As the 16 nation talks regarding the security concerns in Iraq began in Baghdad, active steps were taken to try and disrupt order. On Saturday, while the diplomats were having lunch, despite tight security, two mortar shells exploded close to the Foreign Ministry building, where the conference was held, causing minor damage. Will this affect the development expected from the talks, however moderate those might be?
Finally, as the US realises that its military operation in Iraq has failed miserably, it also realises that to recuperate as much as possible, it must try and bring into its circle as many of the countries that matter as possible. One of these nations happens to be Iran, with whom the US has been having grave security issues due to the former’s extensive nuclear ambitions. However, with Iran agreeing to attend the Baghdad talks, hopes arise of a more secure Iraq. Will the US be able to clear out a little bit of the mess it has created? Will it live up to its commitment, even while it is trying to succeed desperately in Afghanistan?
The United States and Iran held “direct discussions” on Saturday. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad confirmed this
I did talk to them directly and in the presence of others. We engaged across the table as well
David Satterfield, a senior adviser on Iraq to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, led the American delegation, while Iran was represented by its Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Other countries present ranged from all the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Iraq’s neighbours, including Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
During the talks, U.S. accused Iran of infiltrating agents who arm militants with smuggled weapons and explosives. Iraq’s neighbours, Jordan and Syria, also expressed serious concerns about the influx of nearly two million Iraqi refugees into their countries.
While noone expects any breakthrough decisions from this international conference, its significance can not be ignored. The start is an optimistic one.
Via: The Hindu
