Iran and Iraq: The Shia Connection, Soft Power, and the Nuclear Factor

Iran and Iraq: The Shia Connection, Soft Power, and the Nuclear Factor

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

By: Geoffrey Kemp | This report is a part of the Iraq;  Its Neighbors series.

Summary Predominantly Shiite Iran emerges from the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's fall with considerable power and influence in Iraq as Iraqis themselves struggle to acquire a semblance of unity and forge a new political order acceptable to Iraq's three key groups: Shia, Kurds, and Sunnis. Iran's leaders meet with Iraq's most influential personality, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani; American diplomats do not meet with Sistani. Iraq's new elected leaders make visits to Tehran and negotia...

Type: Special Report

ReligionGlobal Policy