America's Perceived Complicity with Iran in a Sectarian War: Policy Failure or Diplomatic Bungle?

America's Perceived Complicity with Iran in a Sectarian War: Policy Failure or Diplomatic Bungle?

Riad Kahwaji | March 18 2015 | http://www.inegma.com/e-reportdetail.aspx?rid=181&t=Americas-Perceived-Complicity-with-Iran-in-a-Sectarian-War-Policy-Failure-or-Diplomatic-Bungle

Despite extensive efforts by the Obama administration to assure its Arab allies that their long-term strategic partnership will remain strong and will not be affected by the signing of a nuclear deal with Iran, a very skeptical mood prevails in the traditionally pro-Western Arab capitals. “The U.S. has sold us to Iran and it is now executing an agenda aimed at helping Tehran assert its influence in the region,” said one Arab official. The official reiterated views expressed by many of his counterparts in the region. “Look how Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) are spearheading the Iraqi army attack against Tikrit under the eyes of the Americans who have troops deployed in the country and are providing air cover to forces advancing against Daesh,” he added. Daesh is the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) that controls large swathes of Iraq and Syria and is today under attack by an International and Arab Alliance providing air power to the Iraqi forces.http://www.inegma.com/e-reportdetail.aspx?rid=181&t=Americas-Perceived-Complicity-with-Iran-in-a-Sectarian-War-Policy-Failure-or-Diplomatic-Bungle