Iraq's Al-Maliki Shocked by Normalization Talks, Not US Occupation
According to The New Arab, Al-Maliki, a figure synonymous with Iraq's post-invasion political landscape, claims the Sudani government is pursuing normalisation with Israel. This comes after Iraq passed a law in 2022 criminalizing ties with Israel, even though the US, which removed Saddam Hussein and installed Al-Maliki's government, has consistently pushed for such normalisation across the region.
It appears Iraq's 'sovereignty' is selectively applied: foreign military bases and oil contracts? Fine. Diplomatic relations with Israel? A bridge too far. This political theater unfolds as if the idea of US allies, even reluctant ones, aligning with Israeli interests is a novel concept for a country shaped by the very powers pushing this agenda. Al-Maliki's sudden discovery of 'foreign influence'
is rather rich, given his own tenure saw significant US military presence and political meddling. The convenient amnesia regarding who facilitated Iraq's current political structure, and what interests they represent, is almost performative.