A major crisis has begun in Iraq, as Iran seeks to maintain its influence in the country despite its eroding strategic position. Opportunities to reverse strategic trends are difficult to anticipate. But there is now a clear opportunity to curb Iranian power, and quietly and carefully, the U.S. should seize on this chance, pushing harder to divide Iran’s attention and undermine its grip on Iraq.
Iraq is at the heart of Iran’s interests in the Middle East. It is the region’s only majority-Shiite country apart from Iran. It has significant oil reserves and is a potential avenue for illicit oil exports. It is the graveyard of American and Baathist power. And it is the geographic bridge between the Zagros Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. One way or another, Iraq must fall under Iran’s control if Iran wishes to be a regional power.
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