Al-Sudani: Iraq is 'honestly' looking for 'quick' US exit

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Jan 2024 16:32
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Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced that the US-led international coalition in Iraq is no longer necessary and has urged their "quick" exit before their presence ignites conflict between Baghdad and Washington.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends a ceremony marking the Police Day in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. (AP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani called for an agreement on a specific timeframe for the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition in Iraq which "honestly" needs to be "quick".

In an interview with Reuters, al-Sudani said "Let's agree on a timeframe that is, honestly, quick, so that they don't remain long and the attacks keep happening."

Moreover, the Prime Minister explained that to avoid "more expansion of the arena of conflict in a sensitive region," the "devastating killing machine [in Gaza]" must be brought to an end and humanitarian aid must be delivered "as soon as possible."

Al-Sudani stressed that this "is the only solution".

According to the Prime Minister, "There is a need to reorganize this relationship so that it is not a target or justification for any party, internal or foreign, to tamper with stability in Iraq and the region," and emphasized that Iraq can now defend itself against terrorism and should exercise its full sovereignty upon the entirety of its territory, thereby avoiding providing any pretext to drag Iraq into a regional conflict.

Additionally, al-Sudani explained that for Baghdad the US "is not an enemy," and that Baghdad is "not at war with it, but if these tensions continue it will definitely impact and create a gap in this relationship."

Iraqi position of ending US presence is principled

Earlier in January, al-Sudani emphasized the importance of remaining true to the promise of ending the presence of the US-led international coalition in Iraq.

In a speech commemorating the lives of "the leaders of victory," in reference to martyrs Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the Iraqi Premier affirmed Baghdad's "steadfast and principled position," which "is to end the presence of the (US-led) coalition, as it has overstayed its purported mission."

The United States redeployed a large force in Iraq following an agreement with the Iraqi government which mandated the US military to support the country in its fight against ISIS. Under a Combined Joint Task Force, dubbed "Operation Inherent Resolve," the US has maintained a large presence, including two airbases, through which it claims to fight terrorism in the region.