He added, “Despite the factors that have pushed Iraq to make a decision that contradicts the Arab decision on Hezbollah — which may be justified — the [GCC] countries’ positions toward Iraq will change a little bit. But the situation will not reach a rupture in the Gulf-Iraqi ties. This is because the Gulf countries have different positions toward Iraq. This also seems to apply to Arab [opinions of] Iraq.”
Iraqi journalist Zaher Mousa told Al-Monitor that Iraq is acting on principle and shouldn't be expected to do otherwise.
“Hezbollah is a resistance that has defended its people and the major Islamic issues in Iraq, Bosnia, Syria and Palestine. [Iraq's decision] is a point of honor, and the Gulf states no longer assume a trusteeship over Iraq in order to determine its position.”
Mousa thinks the Gulf states eventually will conclude that the momentum behind "the criminalization of Hezbollah is a mere reaction to the US-Iranian nuclear deal.”
Anyway, Iraq can't be expected to preserve balanced positive relations with both Iran and the GCC countries at the same time. This is because Iran has “a great influence there.” Besides, the internal Iraqi dispute over regional and international issues has a negative impact on its foreign ties, particularly with Saudi Arabia.
This is due to the division between Iraq's political sphere and its public regarding Saudi Arabia and to protesters' demands that the Saudi Embassy not be allowed to reopen in January after 25 years, which reflected poorly on Iraqi diplomacy.
(Flags image via Shutterstock)
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