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Iraq; America's Unexpected Ally

B. Stephens, The Wall Street Journal | February 5, 2009

The US finds itself involved in most of the regional conflicts in the M-E. ++ When the US looks for a friendly face in the region it is confronted with hostile regional states (Iran), strategic liabilities (Afghanistan), and allies which speak of preemptive responses (Israel). ++ Amidst the havoc, Iraq emerges as a new strategic asset. ++ The success of the latest election in terms of turnout, the absence of violence and most importantly talk about secularizing politics means that “Iraq has earned a powerful claim to [US] friendship.”