Iran + Iraq
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5337300.stm

I read about a possible alliance between those two countries a few months ago, seems as if it could really happen.

It's good to see that Iraq starts to act independently, although it's ironical that they are cooperating with a member of the "Axis of Evil".

Maybe a friendship between Iraq and Iran could be used by the US to solve some of the problems that exist today (support of terrorism by Iran and their nuclear aspirations).

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

I think that it's not only quite possible, but it's only the start. The people who wanted to turn all this in a religion war will be happy: the Jihad is coming.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

I have to say, I'm not too positive on the possibilites of such an alliance. Though I will conceed that there is a chance of a positive outcome, all I personally see is the formation of yet another "Islamic republic".

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

This means nothing significant.

It simply shows that the Iranians are starting to get a bit nervous about the situation in Iraq.

Due to the declining of strength of conventional states around the world, a collapsing nation can have a disastrous dominoes effect on all of its neighbors. The chaos could spread to the feeble Iranian government, and topple them too.

You also see this to a smaller extent in Mexico. Their whole system is collapsing, and its dragging the American border areas along with it.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

In fact alot of Shias in Iraq in particular those of the SCIRI and the Dawa party are buddies with Iran.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

Yes, ONE of the factions are buddies - but when you've got a thousand factions, then you have to worry. The Kurds in particular could be a real problem for the neighboring states.

Chaos is NEVER good. Sadaam was a problem for Iran, but this is even worse.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

They are both shi;ites, and alot of shi'ite leader have tremendoues powers and effects(kinda like christian leaders) I see a positive effect from this anyhow, Iran isnt too bad with treating Sunnies.

the alliance should help jump start politics over there in Iraq anyhows.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

Anyone with half a brain could've predicted the Shia in Iraq would side with the Shia in Iran after the war, especially if the new Iraqi government was predominantly Shiite. It could cause a whole lot of ruckus. This might also cause headaches within the Bush administration. That's the last thing they want.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

At this point, it really doesn't matter what the old bearded men say to each other. Its far too late for that to change anything.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

Not gonna happen. People in the west see the issue as a Iraqi shia majority buddying up with shia Iran. Couldnt be farther from the truth. The most important thing in that region is Family, followed by community followed by religion. If you think the people who fought Iran tooth and nail for 10 years are suddenly going to buddy up to an ethnic group they have mistrustful distaste for you need to get out a bit more.

True, there are factions in Iraq that are receiving monetary support from Iran but as we Americans like to say "its just business". The moment any persian tries to call the shots in an Arab enclave and your gonna have yourself a shootout quick fast and in a hurry. Why would the region trounce its own time honored tradition of ethnic and inter-religous warfare?

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

That's why the Iranians are shivering in their boots right now. A collapsed Iraqi state means lots of armed men with free time on their hands - what better way to spend it than shooting up an Iranian village on the border?

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

I doubt it phases them. There get trouble from the Kurds and the folks in Baluchistan. Why shoudn't a country worry about on unstable nieghbor. Attacks from the PKK and off shot groups have increased in Turkey and if the the Kurds are emboldened enough they could take huge chunks of Iran and Turkey into a new country.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

Collapsed states are like forest fires, they can topple all the other governments around them - and middle eastern governments aren't that stable to begin with.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

You seem to focus on Iran. However, one must realise that they are probably one of the most stable governments in the ME. Who is to say that the violence won't spread to Kuwait or Saudi Arabia. I do belive the violence will stay localised. Iran is not the complex ethnic, tribal and relgious cob web Iraq is. The only ethnic group who would wan't to combat the Iranian government are the Kurds. However, they would fight not to topple the government but for indepenence.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

Actually I see Irans warming up to Iraq to be 3 fold.

1) Iraq buddying up with Iran will piss the US off

2) Iran can make a market that they can sell their commodities in thus boosting their economy.

3) By alinging themselves with the Shiite majority Iran has the opportunity to become a major influence in Iraqi politics. In time Iran could control what happens in much of Iraq.

Re: Iran + Iraq
 

^Is it me or is Anlushac one of the few people not running around making mindless posts, without backing, or hard facts, or even a rational and logical head?