CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VOLUME VII (1, 2) Contemporary-Eurasia-3new | Page 113

MUSHEGH GHAHRIYAN
The US and Saudi Arabia are interested in neutralizing Iranian control
in the region. For those countries of the Gulf, which are concerned with
the growing Iranian infl uence in the Middle East, Iraqi Kurdistan may be
considered as a partner outside of so called Shia Crescent. In its turn Iraqi
Kurdistan is in search of allies, inside and outside the region. Partnership
and cooperation with the countries of the GCC are very important for the
Kurdistan Regional Government. These countries’ investments are of cru-
cial importance to recover the economy from recession, realize infrastruc-
ture projects.
The visits of Iraqi and Kurdish offi cials to the Gulf countries, resto-
ration of diplomatic relations, possible Gulf investments in Iraqi recon-
struction show yet weak, however sustainable tendency of rapproche-
ment. However, the improvement of relations of Iraq and Saudi Arabia
are not irreversible as any careless step may stop the process.
The Kurdish referendum on independence strained the situation in
Iraq. The Gulf Arab states defended Iraq’s territorial integrity. If Saudi
Arabia and its allies are going to be major donors for the reconstruction
of Iraq, they also can be mediators between Baghdad and Erbil on the
way of de-escalation.
Supporting only Sunni center of Iraq and deepening relations with the
KRG without the approval of Baghdad will only make the Iraqi govern-
ment nervous. The economic and cultural capitals of Gulf Arab countries
are the necessary base to build high-trust relationship between the coun-
tries and peoples. This strategy will better serve the interests of the Gulf
Arab countries. In its turn this can be a solid base to promote its political
interests and infl uence.
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