Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday as the US administration pressures Baghdad to curb Iranian influence. Zaidi's visit comes amid renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran, Iraq's main allies. The meeting reflects Iraq's ongoing struggle to maintain a delicate balance between the two nations. Zaidi, who assumed office this year with US backing, aims to boost Iraq's economy and disarm pro-Iran armed groups targeting US facilities.
Balancing Act
Washington and Tehran's longstanding enmity has turned Iraq into a proxy battleground, complicating its foreign policy. Zaidi's government has given armed groups, designated as terrorist organizations by Washington, until September 30 to disarm. This deadline coincides with the end of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition's mission. A senior Iraqi politician, speaking anonymously, emphasized that despite the current government's more US-friendly stance, Iraq must maintain its balance between its allies.
Economic Focus
In an op-ed in the Washington Post, Zaidi stated that his government is committed to ensuring the state's monopoly on the use of force and attracting investments. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a state monopoly over arms to attract investments. During his visit, Zaidi is expected to sign agreements with US companies, including a deal to deposit half-a-million barrels of oil per day in exchange for help to boost Iraq's electricity supply. Iraq, heavily dependent on oil exports, seeks to move past decades of war and unrest by developing its infrastructure and economy.
