With drones, missiles, and bombs flying over Iraq (some from Iran to Israel, others from Israel to Iran), the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani to Washington could have been awkward.
In the end, it went smoothly. Discussions focused mainly on economic matters. Al Sudani had come aiming to activate aspects beyond security and political issues outlined in the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA).
The timing was bad. Most Iranian missiles and drones were passing through Iraqi airspace on their way to Israel just as Al-Sudani’s plane landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, near Washington, D.C.
Yet Al Sudani did not return to Baghdad, as some thought he may, and the sovereignty violation did not overshadow his visit.
Both the Americans and the Iraqis agreed on the need for Israeli restraint over Gaza, for an end to military action there, for efforts to alleviate the plight of the Palestinians, and for the need for stability in the Middle East.
Conspicuously absent from the dialogue was the more challenging and contentious topic of the 2,500 American forces still in Iraq, specifically their withdrawal. Discussions began in January, but the Iraqis would like a timeline.
In private, the Americans say Iraq needs to do more to safeguard US troops from attacks by armed factions aligned with Iran, but this was not discussed either.
Security to economics
The joint statement following talks between Biden and Al Sudani clearly reflected the transitioning relationship—from a security focus to an economic agenda.
The president’s opening statement hinted at security, with the pair agreeing on “the importance of working together to advance regional stability and reinforce and respect Iraqi sovereignty, stability, and security.”
Yet they quickly focused on "a diversified and growing Iraqi economy, integrated with the region and the global economic system", which they said was "the foundation for lasting stability in the region and prosperity for the Iraqi people".
The language largely derives from the SFA and aligns with Al-Sudani's focus on prioritising the economy over politics. This is in part because he is heading a broad governing coalition that could easily unravel if a politically thorny issue arises.
Al Sudani needs partners in Iraq if it is to make the economic strides it needs. To an extent, Iraq's economic model is yet to be decided. It could be the American capitalist ethos rooted in competition, a Chinese-style government-managed economy, or a mix.
