Number: RS22323
Title: Iran's Activities and Influence in Iraq
Authors: Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs 
Abstract: With a conventional military and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat from Saddam Hussein's regime removed, Iran seeks to ensure that Iraq can never again become a threat to Iran, either with or without U.S. forces present in Iraq. Some believe Iran's intentions go well beyond achieving Iraq's "neutrality" , that Iran wants to try to harness Iraq to its broader regional policy goals and to help Iran defend itself against international criticism of Iran's nuclear program. By supporting armed Shiite factions, Iran's activities in Iraq have hindered , and continue to pose a threat to-U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq, and have heightened the U.S. threat perception of Iran generally. However, Iran faces difficult choices in Iraq now that its protege Shiite factions, formerly united, are competing and often fighting each other. This competition is intensifying in the run-up to January 31, 2009 provincial elections.
Pages: 7
Date: January 7, 2009