This report reviews the growing competition between Turkey and Iran for influence in Iraq as the U.S. troop withdrawal proceeds. In doing so, it finds an alignment of interests between Baghdad, Ankara, and Washington, D.C., in a strong and stable Iraq fueled by increased hydrocarbon production. Where possible, the United States should therefore encourage Turkish and Iraqi cooperation and economic integration as a key part of its post-2011 strategy for Iraq and the region.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 15-[16]).
Contents
Introduction -- Neo-Ottoman and neo-Persian competition? -- Iraq struggles to chart its own course -- Iraqi-Turkish alignment -- Conclusion.
