Expert predicts instability in Iraq after US troop withdrawal

Tehran, Dec 3 (ANI): The full withdrawal of American troops from Iraq could result in great instability in that nation, an expert has claimed.

Farid Al-Salim, a Kansas State University Middle East expert, said that the desire for withdrawal is mutual, but predicted an unstable and uncertain future for Iraq if the nation's political parties engage in conflict to realize their political agendas.

"It will be the end of modern Iraq, established by the British in 1921, and lead to three Iraqs: one for the Kurds in the north, Sunni and maybe Christians in the middle, and the rest will be Shia in the south," Al-Salim added.

Al-Salim predicted that the US withdrawal would trigger a vacuum of power, which will allow Iran to seize control.

He said that other countries in the region are unhappy with the American decision to withdrawal as a result.

"The Saudi government is really upset. Once the American troops withdraw from Iraq, they will go to Kuwait because the Kuwaitis are afraid something will happen when the troops leave," Al-Salim said.

Al-Salim recommended maintaining connections with Iraqis after the withdrawal. Security agreements are a practical consideration for the nature of the American interest in Iraq. But Al-Salim does not believe Iraqis would be receptive to such an agreement.

"It looks like the Iraqis feel they sinned by cooperating with the Americans from 2003-2009. Now they need to cleanse their bodies and minds from the sin; get out of here whatever the price is," he added.

Al-Salim also said many Middle Eastern people believe that US involvement has been a negative in the region. High casualties and suffering in Iraq lent a negative image to how the US maintained stability in the country. (ANI)