The party mystery.. Prominent Iraqi figures at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.. What is going on behind the scenes?

The party mystery.. Prominent Iraqi figures at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.. What is going on behind the scenes?

2-3-2025

The party mystery.. Prominent Iraqi figures at Trumps inauguration ceremony.. What is going on behind the scenesInformation / Special ..
The US capital, Washington, witnessed the presence of prominent Iraqi figures at the inauguration ceremony of the new US President, Donald Trump, which raised a wave of questions about the real motives for this presence, especially in light of the political transformations that the new Trump administration may impose on Iraq and the region.
While Masrour Barzani’s presence seems expected given his close relations with Washington, the appearance of Adnan Al-Zurfi, Sheikh Lahore, Ali Al-Shukri and Farhad Alaa Al-Din on the scene raises big question marks. Did they come as official representatives of Al-Sudani’s government, or are they seeking to reserve an advanced seat in the next stage?
Masrour Barzani: A strategic partner for Washington or a guarantor of Western interests?
It is known that Masrour Barzani enjoys strong relations with the United States, as he has strategic relations with American decision-making institutions, especially with regard to American interests in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and his presence at the inauguration ceremony reflects the continuation of this relationship, and perhaps an attempt to ensure broader American support for the region in light of the internal and regional challenges it faces.
But the most important question:
Is Masrour Barzani seeking to secure American support for Kurdish independence plans in the future? Or is he seeking to obtain new military and economic privileges from the Trump administration?
Adnan al-Zurfi’s presence at the ceremony was the most controversial, especially since he does not currently hold an official position in the Iraqi government, which opens the door to speculation about his role in this event. There are two main theories that explain his presence in Washington:
Al-Zurfi as an unofficial envoy of al-Sudani
Some sources indicate that al-Sudani, who is seeking to enhance his image in Washington, may have sent al-Zurfi to hold informal talks with the new US administration, as al-Sudani faces major internal challenges and needs American support and to alleviate Western pressure.
• Was al-Zurfi carrying messages from al-Sudani to Washington?
Information confirms that al-Zurfi was not al-Sudani’s envoy at the inauguration ceremony. On the other hand, there is a possibility that al-Zurfi is seeking to exploit the new phase in Washington to build special relations that will enhance his political role in the future. Does he want to return to the Iraqi political scene as an American-backed player?
Does al-Sudani have a lobby inside Washington?
There is talk of an “Iraqi lobby” within American institutions working to improve the image of Muhammad Shia al-Sudani in the decision-making circles in Washington, especially in Congress and the Senate.
Some believe that this move comes as part of Al-Sudani’s plan to remain in power and win a new term. Is Al-Sudani counting on American support to ensure his continuity?

Sheikh Lahur Jangi
Information confirms that Sheikh Lahur Jangi, Pavel Talabani’s cousin, will attend the inauguration ceremony, as relations between Kurdish leaders and the United States are close, and some of them may seek to strengthen these relations on occasions such as these.
Advisors to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Sources reported that the Prime Minister’s advisors, Abdul Hussein Hanin, Ali Al-Shukri, Krikor Al-Masihi, and Farhad Alaa Al-Din, made efforts to attend the inauguration ceremony with the aim of enhancing Al-Sudani’s image before the US administration, and despite their attempts, they were unable to secure their presence, which indicates challenges in penetrating influential US circles, despite the hint of deals and common interests.
Possible scenarios behind this move:
1- The goal of these moves may be to gain the support of the Trump administration, and send signals to Washington that Al-Sudani is able to work within an American agenda that serves common interests.
2- Political positioning in preparation for any upcoming changes: Iraq is facing political changes, and the presence of Iraqi figures in Washington may be a proactive step to secure advanced positions in the next stage.
3- Securing personal or political interests: Whether it is related to Masrour Barzani or Adnan Al-Zurfi, and others, being in Washington at a pivotal political moment may be an investment for the future.

Unpublished photos
Some sources circulated information about the existence of photos of Iraqi figures at the inauguration ceremony that were not published in the media, perhaps to avoid provoking public opinion or to maintain the confidentiality of some meetings.
Are we facing a new alliance with Washington?
The coming weeks may reveal the results of these moves, but what is certain is that the relationship between Iraq and Washington is going through a phase of reformulation, and that Iraqi players are seeking to secure their positions under a new American administration that may change many equations, so the question remains: Will Al-Sudani be able to win the favor of the Trump administration, or will the next stage witness unexpected surprises?

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