Ankara-Baghdad tension opens door to external interference

TEHRAN, Aug. 6 (MNA) - The Turkish foreign minister’s recent visit to Iraqi Kurdistan has vexed the central government of Iraq. Baghdad was not notified and the Iraqi government quickly protested Ahmet Davutoglu’s uncoordinated visit to Kirkuk. Meanwhile, Ayad Allawi, the pro-western leader of Iraq’s al-Iraqiya coalition, also paid a visit to Turkey to hold meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, clearly signaling his support for Ankara’s policies on Syria. Turkish interference in its neighbors’ affairs, as cited by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, is an opportunistic tactic made possible by internal political conflict in Iraq. Disputes between its parties and political leaders have undermined the government’s efforts to strengthen national unity as well as rebuilding the country and restoring order. The current situation in Syria is also very decisive for Iraq and its future. The Iraqi government has adopted the most rational policy in dealing with the Syria crisis, avoiding tension or confrontation, especially in its border areas with Syria. Iraq has repeatedly supported Syria’s territorial integrity and is opposed to any external military intervention. However, Turkey continues to provoke Iraq, which could sow more tensions in the relationship between the two countries. The current regional situation also suggests that Turkey is more likely to lose from its gambit. Its meddling could lead to more foreign intervention in Iraq and a subsequent rise in terrorism and instability in the country. The repercussions of such a scenario could engulf the entire region, not just Turkey. Majed Ghammas currently serves as the representative of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq to Tehran. (By Majed Ghammas)