US diplomatic reshuffle in Iraq comes at critical moment for Baghdad and Washington - analysis

Joshua Harris is ending his year-long posting as U.S. chargé d’affaires in Baghdad at a sensitive point for relations between Washington and Iraq. His departure coincides with plans to complete the withdrawal of U.S. troops involved in the anti-ISIS coalition by September 30.

According to Asharq al-Awsat, political circles expect Steven Fagin, a former U.S. ambassador to Yemen, to take over the post. Fagin is described as an expert on Iraq and the wider region, particularly Iran.

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The Prime Minister, Mr. Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, received Mr. Joshua Harris, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, on the occasion of the conclusion of his tenure.

The diplomatic change comes as the United States prepares to leave Iraq again. Washington withdrew in 2011, but returned after ISIS seized territory in 2014. The planned departure is raising concerns among U.S. partners in Iraq, especially in the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

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During the meeting, the bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States were reviewed, along with ways to enhance joint cooperation in various fields and expand the fruitful partnership, in a manner that serves the mutual interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples.

At the same time, Washington is pressing Baghdad to rein in Iranian-backed militias. The groups are expected to disarm, but have continued to resist. Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada has set conditions for disarmament, while the head of the Badr Organization has said Iraq will not confront the militias and that the arrangement will continue peacefully. That position suggests Baghdad is unlikely to force the groups to disarm.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met Harris on August 27 as Harris concluded his tenure. Zaidi’s office said they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation. It also said Harris thanked the Iraqi government for its work on economic cooperation and regional security, and affirmed Washington’s interest in continuing to develop relations with Iraq.

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For his part, Mr. Harris expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister and the efforts of the Iraqi government in developing joint economic cooperation and supporting the consolidation of security and stability in the region, affirming his country's keenness to continue developing relations with Iraq.