President Joe Biden is set to host Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani next month, as the two countries engage in talks about winding down the U.S.-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq. The meeting, scheduled for April 15, will address a range of issues including the fight against the Islamic State and ongoing financial reforms in Iraq. The relationship between the U.S. and Iraq is delicate due to Iran’s influence in the region, with Iran-backed groups playing a significant role in Iraqi politics.
Formal talks between the U.S. and Iraq began in January regarding the end of the coalition created to support Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State. Approximately 2,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq under an agreement with Baghdad, with discussions about a possible withdrawal of these forces ongoing. Iraqi officials have called for the removal of U.S. troops at various points, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The planned visit between President Biden and Prime Minister al-Sudani also comes in the wake of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University academic believed to be held by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq. Tsurkov’s sister, Emma, has urged the U.S. State Department to declare Iraq a state sponsor of terrorism and has called for the release of her sister to be a condition of the upcoming meeting. The Iran-backed militia holding Tsurkov is considered a terrorist group by Washington and has been a significant player in Iraqi politics since its formation after the 2003 invasion.
Efforts by the U.S. to apply pressure on Iraq over its relationship with Iran have included financial restrictions aimed at preventing money laundering that benefits Iran and Syria. The U.S. has also called on Iraq to do more to prevent attacks on U.S. bases in the region, which have added to tensions in the Middle East. The White House has emphasized the need for progress in Iraq’s financial reforms to promote economic development and reduce dependence on outside influence.
The upcoming meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister al-Sudani will involve consultations on a wide range of issues, with both leaders expected to address the ongoing fight against the Islamic State, financial reforms in Iraq, and the delicate balance of power in the region. The visit will provide an opportunity for the U.S. to engage directly with Iraqi leadership and discuss the future of the U.S. military presence in the country. The involvement of Iran in Iraqi politics adds a layer of complexity to these discussions, as both countries navigate their relationships with Tehran while addressing security challenges in the region.
