Iraq-Saudi ties need strategic context
While Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorist groups, Baghdad should instead work on establishing effective channels of communication to cooperate in anti-terror efforts.
Recent developments in the relationship between Iraq and the Gulf states, in particular Saudi Arabia, can be traced back to a history of political estrangement. Both parties can be blamed for the implied accusations and the confusion in managing shared issues.
Regardless of the accusations of supporting terrorism made by Iraq on March 9 against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and away from the frequent news about the Gulf’s diplomatic and media escalation against the background of these statements, the basis of the crisis between the two sides is not mainly linked to terrorism. For many decades, the relationship between Iraq and the Gulf states has been based on shaky foundations. They finally collapsed during Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait in 1990.
History does not show Iraq has had stable relations with neighboring countries. This is not to mention that its security, and political and economic challenges do not help improve these relations. However, this reality cannot last forever.
It is no secret that Iraq’s neighbors did little to help the country make a smooth transition from dictatorship to democratic rule. On the contrary, there has been serious regional intervention in the security and political situation in Iraq. For many years, terrorist groups in Iraq have been supported by foreign parties, which led to bloodshed and death across the country.
