The leader of the Iraqi militia Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, Qais al-Khazali, attacked Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, describing his statements regarding the need for security forces to receive assistance from Washington as "unfortunate and unacceptable." Al-Khazali considered these statements a justification for the continued presence of U.S. forces.
Fouad Hussein confirmed today, coinciding with the start of the fourth round of strategic dialogue with the United States, that his country values the efforts made by the U.S. government to train and rehabilitate the Iraqi security forces. He explained that Iraqi security forces still require programs related to training, armament, equipment, and capacity building provided by the United States, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
On his part, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that his country is proud of its partnership and close relationship with Iraq, emphasizing that it is based on mutual respect. He added that this partnership extends beyond just confronting ISIS. The U.S. State Department urged Baghdad to continue its reform efforts and to meet the demands of the Iraqi people.
U.S.-Iraqi talks continued today, addressing the role of American soldiers deployed on Iraqi soil. The strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington is expected to establish a timeline for the withdrawal of the international coalition fighting ISIS.
