Inside Iraq - The landmark visit to Iraq - 07 Mar 08 - Pt.1

The visit of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's president, to Iraq is seen as a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

The historic trip, the first by an Iranian leader since the Iran-Iraq war, sparked heated protests and outraged many Sunni Arabs.

Some political observers think this underscored how a growing Iranian influence in Iraq could aggravate the existing mistrust and further sour relations between Shia and Sunnis.

However, Iraqi political leaders appear determined to move closer to Tehran, despite American accusations that Iran finances and supports militias inside Iraq.

How will this new level of closer political and economic relations between Iran and Iraq impact the political future of Baghdad and the wider region?

What are its implications on the already strained political power play between Sunni and Shia factions in Iraq?

How will the US react and will it change its security and military strategies in Iraq?

Our guests this week are:

Dr Sadeq Zibakalam from Teheran University, Rich Schmierer from the US State Department and Dr Abdallah Alshaaal, former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Inside
• Iraq
• al
• jazeera
• aljazeera
• Mahmoud
• Ahmadinejad
• Iran
• Iran-Iraq
• war

[shiadefenceforce]

He is not an enemy he is the beloved neighbor I never heard of one airline in blow up himself in Iraq all the savages comes from our Arab neighbors they committed the crime and then accuse Iran how come none of our Arab neighbors have an embassy in Iraq today?? Long live Iraq Long live iran the rest can go to hell

[IRGC0098]

ziba kalam is right , iran and iraq has long historical relation .

but what can be the reason of coming americans to Iraq ? the answer is Oil!

today is 24th of november of 2008 , still american troops are in Iraq!

[persianmad]

That was bullshit; the fucking aljazireh reporter was interrupting dr zibacalam when he was talking the truth.

[MidEasTBeauTy408]

If Iran tries to help Iraq in anyway ..the US will F themselfs.

[alirezaallahverdi]

The American policy did a big fuck up under Bush administration and who is better than Iran to blame as escape goat when it is the only country in the region which has no relationship with US and if anything happened then it doesn't hurt American business. The disaster started with US to take over %35 of world oil supply, and who are consumers? Europe, China, India, but now look at the market; look at the ordinary people all around the world how they are suffering because of American.

[RiotGirll78]

Retard

[ziyarat4imams]

no, ahmadinejad doesnt have to forgive because he knows the majortiy (iraqi shias) didn't folow saddam against iran - he is against the iraqi sunnis who waged war against iran and ahmadinejad and iranians wants whats best for iran and their shia brothers & sisters in iraq

[eldor07]

well, Iraq attacked Iran some time ago and 1 million people were killed. Ahmadinejat himself was a soldier at that time. I don't think he has forgiven Iraqis, but he was very brave to visit with his friendly face. anyways, I do believe Iran can be much better friend of Iraq than those big headed americans. that's clear.

[afrircans1970]

Realistically, Iranian efforts are as selfish or as selfless as those of the United States. It cannot be argued with any credibility that Iran is noble in their interaction with Iraq & those efforts of the USA are villainous.