In Iraq, Political Wrangling Spawns Debate Over US Troops
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 22, 2019 | 11:53 AM
From the halls of parliament to the lightning-fast rumour mills of social media, pro-Iran factions are demanding US troops withdraw from Iraq in a challenge to the country's fragile government
Baghdad, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jan, 2019 ) :From the halls of parliament to the lightning-fast rumour mills of social media, pro-Iran factions are demanding US troops withdraw from Iraq in a challenge to the country's fragile government.
The political wrangling is another indication of Iraq's precarious position as it tries to balance ties between two key allies -- the United States and the Islamic republic of Iran.
Calls for a US pullout have intensified since President Donald Trump's shock decision last month to pull troops from neighbouring Syria, while keeping American forces in Iraq.
In recent weeks, pro-Iran parties have organised protests to demand an accelerated US troop withdrawal while affiliated media outlets published footage of alleged US reinforcements in Iraq's restive west and north.
The debate is heating up in parliament as well.
Last week a lawmaker demanded Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi provide a written explanation for the ongoing US military presence in Iraq and a timeframe for their stay.
MPs are also drafting a law that would set a deadline for a US withdrawal, according to Mahmud al-Rubaie of the Sadiqun bloc, one of the political groups working on the text.
"We categorically reject the presence of foreign troops in Iraq," Rubaie told AFP.
But rather than a genuine, popularly-driven desire for a US withdrawal, the draft is part of the wider race for influence between Washington and Tehran, analysts said.
"This talk is part of the power struggle between the US and Iran," said Iraqi security expert Hashem al-Hashemi.
Tensions between the two countries have intensified since the US pulled out of the landmark 2015 nuclear accord negotiated with Iran in May last year, and observers fear they could destabilise Iraq.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SC orders end of encroachments in Karachi
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
More Stories From World
-
Togo opposition asks W.Africa court to overturn reforms
5 minutes ago -
Paris landmark Moulin Rouge's windmill sails collapse
24 minutes ago -
Ahead of feared Rafah invasion, Palestinians mourn bombardment dead
25 minutes ago -
155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains cause floods, landslides: PM
25 minutes ago -
Car giants vie for EV crown at Beijing's Auto China show
25 minutes ago -
Chinese defense minister to attend SCO meeting in Kazakhstan
35 minutes ago
-
China-Bangladesh to hold joint military exercise in May
45 minutes ago -
Residents protest as Venice launches five-euro entry fee
55 minutes ago -
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on rise
1 hour ago -
Pakistan envoy visits TomatoWorld in Netherlands
1 hour ago -
Chinese defense minister to attend SCO meeting in Kazakhstan
1 hour ago -
China, Pakistan should engage in greater counter-terrorism cooperation to combat hostile forces: Khu ..
1 hour ago