Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid has presented an internal memo to the ruling coalition, comprising Shiite, Kurdish, and Sunni factions united under the “State Administration” alliance.
The memo addressed the risks posed by confrontations between armed groups and the US and their impact on events in Palestine.
In this memo, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, concerns were raised about the stability of Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani’s government, which faces significant pressure from various factions.
The memo was part of a meeting held by the president with members of the State Administration alliance on Feb. 4 to discuss the repercussions of US attacks on targets associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as well as armed factions’ assaults on US bases in Syria and Iraq.
Factions Fail to Serve Palestinians
Rashid proposed a plan to improve relations between Baghdad and Washington. He also sent the memo to Iraqi political leaders, urging for decisive decisions on security ties with the US.
The president stressed that recent clashes between Iraqi armed groups and US forces have not helped Palestinians or impacted events in Gaza.
He warned that the government alone should bear the responsibility of deciding on Baghdad-Washington relations, emphasizing the need for transparency with the Iraqi people.
Rashid suggested forming a high-level delegation to negotiate the future of this relationship.
Rashid’s vision aligns with Al-Sudani’s stance, who faces pressure from some allies of armed factions, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
All leaders of the government coalition oppose escalating tensions with the US and prefer maintaining good relations, they added.
Tensions have risen further in Iraq after a recent US airstrike targeted a leader of the Kataib Hezbollah paramilitary group.
The Iraqi government warned against retaliatory attacks against Americans, indicating that the situation may worsen.
