A complex relationship
Iraqi officials said they feel trapped in the middle of the feud between the United States and Iran, two indispensable allies. And they feel ambivalent toward their neighbor, Iran, which they believe is both helping and hurting Iraq.
How Iran helps
Iraqi officials said they feel trapped in the middle of the feud between the United States and Iran, two indispensable allies. And they feel ambivalent toward their neighbor, Iran, which they believe is both helping and hurting Iraq.
The first country after the United States to recognize post-Hussein Iraq and open an embassy there.
A major trading partner that provides tons of food daily, acts as a transit point for Iraqi imports and exports of fuel and other supplies, offers favorable deals on fuel, and is close to signing a deal to provide 1,000 megawatts of electricity daily.
Still shelters up to 100,000 Hussein-era Iraqi refugees.
Close ties with politicians such as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who was a refugee there.
Longstanding ties with semi-autonomous Kurdistan.
How Iran hurts
Iranian-made mortars and "shaped charges" that make particularly deadly roadside bombs have been found in Iraq. US military officials have said they might be supplied by rogue factions or independent arms dealers, not directly by the Iranian government.
Iran has been accused of sheltering militant leaders and funding Shi'ite militias who are behind killings of Sunnis in Iraq.
Iran has pressured Maliki to take tougher stands against the United States, including demanding a timetable for troop withdrawal and releasing five Iranian prisoners accused of spying.
Might be using Iraq as an arena to settle scores with the United States and Arab rivals.
SOURCES: Iraqi diplomats, US military, International Crisis Group. 