The US and Iraq will hold “strategic” talks in June to review their military and economic relations, as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran.
The dialogue will centre on the future of US troops stationed in the country after a series of attacks by Iranian-backed armed groups on US troops in Iraq.
"All strategic issues between our two countries will be on the agenda, including the future presence of the United States forces in that country and how best to support an independent and sovereign Iraq," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a press conference late on Tuesday.
David Hale, a state department diplomat, will represent Washington during the talks.
"With the global Covid-19 pandemic raging and plummeting oil revenue threatening an Iraqi economic collapse, it's important that our two governments work together to stop any reversal of the gains we've made in our efforts to defeat ISIS and stabilise the country," Mr Pompeo said.
US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tuller met with outgoing Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Sunday and informed him that the dialogue will be to “achieve mutual interests” between the two sides.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Hakim welcomed the US initiative to renegotiate their relations.
“We received a letter from the US State Department that proposed the negotiations, which will be based on the concepts presented in the strategic framework and a comprehensive review of the economic, cultural, commercial and security relations,” Mr Al Hakim said on Twitter.
Their current relationship, and the US presence in the country, is based on a strategic framework agreement signed in 2008.
It called for close defence co-operation to deter threats to Iraqi “sovereignty, security and territorial integrity".
Experts believe that a revision of the agreement is necessary to maintain relations between the two sides.
"I would advise the two sides to revisit the entire 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement. It is inadequate and unsuitable for the current prospects and challenges of their bilateral relations," said Abbas Kadhim, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
“The US cannot benefit from trying to impose unwanted posture in Iraq and Iraq does not gain by alienating the US.”
An American strike in early January which killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani escalated tension between Washington and Iran and angered Iraqi officials.
The move prompted parliament to vote for the expulsion of foreign troops from the country.
More than 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq, most in an advisory role.
Washington has reduced its troop presence to a smaller number of bases with missile defences.
The US-led coalition announced a significant troop withdrawal from five military bases in the country last month.
It said the move was part of an agreement with the Iraqi government and coalition partners and was in response to risks imposed by the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.
Prime minister-designate Adnan Al Zurfi said on Saturday the US had vowed that half of its troops would leave Iraq before the end of the year.
The US invaded Iraq in 2003 to remove dictator Saddam Hussein, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos that the country and region is still recovering from.
US troops returned in 2014 as part of a coalition to fight ISIS and train Iraqi security forces.
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
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One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
The Case For Trump
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Norway v Spain, Saturday, 10.45pm, UAE
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
Fighting with My Family
Director: Stephen Merchant
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Florence Pugh, Thomas Whilley, Tori Ellen Ross, Jack Lowden, Olivia Bernstone, Elroy Powell
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The five pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
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116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
