Iran-Iraq relations in the post-Talabani era

TEHRAN,Jan.5(MNA)--The strength and significance of a political leader is determined by his ability to deal with various situations and crises. Jalal Talabani is a political heavyweight in Iraq not because he is the president but because he has a great deal of influence over various parties and groups in the country. Over the years, Talabani’s position as a respected politician has also helped the efforts to expand Iraq’s relations with other countries in the region, especially with Iraq’s neighbors. However, Talabani’s poor health has raised the possibility that he may soon leave Iraq’s political scene. Such a scenario would definitely affect political developments and the security situation in the country, and it would have repercussions for the entire Middle East region. Talabani has played a very effective role in mediating between Iraq’s various political groups and his departure would create a political vacuum. In such a situation, there would be a great possibility that the old disputes between Iraq’s various groups and tribes would flare up. Thus, the Iraqi government should have a clear plan to fill the political vacuum. By making use of Talabani’s great experience, his successor and other officials can help Iraq weather any possible storms. Talabani has always tried to maintain impartiality when dealing with political disputes, and this trait is the key to his success. Ties between Iran and Iraq have been greatly expanded during Talabani’s time in office, and the two countries have greatly benefited from their cordial relations. Talabani’s successor is expected to pursue the same policy on Iran, and in this endeavor, he will certainly have the support of the Iraqi people and government since Iran is always regarded as a major element for maintaining stability and security in Iraq. According to Article 75(3) of the Iraqi Constitution, in the event that the office of the presidency is vacated for any reason, the vice president will replace him. Then, in accordance with constitutional provisions, the Iraqi Parliament will elect a new president within 30 days. Based on an unwritten convention in Iraq’s power-sharing system, the president must be a Kurd, and the Kurds will not relinquish this right. It has been reported that Barham Salih, a member of Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), is the strongest candidate to succeed him as president. However, the selection of Talabani’s successor will depend on agreements between political leaders. Nazim Dabbagh is the representative of Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government in Tehran. (By Nazim Dabbagh )