Trump's Blackwater Pardons Strengthen Iran's Hold on Iraq & Undermine US Interests There

Donald Trump sent the worst possible message to the world this week with his pardon of four Blackwater security contractors who participated in the unprovoked killing of 17 Iraqi civilians in Nisour Square in 2007.

New York Times: "Amy Jeffress, a top national security prosecutor at the Justice Department who oversaw the case, said the pardons would have a lasting impact on the perception of the United States abroad. “These pardons send a terrible message to the Department of Justice and to our Iraqi partners who helped with this very difficult case — and of course to the victims.”

While many Americans are incensed by Trump's pardon of corrupt congressmen and his felonious cronies, Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, Iraqis focused on his Blackwater pardons as evidence of America's disregard for their lives and equal justice under the law.

New York Times: "On Wednesday, Iraq’s foreign ministry urged the U.S. government to reconsider the decision to pardon the four former Blackwater guards, saying in a statement that the move was inconsistent with the U.S. administration’s “declared commitment to the values of human rights, justice and the rule of law.”

And the irony of the situation is that the pardons will push many Iraqis into the arms of Iran and strengthen their position in the country at a time when the Trump administration is trying to undermine Tehran's hold on the nation.

One of the most powerful Iran-backed militias in Iran, Kataib Hezbollah, was quick to capitalize on Trump's Blackwater pardons saying in a statement that his action "confirms the extent of American hostility to the Iraqi people."

So, as Iranian-backed militias ramp up their rocket attacks on the "Green zone" near the US embassy, don't expect Iraqi citizens to shed a tear. To many Iraqis, Donald Trump proved that America doesn't value their lives and certainly doesn't value justice or human rights.

It's not clear who Trump thought he was pleasing by pardoning the security contractors, but Iran will be the long-term beneficiary. Iran's position in Iraq has been strengthened and that nation's President, Hassan Rohani, [pictured above] has reason to celebrate.

#Iraq #Iran #news

By: Don Lam & Curated Content