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King's Visit To Iraq Could Counter Iran

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Los Angeles Times

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 12, 2008

BAGHDAD - Iraq's drive to forge ties with Sunni-led Arab neighbors, who it says have shunned its Shiite Muslim leadership, got a boost Monday when Jordan's King Abdullah II became the first leader of an Arab nation to visit since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

The visit is the latest in a series of moves by Arab states that Iraqi and U.S. officials say could improve security and counter the influence of Iran, Iraq's Shiite-led neighbor and a player in economic and security matters.

The circumstances of the visit were in stark contrast to those surrounding the trip here by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in March. Abdullah's visit was not announced in advance, there were no public appearances and he stayed just a few hours. Ahmadinejad's arrival was trumpeted well in advance. He received a red-carpet welcome, made several public appearances and was in Iraq for two days.

The United States accuses Iran of fomenting unrest in Iraq by aiding and training Shiite militias. The United States and Iraq have said if Sunni-led states in the region had greater presence in Iraq, it could temper Iran's clout.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari called the visit a "bold step" and said he hoped other Arab nations follow suit.

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