Iran diplomacy in Iraq more effectual than U.S.

An interview with the representative of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq to Tehran, Majed Ghammas on the current political climatein Iraq
Would you give us a general view of Iraqand the position of political factions including the supreme council?
After the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s regime,a number of profound and crucial events occurred in the Middle East region, which led to an unprecedented historical experience. In the history of Iraq the majority Shiites people were not able to run the country. However,although a Shiite government is running the country now, the other minority ethnic groups, including Sunnis, Kurds, Turkmens have their own shares in the administration, but the most significant position which is prime minister was given to the Shiites. Such right had been denied to Shiites in the past.
In the wake of democracy, the United States made efforts to have the final say in the new Iraqi government acts, but to no avail. Nevertheless, the American officials continued their political wheeling and dealing to maintain their influence in Iraq. Meanwhile, some neighboring countries which were not pleased with the developments of Iraq began to underscore tribal disputes and return Iraq to its past days of dictatorship. The other significant issue is the participation of influential political groups, because they were simply engaged in the struggle against former regime and did not have any experience in administration.They need time to agree on the formation of a government inwhich all political factions are involved.
Domestic conflicts have put obstacles on the way of establishing a solid government. The disputes between Baghdad and Arbil of Kurdistan, the evidences on the involvement of some political figures in terrorism, including the case of Tariq Al-Hashimi [former Iraqi vice president], the problems caused by the members of the former regime and so on have prevented Iraq to form a unified government.
Are the Iraqi Shiites integrated at the moment?
There’s something called national treaty, which is regarded as a political authority for Shiites and believed by all of them, but in reality in the absence of a perfectconstitution and avoidance of some factions from respecting the coalition,several problems are realized. On the other hand, in terms of politics, some factions are not mature enough, so they can’t make decisions in the best interest of Shiites.
Regarding the critical condition of Mr. Jalal Talabani, is Iraq on the verge of a new crisis?
Well, Mr. Talabaniis an international political figure. He is known as a statesman ready for negotiation and discussion, the onewho is able to resolve problems. His relations with all, from religious authorities to political factions are pretty good. As the president, he is the figure that all can rely on in coping with their problems. Before he suffered a stroke, he had declared his willingness for mediating between different political currents, so in general his illness and absence will damage Iraq’s political process.
If Mr. Talabani lamentably passes away, who would replace him?
There’s no idea at the moment, but the main question for the Kurds is whetherin the absence of Mr. Talabani his party would maintain its influence or not. Currently there are some possible candidates for replacing Mr. Talabani: BarhamSalih, the former prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government who is the youngest candidate andFuadMasum, one of the first and key members of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, as the envoy of Jalal Talabanihe visited Iran and met the late Imam Khomeini.
What about the U.S. stance on the recent developments in Iraq?
The critical issue for the United States is the positive continuation of Iraq’s political process, because the superpower can claim that it has created a democratic government in Iraq , which would boost its international prestige. However, Mr. Maleki has not a close relation with the American officials. Actually the Iraqi government is on a good term with Iran, which shows the Iranian diplomacy has been more effectual than the United States.However the American officials try to intervene and lead the situation in their best interests.