Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Washington Times
September 10, 2008
Pg. 16
BAGHDAD -- The United Arab Emirates' ambassador to Iraq took up his post Tuesday, becoming the first Arab ambassador in Baghdad since Egypt's envoy was kidnapped and killed in 2005.
Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi hailed the arrival of Ambassador Abdullah Ibrahim al-Shehhi.
"It is a message to all states which are still hesitant to open their diplomatic missions in Iraq," Mr. al-Hashemi said after Mr. al-Shehhi presented his credentials. "This new, heavy diplomatic presence in Iraq is proof that Iraq has started to recover from the last five years of crisis."
Washington has urged Arab capitals to establish high-level diplomatic representation in Iraq, partly to dilute the influence of neighboring Shi'ite Iran, which has a full-fledged embassy in Baghdad.
With violence in Iraq at a four-year low, Arab states have begun to re-engage with the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad after maintaining only low-level ties since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
September 10, 2008
Pg. 16
BAGHDAD -- The United Arab Emirates' ambassador to Iraq took up his post Tuesday, becoming the first Arab ambassador in Baghdad since Egypt's envoy was kidnapped and killed in 2005.
Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi hailed the arrival of Ambassador Abdullah Ibrahim al-Shehhi.
"It is a message to all states which are still hesitant to open their diplomatic missions in Iraq," Mr. al-Hashemi said after Mr. al-Shehhi presented his credentials. "This new, heavy diplomatic presence in Iraq is proof that Iraq has started to recover from the last five years of crisis."
Washington has urged Arab capitals to establish high-level diplomatic representation in Iraq, partly to dilute the influence of neighboring Shi'ite Iran, which has a full-fledged embassy in Baghdad.
With violence in Iraq at a four-year low, Arab states have begun to re-engage with the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad after maintaining only low-level ties since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.