An Indian analyst of the world affairs believes that the ruling family in Saudi Arabia fear establishment of a politically democratic system In Iraq.
Dr. Reshmi Kazi, an associate fellow at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis (IDSA) in New Delhi made the comment in an exclusive interview with IRNA on Friday.
“for the Saudi Arabia, Iraq has been a sore in the eye since the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. The Kingdom fears a probable successful establishment of a democratic political system in Baghdad and they apprehend that any such development might incite popular demands in Saudi Arabian nation to seek a similar political system in Riyadh but for the Saudi royal family any regime change is not a favorable option.”
Terming Iran as a regional power, the seasoned analyst of the Middle-East affairs, said that as a regional power, Iran has a major role to play in defusing the situation in Iraq and the Middle East.
ˈIran has consistently opposed any support to the ISIS terrorists group. Tehran has rendered support for a politically unified Iraq and is opposed to any regime change there. To that extent, Iran categorically stated that Tehran would not support any intervention in Iraq by external powers including the United States in aiding the ISIS insurgents.”
“At the same time, Iran has ruled out any military solution to the existing political crisis. Hence, it can be assumed that Iran is more in favor of a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Iraq crisis to avoid further bloodshed there.” Dr. Kazi added.
Appreciating Iran’s role in defusing crises in Middle-East, she said, “Iran’s role in defusing the political crises in the Middle-East is vital in rebuilding peace and stability in Iraq. Any diplomatic solution to the existing crisis in Iraq is heavily incumbent upon Iran’s role in global diplomatic efforts for ensuring normalcy in the region.”
Elaborating on the great danger that the ISIS is posing to whole the world, Dr. Kazi said that the ISIS has avowed war against many states, including India.
ˈThe ISIS commanders have appealed to Muslims all over the world, including those in India, to wage jihad against the so-called infidels.”
Terming the ISIS as a terrorist group, she added, “India has never supported terrorism in any form and in the same spirit condemns the ISIS activities.”
“However, the Indian government is sufficiently worried about a possible spillover impact of the sectarian crisis in the Middle East. There are sufficient concerns within India against any possible security threats from the insurgents. The Indian Government’s internal security establishment has started taking adequate steps against any possible attack from terrorists. Steps have also been taken to enhance security at the country’s vital installations,” she added.
Elaborating on the background of the current crisis in Iraq, Dr. Kazi said that the ground situation in Iraq presents a complex picture with Baghdad struggling against sectarian crisis for more than a decade now.
ˈWith the ISIS terrorist group gradually gaining momentum by increasing its hold over territories in Syria and in large parts of northern and western Iraq, the political stability in the Middle East is taking a deteriorating situation. The situation poses a serious threat of a full-blown civil war unless i t will be timely arrested,” said the analyst.
“The seeds of this political unrest were sown during the reign of Saddam Hussein, which propagated divisive policies causing political tension between the Shiˈa majority and the Sunni minority. Matters worsened with the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US-led coalition forces in Iraq,” she added.
Warring against any territorial division of Iraq, Dr. Kazi said that with their firm control over the oilfields of Kirkuk and other large areas in the northern Iraq, the Kurds believe an independent sovereign state is within their reach.
ˈHowever, Iraq will work hard to prevent any such disintegration of their country,” she added.
Appreciating Iran’s stance on the territorial integrity of Iraq, she said, “The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham has reiterated Iran’s support for Iraq’s solidarity and territorial integrity and has extended her government’s backing against any designs for the disintegration of Iraqi homeland.”
“But (Prime Minister) Maliki on his part must hasten the adoption and implementation of policies that are more inclusive to curtail the existing marginalization of the dissatisfied Sunni minority. This would impact upon reducing the risks of collapse of the Iraqi state,ˈ she said.
ˈMaliki must also initiate with immediate effect national dialogues amongst all the various contending domestic groups in Iraq to participate in the formulation and adoption of new government policies that would be representative of all sections in Iraq. This would constitute an effective political and security response to the prevailing political volatility in Iraq,” Dr. Kazi concluded.
