Iraq reshuffles alliances as Zaydi visits France
The Iraqi government is aiming to diversify its diplomatic and security relations and reduce its reliance on Iran, as part of its efforts to strengthen cooperation with Western and regional powers. This comes with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi's visit to France, his first official trip to Europe since taking office, where he will meet President Emmanuel Macron on September 14. The visit focuses on enhancing security and economic partnerships, particularly through significant French investments in the energy sector and Iraq's negotiations to purchase 14 Rafale fighter jets. It also involves efforts to rebuild Iraq’s military capabilities following the withdrawal of the international coalition. Additionally, Al-Zaydi faces a major test in controlling Iran-backed armed factions, which is one of the key challenges to the credibility of his foreign policy, amid pressures to halt militia activities and assert Iraqi sovereignty.
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