Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki--who spent years in Iran during his exile from the Saddam Hussein regime--made his first official visit to Iran Tuesday, September 12, 2006 --five years and a day after the cataclysmic jihad terrorist attacks of 9/11/01. Mr. al-Maliki was greeted warmly by Iranian President Ahmadinejad. The meeting reflected growing economic ties between Iraq's Shi'ite-led government and the Shi'ite theocracy of neighboring Iran.

Last month Baghdad finalized deals for Tehran to provide it with gasoline, kerosene and cooking fuel amid a shortage in Iraq. Immediately prior to al-Maliki's visit, a separate Iraqi delegation discussed additional petroleum deals, including possible Iranian investment in Iraq's fuel sector.

Accompanied by mutual expressions of "brotherhood", the two Shi'ite leaders--al-Maliki and Ahmadinejad--pledged continued cooperation. Ahmadinejad stated,

"This trip will strengthen bilateral relations. Iran and Iraq, as two brotherly neighbors, will stand by each other and unwanted guests (U.S.-led coalition forces) will leave the region".

Al-Maliki characterized the talks as "very constructive" adding that Iran is "