This week, Iraq's Defense Minister Sabit al-Abbasi traveled to the United States where he held a series of meetings on security cooperation and attended the US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue (JSCD). The new understanding reached in Washington is one that could boost Iraq's fragile security sovereignty.
Background of the JSCD
JSCD, which covers the cooperation mechanism of the US and Iraq in the field of security, is based on the Strategic Framework Agreement of 2008 and the bilateral meetings held on the basis of the Strategic Dialogue and the US-Iraq High Coordination Committee.
The Strategic Framework Agreement, which has an important place in US-Iraq relations, was signed in 2008 and drew a framework that includes cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defense, politics, energy, economy, law, culture, health and technology. With this framework, a long-term policy regarding cooperation was established and the agreement had an impact on the foreign policy preferences of both countries.
The US-Iraq Strategic Dialogue, another foundation on which the JSCD is based, consists of four rounds of talks between the USA and Iraq between the years 2020-2021. In the fourth round of strategic dialogue meeting held on July 23, 2021, then Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and US President Joe Biden came to an important conclusion, including the decision for US combat forces to leave Iraq by the end of 2021.
US-Iraq High Coordination Committee of 2023, which is another piece of groundwork of the JSCD, covers discussions on the planned support to Iraq on issues such as development, humanitarian aid, economy, education and culture. In this direction, the US-Iraq talks that started before the government of Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani are continued.
Context of the JSCD
The JSCD consists of the August 7-8, 2023 talks led by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense. In this context, the Iraqi delegation chaired by Iraqi Defense Minister Sabit al-Abbasi is important in terms of eliminating security concerns and recording progress in cooperation in the field of security. During the talks, common opportunities and challenges were evaluated by focusing on the success of the campaign against the terrorist organization ISIS. The US delegation confirmed its support for the Iraqi security forces and it was stated that the operational support provided by the US through the Global Coalition against ISIS would be reviewed.
Sending back the displaced people and detainees to their origin countries in northeast Syria, which is one of the top concerns of the Iraqi government, and rehabilitation efforts for these people were discussed. Expanding the support given by the US as foreign military financing, increasing the training opportunities for Iraqi military experts, continuing to support Iraq in issues such as training, support and intelligence sharing, and expanding the opportunities for Iraq to participate in the exercises conducted under the leadership of CENTCOM were also discussed. The Iraqi delegation underlined the commitment of the Iraqi government to protect coalition, international and US personnel, advisers, convoys and diplomatic facilities, and expressed their intention to hold new meetings to discuss current and future security needs.
The topics discussed are not only about ISIS, which is one of the current security issues, but also cover long-term security cooperation. As a matter of fact, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Dana Stroul, in a statement a week before the meeting, stated that they are interested in establishing a permanent defense relationship within a strategic partnership. For this reason, JSCD is considered to be important for sustainable bilateral military relations.
JSCD, which is also important in the context of the future of the US soldiers operating in the region and the military support provided to Iraq at the request of Iraq, can be positioned in an important place in the balanced policy followed by the Sudani government and is effective in Iraqi domestic politics as it does not involve a move to increase the concrete military presence. It is thought that Iran-backed political and military groups will not have a major reaction.
Therefore, it can be said that the JSCD, which will play a role in determining the lines in security relations in the context of its foundation, is a complement to the Strategic Framework Agreement, the Strategic Dialogue Discussions and the US-Iraq High Coordination Committee.
Implications on the US-Iraq Relations and the Region
The JSCD signifies a commitment to a comprehensive and enduring partnership between Iraq and the US. By extending discussions beyond immediate security concerns, such as addressing military support, training, and intelligence sharing, the dialogue establishes a solid framework for ongoing collaboration.
Furthermore, the dialogue provides a mechanism through which Iraq can continue to receive operational and training support from the US and the Global Coalition against ISIS. This support empowers Iraqi security forces to enhance their capabilities, reducing their reliance on external assistance for addressing security challenges. This, in turn, contributes to bolstering Iraq's national security and sovereignty.
The JSCD's strategic positioning aligns with Iraq's approach of maintaining a balanced foreign policy within the Middle Eastern region. This approach aids in managing potential reactions from Iran-backed groups, allowing Iraq to navigate relations with both the US and Iran without becoming an arena for their conflicts.
The JSCD's focus on cooperative counterterrorism efforts, especially in combating ISIS, holds implications for regional security. By strengthening Iraq's ability to manage internal security threats, the dialogue plays a role in preventing the export of extremism and violence to neighboring countries.
Feyzullah Tuna Aygun graduated from Bahcesehir University. He is currently the Iraq Studies Expert at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM) in Ankara. Aygun carried out field studies in 13 of Iraq’s 18 governorates and followed the 2018 and 2021 elections as an international observer. His opinions and interviews are published in both Turkish and international media outlets and journals.
Yusuf Can Ayaz graduated from Gazi University, Department of International Relations and has a master's degree from the Turkish National Defense University. He is doing doctoral studies in the Department of International Security at the Turkish National Police
Academy and is the Iraq Studies Research Assistant at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM) in Ankara.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
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