tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post7162388048669307237..comments2024-02-29T12:38:32.191-08:00Comments on MUSINGS ON IRAQ: The Limits Of Iran’s Power In IraqJoel Winghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611810110771744360noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-62797048963161880572010-12-07T21:56:54.702-08:002010-12-07T21:56:54.702-08:00Thanks for your thoughts, and for adding me to the...Thanks for your thoughts, and for adding me to the blog roll. Look forward to a good exchange in the future.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />NotesOnIraqNotesOnIraqhttp://notesoniraq.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-61947244630117353952010-12-07T18:29:21.752-08:002010-12-07T18:29:21.752-08:00I also added you to my blog list. Always looking f...I also added you to my blog list. Always looking for new ones on Iraq.Joel Winghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09611810110771744360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-51478144939468299392010-12-07T14:57:00.567-08:002010-12-07T14:57:00.567-08:00Iran has connections with all kinds of Iraqis from...Iran has connections with all kinds of Iraqis from all different parties. SIIC/Badr is still the closest and there are still reports about Badr agents working with Iran to carry out operations within Iraq. Tehran is closest to Pres. Talabani, not as much with Barzani, but has connections with both of their parties. Both the PUK and KDP were backed by Iran during the Saddam era and fought on the Iranian side in the Iran-Iraq War. In the 2000s Iran was also supporting Ansar al-Islam that was fighting the ruling Kurdish parties. There's talk that they have good relations with some Sunni parties as well, although there are few details abut that. There are various Dawa members that are close to Iran as well. Before the 2003 invasion Dawa had a pro-Iran faction and a pro-Syrian faction. Maliki started in Iran, but then got mad at Tehran and moved to Syria while he was in exile. Former PM Jaafari I believe was part of the pro-Iran faction, but don't quote me on that.Joel Winghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09611810110771744360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-73849096419522020742010-12-07T11:05:22.301-08:002010-12-07T11:05:22.301-08:00Joel,
A fascinating read as usual. Would be intere...Joel,<br />A fascinating read as usual. Would be interested to get your thoughts on other points of Iranian influence within Maliki's coalition. Much has been written of the Sadrists, but what of the Kurds (who've shown past pragmatism in cozying up to Iran when it suits them) and perhaps others?<br /><br />My take on the cable is at the URL below, if you're interested.<br /><br />Thanks, really enjoy your blog.<br /><br />Best,NotesOnIraqhttp://notesoniraq.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com