Following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad, Iraq and Iran seek to initiate communication with Syria’s new administration, prioritizing coordination over intervention. Iraqi officials express readiness to engage on shared concerns, while warnings about the treatment of Syrian minorities signal the potential regional impacts of the political shift. Iran, learning from its alignment with Assad, hopes to avoid hostilities in its relations with the new Syrian leadership.
Following the recent overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, key allies Iraq and Iran are attempting to establish connections with the new Syrian administration. An anonymous Iraqi official indicated that Baghdad is committed to coordinating with the current leadership in Syria, reflecting a willingness not to isolate any government formed by the Syrian populace. This commitment comes in response to the swift overthrow of the Assad regime by opposition forces, which occurred during a significant rebellion led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).
Iraqi government spokesperson Basim al-Awadi acknowledged the unexpected developments in Syria while emphasizing that Iraq would refrain from interfering in Syrian matters. However, he cautioned that any danger to Syrian minorities could have repercussions for Iraq, indicating the gravity with which Baghdad views potential instability.
The Iraqi administration appears ready to prioritize engaging with the transitional government in Syria rather than individual actors. Discussions have been initiated regarding key issues of mutual concern, including border security, the status of Iraqi refugees in Syria, particularly in Al-Hol camp, and the safeguarding of Shia religious sites in Damascus.
Furthermore, Iraqi political analyst Mohamed Nanaa stated that communications have been relayed from Baghdad to Damascus, facilitated by a Turkish intermediary, suggesting that Iraq would recognize the new realities in Syria if a national power equilibrium acknowledging all factions is constituted.
Meanwhile, Khamis al-Khanjar, leader of the Sovereignty Alliance in Iraq, underscored the imperative for the Syrian population to learn from Iraq’s historical missteps following Saddam Hussein’s regime collapse. He stressed the necessity of building nations on principles of justice and participation rather than oppression. His remarks served as a caution regarding the consequences of ignoring citizens’ voices, as exemplified by Assad’s downfall.
In Tehran, following an initial period of silence, the Iranian government expressed the importance of allowing the Syrian populace to dictate their future without foreign interference. A senior official confirmed that communication channels with the new Syrian leadership have been established, intending to prevent hostile relations moving forward.
Nevertheless, there remains substantial frustration within Iranian political circles over the regime’s failure to adequately support Assad during his regime’s collapse. Voices such as Hossein Kanani Moghaddam have suggested that Assad’s increasing alignment with Arab governments and distance from Iranian policies contributed to his vulnerability. Experts like Salahaddin Khadiv further assert that the fall of the Syrian government represents a critical juncture in regional dynamics, potentially reshaping the Middle Eastern landscape.
The article centers around the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East following the recent changes in power in Syria. Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, which has held power for over five decades, was ousted amid a sudden rebellion led by opposition forces. The responses of key Iranian and Iraqi allies reflect significant regional implications and the shifting allegiances as new administrations form in Syria. The changes highlight the interconnected nature of Middle Eastern politics, where shifts in leadership affect relations within and across national borders.
In conclusion, the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad has prompted Iraq and Iran to attempt to establish dialogue with Syria’s new leadership, reflecting a significant shift in regional dynamics. While Iraq expresses a desire to engage with the Syrian administration and address mutual concerns, Iran is cautiously navigating its relationship post-Assad’s fall. This situation serves as both a warning and a pivotal turning point for future government structures and international relations in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
