BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister appealed Monday for support from his Arab neighbors, urging them to open embassies and forgive Iraqi debts as his government tries to crack down on Shiite militias in a crucial power struggle.
The appeal came as leaders of the biggest militia — the Mahdi Army of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr — warned that more violence could await, even as they criticized the government for allegedly showing little interest in negotiating with them.
With tension rising, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki flew to Kuwait for a meeting today of neighbors to discuss ways they can help Iraq’s Shiite-led government as it confronts Shiite militias and Sunni extremists such as al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Al-Maliki said he will be looking for tangible support, including relief from Iraq’s $67 billion foreign debt — most of it owed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Iraq presents regional dilemma
“There are countries that support the political process and are opening embassies here. We need the others to open embassies here too,” al-Maliki told reporters.
The direct appeal to Arab heavyweights highlights the regional dilemma posed by Iraq.
Sunni Arabs have a strong stake in keeping Iraq — which is majority Shiite — firmly in the Arab orbit as a buffer against expanding influence by Iran, the largest Shiite nation, but Arab neighbors are still leery of al-Maliki’s government and the deep Iranian ties of its main backers.
Al-Maliki is hoping that the ongoing crackdown against Shiite militants — principally al-Sadr’s fighters — will allay their fears.
But he also pointed the finger at “some nations” that he claimed were supporting extremist groups and “inciting strife through the media” — an apparent reference to Arab satellite-TV stations based in the Gulf region, which the leadership considers hostile.
“I am bewildered by the position of these nations,” al-Maliki added, without specifically naming a country. “Do they want to support Iraq? Iraq has emerged from a crisis and needs to be supported.”
U.S. officials have accused Iran — which will attend the Kuwait conference — of supporting Shiite extremists in Iraq, an allegation that Tehran denies.
U.S. also seeks Arab assistance
The United States too has pressed Arab governments to respond to security improvements and political advances in Iraq with financial and political support. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who visited Baghdad on Sunday, is scheduled to be at the Kuwait meeting to lend support to Iraq.
Last weekend, al-Sadr, who is believed to be in Iran, threatened in a website statement to declare full-scale war on the U.S.-backed government if attacks on his followers continue.
The crisis began nearly a month ago when al-Maliki launched a military offensive against the Mahdi Army and other Shiite militias in the southern port city of Basra.
In Sadr City — a sprawling slum of 2.5 million people — mosques broadcast appeals Monday for people to donate blood to help the hundreds who had been injured in the fighting. Residents contacted by telephone said many donors showed up at two hospitals in response to the call.
No major fighting was reported in Sadr City on Monday.
