Khamenei: Iraq's Security Problems Solved Only through Withdrawal of Occupying Troops

Mehran Riazaty: Iran Analyst

Today, Fars News Agency reported that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei stressed that the present security problems in Iraq may only be solved through withdrawal of the occupation army from that country and transfer of security affairs to the Iraqis themselves. READ MORE

Speaking during a meeting with the chairman of the United Iraqi Alliance party and head of the Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq, Seyed Abd al-Aziz Hakim, Ayatollah Khamenei paid tribute to the Hakim venerable household and the great pains and agonies they have suffered during the rule of Sadam's Ba'thist regime, stressing that Seyed Abd al-Aziz Hakim has played an intelligent and thoughtful role in the developments of the last few years. Khamenei also called on Hakim to pursue the same trend since it serves the Iraqi nation. Khamenei expressed pleasure with establishment of democratic government in Iraq and taking shape of constitutional bodies in the country. Ayatollah Khamenei honored the decisive leadership of venerable leader of Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, and said that Iraqi people are expected to reinforce national solidarity and religious unity to remove security problems in Iraq. Khamenei underscored the need for withdrawal of occupation forces from Iraq as pre-requisite for national security and successful hand-over of the state affairs to Iraqi forces themselves. Hakim appreciated Iran's support for the Iraqi people and government and briefed the Supreme Leader on the political process of Iraq.

Analyst Comment: It is obvious that the main objective of the Iranian authorities is to push the American forces out of Iraq, to establish their own form of government in Iraq. On February 26, Khamenei also said that the Iraqi government symbolizes the failure of the U.S. policies in the Middle East. He added that “The Americans are trying to provoke ethnic and religious war in Iraq and the tragic incident in Samarra is one instance in this regard.” Khamenei noted that “The U.S. wanted to establish a subservient government in Iraq, but now an Islamic government has been formed in the country. Therefore, the Americans are trying to disrupt this government. On March 27, Hakim said that Iran isn't interfering in internal Iraqi affairs as some the U.S. officials have contended. On March 23, Hakim said that Iran is a big country and has a large and experienced intelligence and security services which could help Iraq to fight against terrorism and bring peace into the region.

Mehran Riazaty: a former Iran analyst for the Central Command of the Coalition Forces in Baghdad.