Iraqi parliament would probably approve the security deal
The deal is in Iraq’s interest
An interview with Hossein Sadeqi
Ali Al Dabbagh-the Iraqi government spokesman- has declared the approval of US-Iraq security deal in Iraqi cabinet. According to the deal, the American forces would remain in Iraq for three more years.
Here is an interview with Hossein Sadeqi-an expert on Middle East and Persian Gulf- on the reasons why the Iraqi government approved the US security deal.
The Al-Maliki government had its doubts in approving the security deal. How did the situation change for its approval?
Al-Maliki’s government has got a good mark on the issue. It was able to show a certain kind of authority and made modifications on the deal’s draft. The draft changed several times and one can say that the Maliki’s government has been influential in this regard.
Now that all those changes have been made in the draft, it can no longer threaten Iraq’s sovereignty. On the whole, the approval of the security deal can be to the advantage of Iraq’s security.
What would happen to the deal in Iraqi parliament?
To answer that, one should wait at least one more week. Things may change in Iraqi public and parliament during this week. The Iraqi government and the Americans have reached an agreement but it is too fragile to last.
What are the reasons of this fragility?
The complexion of the parliament and its different groups can be the main reasons. These groups are under much pressure from all sides. So they may agree or disagree with the deal at this moment. But till the time of voting for the deal, the pressures may change their decisions.
Experts have predicted that the security deal would be approved at the Iraqi parliament. Anyhow, they are factors which may influence the whole process.
Some influential figures of the parliament like Khaled al-Atayah- deputy speaker of the parliament- have defended the security deal and have said its approval is in Shi’a’s and Iraqi people’s interest. Do you think so?
I believe that the Iraqi MPs would say yes to the deal. But one should not forget the probable interfering factors. It is impossible to predict what would happen.
How do you observe Iraqi people’s role in the probable approval of the security deal?
Many of Iraqis are in good terms with the security deal and do not deem it harmful to their interests. But there also those who disagree with it. They may protest or organize demonstrations against the deal. Parts of Sunni communities are also objecting to the security deal because it limits their activities.