Trapped between Shi'ite, Sunni, and Kurdish agendas, the Iraqi system lacks the internal strength to reform itself. It therefore operates under external influence from either global powers (the United States of America) or regional ones (Iran, Turkey, etc.). Arab countries, in particular Saudi Arabia, appear to want to renew links with the country, while the European Union seems to be rethinking its strategic approach. These partnerships could facilitate internal balance, allowing Iraq to move away from the specter of civil war.