World

Trump to host Iraq’s PM on Aug. 20

August 08, 2020
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump will meet Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Washington later this month, the White House said Friday, highlighting a turn-around in relations since the US-friendly premier came to power.

Tensions skyrocketed following a US strike on Baghdad in January that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis and prompted Iraqi politicians to demand the expulsion of the roughly 5,200 US troops in the country.

The hostility has calmed substantially since Kadhimi — an ex-spy chief with close ties to the US and its allies in the region — took the reins as Iraq's premier in May.

The White House said the Aug. 20 visit comes at a "critical time" in the fight against Daesh (so-called IS) group and the myriad problems posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

"As close partners, the United States and Iraq will look to expand our relations," the White House added.

A Washington invite was the type of diplomatic olive branch never received by Kadhimi's predecessor Adel Abdel Mahdi, who was forced to resign by months of protests.


August 08, 2020
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