Do Iran And Iraq Get Along? Unpacking Their Complex Relationship
A Historical Tapestry: From Rivalry to Unlikely Collaboration
The narrative of Iran and Iraq's relationship is a rich tapestry woven with threads of ancient empires, colonial legacies, and modern state-building. For centuries, the lands that now constitute Iran and Iraq have been centers of power, often vying for regional dominance. This historical competition laid the groundwork for future conflicts, even as it fostered periods of cultural exchange and trade. The modern states, however, inherited specific flashpoints that exacerbated tensions. One prominent example was the dispute over the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a vital artery for both nations. Historically, this gave Iraq control of most of the waterway and required Iran to pay tolls whenever its ships used it, a point of contention that festered for decades. The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked rivalry. This brutal conflict, which lasted eight years and claimed millions of lives, fundamentally reshaped their perceptions of each other. Yet, despite this traumatic past, the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a surprising shift. The fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, a leader who had once spearheaded the war against Iran, dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape. This event, coupled with the rise of a Shia-majority government in Baghdad, opened new avenues for engagement and collaboration, leading many to ponder: **do Iran and Iraq get along** better now than in the past? This transformation, from intense rivalry to a degree of cooperation, is a testament to the fluid nature of international relations in the Middle East.The Deep Roots of Shared Faith: Shia Islam's Influence
One of the stark similarities between Iran and Iraq is its shared national religion of Islam. This commonality, particularly the prevalence of Shia tradition, forms a profound, often overlooked, layer in their complex relationship. Approximately 90% of Iran's population follows Shia Islam, while in Iraq, a significant 60% adhere to the Shia tradition, with 37% following Sunni Islam and 8% in Iran. This shared religious identity is not merely a demographic statistic; it is a powerful cultural and political force. The Middle East has witnessed a battle for dominance between these two versions of Islam across Eurasia since its foundation in the early 600s, with Iran often positioning itself as the guardian of Shia interests globally. This deep religious connection has allowed Iran to cultivate extensive ties within Iraq, particularly with Shia political parties, militias, and religious institutions. These connections are not always straightforward, as they can also fuel internal Iraqi divisions and external suspicions. However, they undeniably provide Iran with significant leverage and influence within its western neighbor. The holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, revered by Shias worldwide, attract millions of Iranian pilgrims annually, fostering continuous cultural and religious exchange. This spiritual bond often transcends political disagreements, forming a bedrock for certain aspects of their relationship. While it doesn't erase all tensions, it provides a unique dimension to the question of **do Iran and Iraq get along**, suggesting a deeper, underlying affinity.The Shadow of Conflict: The Iran-Iraq War and Its Legacy
The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) remains the most defining and devastating chapter in the modern history of their relationship. The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, shaping national narratives and strategic thinking on both sides. The conflict was sparked by a complex mix of factors, including the long-standing Shatt al-Arab border dispute, Iraq's desire for regional hegemony, and Saddam Hussein's fear of the Iranian Revolution's ideological influence on Iraq's Shia majority. Successive military coups in Iraq led to the takeover by the Ba’ath Party in 1968 and Hussein’s gradual ascent to power through the ranks, culminating in his aggressive posture towards Iran. The war was characterized by brutal trench warfare, chemical weapons use, and attacks on civilian targets, leaving a legacy of immense human suffering and economic devastation. For Iran, the war solidified its revolutionary identity and fostered a deep distrust of external powers, particularly those who supported Saddam Hussein. For Iraq, it led to crippling debt and a militarized society. Even decades later, the psychological scars of the war influence current policies and public sentiment. While the post-2003 era has seen a shift towards cooperation, the memory of the war serves as a constant reminder of how quickly relations can deteriorate. It underscores the fragility of peace and the profound impact of historical grievances on the current state of affairs, making the question of "do Iran and Iraq get along" a nuanced one that acknowledges a painful past.Iran's Strategic Imperatives in Iraq
Iran's engagement with Iraq is driven by a clear set of strategic imperatives, primarily aimed at securing its western border, projecting regional influence, and countering perceived threats. Iran has deep political and religious ties with Iraq, which it leverages to achieve these goals. A key objective for Tehran is to prevent Iraq from becoming hostile and to drive U.S. forces out of the region. This ambition is rooted in Iran's long-standing distrust of American presence in its neighborhood, a sentiment that intensified after President George W. Bush described Iran as part of an “axis of evil,” a declaration that resonated deeply within Iran. The Islamic Republic has used its historical, political, and religious advantages to permeate Iraq’s political, security, economic, and religious spheres. This influence is manifested through various channels: * **Political:** Support for Shia-dominated political blocs and parties that align with Iran's regional vision. * **Security:** Close ties with and, in some cases, direct support for various Iraqi militia groups, many of which played a significant role in fighting ISIS and now exert considerable political power. * **Economic:** Developing trade relationships and energy dependency, which we will discuss further. * **Religious:** Leveraging the shared Shia faith and the importance of Iraqi holy sites to maintain cultural and spiritual influence. This pervasive influence is a critical factor in understanding the dynamics of their relationship. Iran views a stable, friendly Iraq as essential for its national security and regional standing. Therefore, its actions are often geared towards ensuring that Iraq remains within its sphere of influence, making the answer to "do Iran and Iraq get along" heavily dependent on the perspective of who is asking and what their regional interests are.The Porous Border and Regional Dynamics
The physical geography between Iran and Iraq also plays a significant role in their relationship. The border between Iraq and Iran is very porous, a fact that has profound implications for security, trade, and the movement of people. As Krieg, an expert, noted, "Iraqi forces don’t make any effort, and don’t have any capacity, to control the" border effectively. This lack of control facilitates informal trade, smuggling, and the movement of various groups, including militants, which can be both a source of tension and a conduit for influence. For Iran, a porous border means easier access to its allies and proxies within Iraq, but also potential security vulnerabilities. This geographical reality intertwines with broader regional dynamics. With overlapping civil wars in Syria and Iraq, the region has become a complex battleground where various state and non-state actors vie for power. Iran's influence in Iraq is often seen through the lens of its broader "Axis of Resistance," aiming to counter U.S. and Israeli influence. The porous border allows for the logistical support of these regional networks, further complicating the question of **do Iran and Iraq get along** as independent sovereign states, or as part of a larger regional chessboard.The Kurdish Question: A Shared Concern?
Beyond the Arab-Persian divide, another critical point in the way Iran deals with Iraq is Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdish region, while part of Iraq, maintains a significant degree of autonomy and has its own distinct political and security aspirations. The Kurdistan Regional Government sees itself in a temporary relationship with Iraqi sovereignty, often pursuing policies that diverge from Baghdad's central government. This autonomy, coupled with the presence of Kurdish groups that have historically opposed Iran, creates a unique dynamic. Interestingly, all the various Iraqi political parties, even Iranian ones, agree on the threat that the Kurdish region poses to the safety of Iraq and Iran together. Both Tehran and Baghdad share concerns about Kurdish separatism, fearing that an independent Kurdistan could destabilize their own Kurdish-populated regions. This shared apprehension over Kurdish aspirations occasionally serves as a point of convergence for Iranian and Iraqi interests, highlighting how common threats can sometimes foster cooperation, even between historically adversarial nations. This complex situation further illustrates that the question of **do Iran and Iraq get along** cannot be answered with a simple binary, as their relationship is shaped by multiple, sometimes conflicting, interests.Economic Interdependence and Challenges
The energy relationship between Iraq and Iran is a crucial aspect of their bilateral ties. For years, Iraq has relied on Iranian natural gas to keep the lights on, particularly in its southern provinces, which are heavily populated by Shias. This dependency provides Iran with significant economic leverage. However, this relationship is not without its challenges. Iran has rising national demand and an inefficient grid, and periodically cuts off gas supplies to Iraq to serve its own people, causing power shortages and public discontent in Iraq. Furthermore, Iran also suffers from U.S. sanctions, which complicate its ability to conduct international trade and receive payments for its energy exports. This forces Iraq to navigate a delicate balance between its energy needs from Iran and its relationship with the United States, a major donor and security partner. While the economic ties are substantial, particularly in energy, trade, and border commerce, they are also fraught with political and logistical hurdles. The frequent intermarriage, migration, bilingualism, and commerce along both shores of the Persian Gulf, in southwestern Iran, and in Iraq, where the Iranian and Arab worlds meet, underscore a natural economic and social interdependence that persists despite political tensions. This economic reality adds another layer to the question of **do Iran and Iraq get along**, demonstrating a practical necessity for cooperation alongside strategic objectives.Regional Power Plays: Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the US Influence
The relationship between Iran and Iraq is not an isolated bilateral affair; it is deeply embedded within the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, heavily influenced by regional and international powers. Saudi Arabia and Iran are at loggerheads, long-standing rivals whose competition for regional dominance significantly impacts Iraq. Their rivalry has recently become a lot more tense, with Iraq often finding itself caught in the middle as a battleground for proxy conflicts. With overlapping civil wars in Syria and Iraq, a complex web of alliances and rivalries has emerged, where external actors often support different factions within Iraq. The United States has historically played a pivotal role in Iraq, particularly since the 2003 invasion. U.S. officials, in the past, cited Iraq's support for international terrorism and its repeated threats against neighboring states, including Iran (where Iraq supported Baluchi and Arab separatists against the Shah) and Kuwait (Iraq launched an unprovoked attack on a Kuwaiti border post and claimed the Kuwaiti islands of Warbah and Bubiyan) to justify operations. This historical context of U.S. involvement and its adversarial stance towards Iran directly influences how Iran views its strategic position in Iraq, seeking to drive U.S. forces out of the region. Furthermore, Israel's strategic calculations also play a role. There's a perception that Israel recognized a golden opportunity to seize Iranian weakness, following the collapse of its proxy “axis of resistance” led by Hezbollah, along with Israel’s operational achievements, such as a hypothetical October 2024 attack on Iran, where Israel might destroy Tehran’s strategic air defense system. While this specific scenario describes a potential future or a specific narrative from a source, it illustrates the intense regional power dynamics and the constant state of vigilance and strategic maneuvering among these key players. These external influences mean that even if Iran and Iraq wished to fully normalize relations, they would still contend with the strategic interests and pressures exerted by other powerful actors, making the question of **do Iran and Iraq get along** a reflection of regional stability as a whole.Cultural Connections Beyond Politics
Beyond the high-stakes politics, military strategies, and economic dependencies, there's a fundamental layer of cultural connection that often goes unnoticed but profoundly influences the relationship between the people of Iran and Iraq. Where the Iranian and Arab worlds meet — along both shores of the Persian Gulf, in southwestern Iran, and in Iraq — there is frequent intermarriage, migration, bilingualism, and commerce. This organic interaction at the grassroots level creates a shared cultural fabric that transcends political boundaries. Millions of pilgrims from Iran visit the Shia holy sites in Iraq annually, fostering deep personal and spiritual bonds. Similarly, many Iraqis have family ties or historical connections to Iran. This continuous flow of people, ideas, and goods contributes to a mutual understanding and a degree of familiarity that can act as a buffer against political hostilities. While governments may clash, the shared history, religious reverence, and everyday interactions among their populations suggest a more nuanced answer to "do Iran and Iraq get along." It implies that, at a societal level, there's an undeniable interconnectedness that persists regardless of the political climate, hinting at a potential for deeper reconciliation and cooperation in the future. *** **Conclusion** The question, **"Do Iran and Iraq get along?"** cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Their relationship is a complex tapestry woven from shared religious heritage, a traumatic history of war, evolving geopolitical interests, and pervasive external influences. From the deep spiritual ties of Shia Islam to the strategic competition for regional influence, their interactions are multifaceted and dynamic. While the harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, the post-2003 era has seen a surprising shift towards collaboration, driven by shared religious identity and a mutual desire for stability, albeit under Iran's significant influence. Iran's strategic imperatives to secure its borders and counter U.S. presence, coupled with Iraq's reliance on Iranian energy and the complexities of the porous border and the Kurdish question, all contribute to a relationship that is both interdependent and fraught with tension. External actors like Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United States further complicate this dynamic, turning Iraq into a critical arena for regional power plays. Yet, beneath the political maneuvering, cultural connections and economic necessities continue to bind the two nations. Understanding this intricate balance is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the nuances of Middle Eastern geopolitics. What are your thoughts on the future of Iran-Iraq relations? Do you believe their shared religious ties will ultimately lead to stronger cooperation, or will historical grievances and regional rivalries continue to dominate? Share your insights in the comments below, or explore our other articles on Middle Eastern affairs to deepen your understanding of this vital region.
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