Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has recently approved the appointment of its notorious military leader Iraj Masjedi as a new ambassador to Iraq.
According to observers, Iran exerted a big deal of pressure on Abadi to okay the appointment of Masjedi despite his long history of crimes as one of the major military commanders within the ranks of Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRCG) and an advisor to Iran’s Quds Force commander Qassim Suleimani.
This move is indicative, commentators argue. Through sending Masjedi to Baghdad, Tehran decided to make Iraq a backyard for its security forces and intelligence services.
Who is Masjedi?
Masjedi has a vast record of sectarian-fueled crimes. He is on good terms with commanders of all Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq, analysts revealed.
Moreover, Masjedi directs those militias and has the authority to boss them around.
He has a rich career in the arena of intelligence and security. And he is well aware of the developments in Iraq which will enable him to execute plots aiming to deepen division and chaos in Iraq, experts conclude.
His presence will boost the role of the Iranian militias and help them foment chaos and unrest in the war-torn country.
Masjedi once was quoted as saying:”Iran’s military presence in Iraq is aimed not only to strengthen Iran control over the southern parts in Iraq, but it also seeks to impose control over the Sunni-populated areas for them not to play an effective role on the Iraqi political scene.”
Source: The Baghdad Post, 7 March 2017
