US firms up drawdown on troops in Iraq

BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON－The United States and Iraq launched much-anticipated strategic talks on Thursday that are to span the gamut of their bilateral relations, with Washington prioritizing the issue of the future of its forces in the country while Baghdad is expected to focus on the nation's dire economic crisis.

"The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress toward eliminating the threat of the Islamic State group, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said, without giving figures.

"The United States reiterated that it does not seek nor request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq."

Iraq, in turn, promised to protect bases housing US troops after a series of rocket attacks.

The talks, which began with an initial meeting in the afternoon with participants tuning in online because of the coronavirus measures, are expected to drag out over several months. They come against the backdrop of soaring tensions following the US airstrike in January that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani just outside the Baghdad airport. Iran's expanding influence in Iraq is also expected to be an underlining topic in the talks.

Soleimani's death prompted the Iraqi parliament on Jan 5 to pass a resolution requiring the government to end the presence of foreign forces in Iraq.

However, relations have improved since new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi took over the helm of Iraq's government last month, marking a new chapter in Iraq-US relations.

"The first stage will try to set the tone and agenda for the talks and lay on the table some of the urgent issues up for discussion," said Sajad Jiyad, an Iraqi analyst and visiting fellow with the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council on Foreign Relations. But it may prove to be a long, uncertain process punctuated by US presidential elections in November, he said.

Thursday's session was held virtually due to flight restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus. Iraq has seen a recent flare-up in cases, with authorities having reported more than 16,600 infections so far and at least 457 deaths.

David Schenker, US assistant secretary of state for Middle East affairs, said that the session was "productive".

Iraqi and US officials said they support a scheduled withdrawal of forces from Iraq, but questions remain over time-frames and the scope of the threat posed by the IS.

"The talks will focus on the need for Iraq and America to fight IS, in light of that we will make a decision," Kadhimi told reporters on Wednesday.

The military bases housing US troops across Iraq and other US facilities have been frequently targeted by mortar and rocket attacks in recent months.

More than 5,000 US troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against the IS militants, mainly providing training and advice to the Iraqi forces.

Sanctions waiver

In a sign of support for Kadhimi's administration, hours after he was sworn in, the US approved a 120-day sanctions waiver enabling the country to continue importing Iranian gas and electricity to meet its power needs.

Iraq's progress in becoming more gas independent is also on the agenda as future waivers depend on Baghdad reducing its reliance on Teheran for its energy needs.

Iraqi officials have said plans are being drawn up to capture associated gas currently being flared in oil fields in Iraq's south. However, Baghdad last week signed a two-year contract with Iran to continue importing Iranian electricity.

"On the American side as well, I think, particularly with the Trump administration, a lot of this is about Iran, whether they admit it or they don't admit it," said Renad Mansour, senior research fellow at Chatham House, a think tank. In particular, he said, the US concern has been whether Iraq can prosper as a country without being drawn into Iranian influence.

Agencies - Xinhua