The position of Iraq's neighboring countries on the American occupation of Iraq and the formation of Iraqi governments (2003 to 2011) A study of the Saudi and Iranian positions and their internal and regional impact

Abstract

       After the United States and its allies announced the end of major military operations in Iraq and the fall of its regime, the American envoy took over to prepare the Iraqis to build an Iraqi government that represents the Iraqi people through parliamentary elections, From here began the Iranian and Saudi political division over the form of government and its political and intellectual orientation. Each country has its own opinion that secures its interests. Both awaited the outcome of the Iraqi elections, but the disagreement was over the political structure and its intellectual and political orientation.

      Iran focused on the political and religious sectarianism that would rule Iraq due to the nature of the relationship that linked it to the Iraqi opposition that was in Iran before the fall of the regime in 2003. As for Saudi Arabia, it realized what was going on in the thinking of Iranian policy towards Iraq. Rather, it had great reservations about the political formation, as it was aware of the danger that threatened its interests in the Gulf. However, the presence of foreign forces in Iraq somewhat alleviated Saudi concerns.

      The difference in positions between Iran and Saudi Arabia had a significant impact on widening the gap between Iraqi society and its new politicians, who relied on both sides of the conflict and made some decisions. The struggle for political hegemony also dragged into regional countries witnessing popular unrest and unstable conditions.