the Iraqi dossier will have a positive effect.

"Talking will eliminate the fears of both sides and can solve other problems between the two countries, on issues other than Iraq." He described the talks as a significant event that will help remove false preconceptions, such as the Shiite parties' loyalty towards Iran.

"Closeness between Iran and the USA will be beneficial to Iraq and the region," he added.

Adnan Bajaji, Head of the Independent Democrat Movement and member of the Iraqi National List headed by Alawi, said it was unlikely that the Americans would accept any Iranian role in attacking armed Iraqis. "Any Iranian-American conversation at the time-being will be limited to the Iraqi security dossier," he said.

"The Americans will ask Tehran to stop interfering in domestic Iraqi issues, amid tips of Iranian infiltrations into Iraq, and the Iranian support of Iraqi militias and parties," added Bajaji.

Mahmoud Othman, Kurdish Leader, said that the talks would reflect the influence struggle between Tehran and Washington in Iraq. "It is not acceptable to Kurds if Iraqis do not participate in talks, else it would be at the expense of Iraqi interests," he said.

Hussain Ali Kamal, Iraqi Intelligence chief, said the USA-Iran talks are part of the American efforts to support the security and stability of Iraq.

"Iran can help create a stable Iraq, and support terror-combating operations," added Kamal, denying that that talks excluded the Iraqi government.

- The writer is a journalist based in Baghdad

EXPERTTALK
Communication channel 'could open'

US-Iranian talks on Iraq could open a valuable channel of communication between the two foes, but analysts say a history of missed opportunities dampens hopes of any broader dialogue.

In a worst-case scenario, talks could descend into a "dialogue of the deaf", offering hardliners on both sides the chance to declare contacts a failure and exacerbating an already tense standoff over Iran's nuclear programme, the analysts add.

- Reuters