Egypt's assistant foreign minister for Arab affairs, Mohamed Qassim, today stressed Iraq's need for Arab support to counterbalance “non-Arab powers” existing in the country. Economic capabilities, historical heritage, and geographic location qualify Iraq as a leading player in Arab joint action, Qassim said. The assistant minister, who has visited Iraq four times during the past six months, meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Iraqi leaders from different sects, said he sensed Iraqi appreciation for Egypt's presence in the country. Analysts believe Iran interferes in Iraqi domestic affairs by backing the Shia majority against Sunnis, leading incumbent premiere Nouri al-Maliki, a Shia, to claim a second term in office. Iraq is now poised to officially form a government after a nine-month standoff since parliamentary elections in March. Iraq's Arab neighbors are concerned with Iran's growing influence in Iraq, particularly with US forces set to pull out from the country by late 2011. The American withdrawal may encourage other powers vying for influence in Iraq to elevate their level of activity in the embattled nation, analysts say. Qassim said most Arab leaders hope the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, will host the next Arab summit. Iraqis say they are logistically ready for the summit but some Arab leaders have expressed concerns over stability in the nation. Qassim said Arab leaders will decide the location of the summit unanimously. The selection of Baghdad, Qassim said, will be a support tool for Iraqis after recent tumultuous years. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
