Cairo did well to organize for its foreign minister to visit Baghdad, the first visit of its kind in nearly 18 years. The importance of this visit lies in the timing and the significance of the political guest, which is indicative of greater Egyptian interaction regarding the sensitive issue of Iraq. It is an important, positive and necessary indicator when an important country like Egypt takes action with respect to the Iraqi issue. The question that must always be asked is: if countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt do not act when it comes to Iraq then who will? For whom will they leave Iraq? …
We must recognize that whatever happens in Iraq, politically, economically, or regarding national security, will have some kind of impact on our region whether negatively or positively. It is not enough for Arab countries to express their doubts from afar concerning the situation in Iraq and the Iranian role in this regard. They must be present on the ground and continue to work on all levels regarding Iraq. …
Egypt today, by re-establishing political ties with Iraq … is accomplishing a good deed. However, what is required now is more communication between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and Egypt to help establish a clear picture of what is truly happening in Iraq and to give Iraqi political circles a dose of rationality.
This relationship with Iraq will pave the way for greater political opportunity for the Iraqis and will help create a balance regarding the decision-making process in Iraq. … [P]aving the way for ties between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and Egypt will create a new reality in Iraq and the least that can be said in this regard is that it is a positive move. Access the full article>>
