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Talks could end Iraq violence "within months"

18 October 2006

Talks could end Iraq violence "within months"

EVENT

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has welcomed reports from Washington that the US might open talks with Syria and Iran to help stabilise Iraq. He is quoted as saying that such a joint effort could end the violence “within months”.

The possibility of the US explicitly seeking Iranian and Syrian assistance in Iraq is one of a number of options under consideration by a panel in Washington headed by former US Secretary of State James Baker. Baker has been tasked by Congress with examining the effectiveness of US policy in Iraq and suggesting ways in which it could be improved. Another option under the panel's consideration, in conjunction with engaging Iran and Syria, is an early or phased withdrawal of multi-national troops.

FORECAST

There will certainly be a fear in some spheres in Washington that the diplomatic price Damascus and Tehran might seek for their support would be too much to bear. But with Iraqi and US casualties continuing to mount, the administration is under increasing pressure from Iraqi politicians and US public opinion to come up with a new approach.

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© 2006 Jane's Information Group
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