Iraq summoned Turkish Ambassador over the comment made by Erdogan on Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s government. Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan warned Iraq against stirring up Sunni-Shiite conflict. He added that this would be suicidal for the whole region and that Iraq faced a historical responsibility.

Turkey had earlier tried to play a moderating role as Shiite Iran and Sunni Saudi Arab jockey for influence in the regoin. Iraq’s deputy foreign minister urged the Turkish government to avoid statements that would harm good relations. He also said that he has received reassurances from Turkish officials that the comments were made in good faith and that his reservations will be conveyed to the Turkish government in Ankara.

The post Iraq Critical Of Erdogan’s Statement On Sectarian Violence appeared first on Politact.

Analysis

Bahrain’s foreign minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday and met with the President, Prime Minister, and officials of the armed forces. According to media reports, he delivered a special message from the king of Bahrain and his trip was meant to improve the defense relations between the two countries.

In a recent statement, an unnamed Pakistan’s foreign office official stated,

“No doubt that the foreign minister is coming at a critical time when his country is facing chaos and turmoil and he will discuss that situation with Pakistani leaders. However, that does not imply that he will discuss the recruitment of Pakistanis for Bahrain’s security forces.”

The visit of Bahrain’s foreign minister was in a series of high profile meetings between the officials of Gulf countries and Pakistan. These meetings got initiated as the situation of Bahrain and Yemen worsened. It should be noted that the foreign minister’s trip followed Bandar bin Sultan’s visit to Pakistan earlier. Bandar bin Sultan is the General Secretary of Saudi Arabia’s National Security Council and carries considerable clout in US. Bandar’s tour was preceded by the visit of Commander of Royal Saudi Land Forces Lieutenant General Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah Al-Murshid, who met Pakistan’s Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani on March 9th. In late February, President Zardari had travelled to Kuwait to commemorate the nations 50th birthday.

Turmoil in Bahrain’s led to Saudi led Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) intervention on March 14. Around 1,500 soldiers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf nations entered Bahrain at the request of the Bahraini government.

There are widely held perceptions that Shiite Iran is trying to destabilize Middle East and expand its influence, a view strongly projected by Israel. Shia opposition of Bahrain demanded on Wednesday that the Saudi-backed armed forces helping to crush demonstrations should leave the country immediately. The demand highlighted the sectarian aspect of the anti-government campaign in this tiny island kingdom, where Shia majority is protesting for more freedom and rights against a Sunni monarch that has been ruling Bahrain for nearly two centuries.

During this crisis, Pakistan has supported the ruling family of Bahrain and the monarchs of the Gulf region. This position is likely to complicate Pakistan’s relations with Iran while slowing progress of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project. Additionally, it would also strain Shia-Sunni relations with in Pakistan and FATA. As US, Israel,  and Gulf countries attempt to contain Iran in Middle East, the country has the leverage to counteract by making matters worse in the AfPak region.

The post The Impact of Middle East Situation On Pakistan-Iran Relations and Afghanistan appeared first on Politact.

Context
President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen has sacked the country’s cabinet amid ongoing demonstrations against his government. The decision came as thousands of people attended the funerals for dozens of demonstrators killed on Friday. Despite sacking his government, President Saleh wants the cabinet to continue working until a new one is appointed. The president has been facing a series of resignations since 45 people were shot dead by authorities during Friday’s anti-government demonstrations, sparking widespread fury in Yemen. A number of top Yemeni military commanders defected today and joined the protestors. A number of Yemeni ambassadors have also resigned their posts. It should be mentioned that Al Qaeda is particularly active in Yemen and is likely to directly benefit from chaos there, while creating serious implications for the security of Saudi Arabia .

The post Yemeni President Sacks Government appeared first on Politact.

Bahrain’s largest Shiite opposition group Wefaq came out against the GCC intervention:

“We consider the entry of any soldier or military machinery into the Kingdom of Bahrain’s air, sea or land territories a blatant occupation,” Wefaq said in a statement.

According to media reports, about 1,000 Saudi troops and 150 armored personal carriers are involved, while UAE is planning to send forces in the coming days.

The following precursory developments have taken place in the region, leading to the GCC action today:

• Over the weekend, Arab League lent its support for establishing a No-Fly zone over Libya.
• GCC meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 10 led to the announcement of $20 billion aid package for Bahrain and Oman. A GCC statement noted Qaddafi regime in Libya as illegitimate.
• US Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited Bahrain on March 11 and called for speedy reforms there.
• Media reports on March 13 indicated Syria has sent arms, ammunition, and equipment to Qaddafi regime to crush the uprising there.

It would be important to see the American and Iranian response to the Saudi maneuvered military intervention in Bahrain. In coming articles, PoliTact will be examining the rapidly changing geopolitical situation of Middle East.

The post Saudi and Gulf Forces Intervene in Bahrain appeared first on Politact.