13 December 2008: The National
By Loveday Morris
MANAMA // Iraq should be embraced into the Arab fold and included in organisations such as the Gulf Co-operation Council, a move that will help to limit Iranian influence, Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, said at a regional security summit today.
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, which has drawn policy makers from more than 20 governments, the defence secretary said that it is in the strategic interest of all to support Iraq’s new government, especially when it came to limiting “meddling” from Iran, “a country whose every move seems designed to create maximum anxiety in the international community”.
“Iraq wants to be your partner. And, given the challenges in the Gulf and the reality of Iran, you should wish to be theirs,” he said. “Regional engagement also means that Iraq should be included in regional forums for economic and security co-operation, and considered for membership in Middle Eastern organisations, such as the Gulf Co-operation Council.”
He said that the reasons for increasing ties were numerous.
“Your interests and Iraq’s are aligned on a number of different levels: in the fight against al Qa’eda and terrorism; in the desire to develop a vibrant and resilient economy, in efforts to bridge the sectarian divides in this part of the world; and, of course, in the necessity to limit Iranian influence and meddling nationally and regionally — meddling that has already cost far too many lives.”
Mr Gates strongly urged that those who have not yet resumed diplomatic relations with Iraq, should do so immediately and that those that have not yet forgiven the Saddam-era debt should do so as soon as possible.
“Iraq can only play a constructive role in this region if it is on an equal footing diplomatically,” he said.
In June, the UAE named Abdullah al Shehi as its new ambassador to Baghdad, making it the first GCC nation to reopen its embassy in the Iraqi capital since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain then followed the UAE lead by naming their own.
Burhan Saleh, deputy prime minister of Iraq, reiterated Mr Gates’ calls: “The region has no option but to embrace the new Iraq,” he said.” This new Iraq is a reality, is a fact, and has to be dealt with.”
Speaking in his first major address since it was announced that he would remain in his position under the new president, Mr Gates said he brings a message of “continuity” from the incoming administration and that Barack Obama’s leadership does not alter fundamental American interests in the Middle East.
He warned any aggressors who were looking to test the administration in its first few months in office would be unwise, as there has been extensive planning to ensure a smooth transition.
“I bring from president-elect Obama a message of continuity and commitment. I can assure you that a change in administration does not alter our fundamental interests, especially in the Middle East,” he said. “Anyone who thought that the upcoming months might present opportunities to test the now administration would be sorely mistaken.”
