Syria’s interim foreign minister visited Iraq to strengthen collaboration against IS. His discussions with Iraqi officials addressed security concerns and the recent killing of a senior IS leader. The visit reflects the complexities of Syrian-Iraqi relations post-Assad, particularly regarding civilian safety and investigations into violence.
The interim Foreign Minister of Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Iraq recently to enhance collaboration in combating the remnants of the Islamic State (IS). His visit coincided with an announcement by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani regarding the elimination of a senior IS leader. Al-Shaibani’s visit marks his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by an Islamist alliance in December, highlighting the evolving dynamics between Syria and Iraq post-Assad.
The relationship between Syria and Iraq has become increasingly complex following Assad’s removal, especially as Iraq, a Shiite-majority nation, maintains strategic ties with both the United States and Iran, which supported Assad’s regime. Notably, while Assad received backing mainly from Russia and Hezbollah, various Iraqi armed factions also played a role in upholding his administration during the Syrian civil war. Concurrently, the new era of leadership in Syria is represented by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who once fought alongside Al-Qaeda against U.S. forces.
During the visit, Shaibani engaged in discussions with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, emphasizing joint security efforts. “Security is a shared responsibility,” he stated, expressing Syria’s willingness to enhance cooperation with Iraq against IS threats throughout their shared border. Sudani also commented on the recent operations, declaring the significance of intelligence collaboration with the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.
The Iraqi leader confirmed the death of Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, a notable IS figure, who had been under U.S. sanctions in 2023. Sudani acknowledged Rufayi’s status as a significant terrorist and his role as IS’s governor over Syrian and Iraqi territories.
Moreover, Hussein highlighted Iraq’s concern regarding the investigation into mass civilian killings by security forces in Syria, particularly targeting the Alawite minority. He expressed hopes for positive outcomes from this investigation, while denouncing the recent massacre of civilians in Syria that saw at least 1,383 lives tragically lost.
Following these developments, Baghdad condemned the assaults and initiated inquiries into attacks on Syrian individuals within Iraq. This has resulted in the detention of several Syrians suspected of promoting terrorism in relation to the hostilities in Syria. Syria’s Foreign Ministry has called on Baghdad to ensure the safety of its citizens residing in Iraq amidst these rising tensions.
In summary, the visit of Syria’s Foreign Minister to Iraq underscores the need for collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges posed by IS. The strained relations between Syria and Iraq, exacerbated by recent violence and investigations into mass civilian killings, reflect the intricate interplay of regional politics. Iraq’s support for its Syrian counterpart, coupled with condemnation of violence against civilians, indicates a commitment to regional stability despite ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
