Iraq Threatens To Cut US Ties And Build Closer Links With Iran And Russia Instead

Photo: President Barack Obama listens to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during their meeting in the Oval Office, Oct. 20, 2009. October 20, 2009. (by Pete Souza)

Iraq Threatens To Cut US Ties As Russia Jumps In -- The Australian/The Times

IRAQ’S beleaguered Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, is threatening to tear up a defence agreement with the US and build closer links with Iran and Russia instead.

Sources close to Mr Maliki, who is under pressure from Washington to step down, say he could cancel the Strategic Framework Agreement with the US. The SFA, signed in 2008, outlines the terms for political, economic and security co-operation between Washington and Baghdad.

The document was intended to be the basis for a lasting relationship between the two countries, promoting peace, stability and democracy in Iraq. In return it granted the US a monopoly on defence contracts worth billions.

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My Comment: The U.S. involvement .... from the Iraqi perspective .... has been disengaged. And while one can argue if this is right or wrong .... there is no doubt about one thing .... this will be perceived as just another blow to U.S. policy in the region. As for U.S. military contractors and manufacturers .... losing this monopoly on defense contracts will be a huge financial hit.