The U.S. plans to grant Iraq a 120-day sanctions waiver enabling the country to import Iranian gas and electricity to meet its power needs, the State Department said, hours after a new prime minister was sworn in early Thursday.
The exemption would be the longest period of time in months granted to Iraq to prove it is making progress in becoming less reliant on Iranian imports, a key condition of receiving the waiver.
The waiver would indicate a show of support after the inauguration of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who was sworn in after lawmakers passed the majority of his Cabinet appointments early Thursday.
Strategic talks between Washington and Baghdad are expected next month and will run the gamut of U.S.-Iraq relations, from military to economic support, according to Iraqi and U.S. officials. Key questions including the nature of U.S. troop presence are expected to be discussed.
We need to discuss with the Iraqi government the form that Phase IX of the Iraq War will be fought.
UPDATE: The reinstatement of General Abdul Wahab Al-Saadi and his promotion to be the head of the Counter-Terrorism Services is a good sign that Iran's influence in Iraq will be resisted.
UPDATE: More American support is possible:
President Donald Trump said in a phone call to Iraq's new prime minister that the U.S. was willing to provide Iraq with economic assistance, according to an Iraqi government statement on Monday, as the country faces a severe financial crisis brought on by falling oil prices.
I'm sure the price is action against Iran's pawns inside Iraq. Which is as it should be.
UPDATE: Yes, roll back the pro-Iran militias in Iraq. Mostly without loud American use of force, to keep Iraq in the fight.
I've been singing that tune for a while now. I mean a long time.
