Turkey seeks to continue political, economic role in Iraq

As Ankara readies to work with the new Iraqi administration, officials are expressing confidence that Turkey will continue to play a role in Iraq, politically and economically. "Iraq can't afford to turn its back on Turkey," said one diplomat familiar with Iraqi affairs. Turkey's policies in the near future will depend on Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki's ability to manage a balanced, functional administration. "He has a very difficult job. By trying to reconcile with everyone to form the government, he made everyone unhappy as well," said Bilgay Duman of the Ankara-based Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM). Iraq's population census, expected to be held this year, as well as the Kirkuk issue, a region where a sizable Turkmen community lives, will be two key areas closely monitored by Turkey. While continuing to closely monitoring the political situation in Iraq, Turkey is also expected to push for an increased economic presence in the country, especially in the south, in 2011, following what it considers a "lost year" due to the elections. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are expected to travel to Iraq this month with the aim of reviving the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, bringing together dozens of government ministers from the two countries. Davutoglu has named Iraq as one of four countries whose internal political stability carries great importance for Turkey, alongside Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Lebanon. "We contributed to the formation of the latest composition of the [Iraqi] government," Davutoglu said. "I was told by all groups I met in Iraq that Turkey's efforts with al-Iraqiyya helped the formation of the new government," he added. "Turkey has started to have its weight felt in Iraq as a result of its policies since 2007. I believe it will continue to play an influential role in all processes in Iraq."