Syria’s interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Iraq to reinforce cooperation against the Islamic State. His visit corresponds with efforts to address recent violence against Alawite civilians in Syria and apprehensions regarding Syrian nationals in Iraq. Iraq’s permanent Shiite majority and alliances complicate its relationship with Syria post-Assad’s fall.
Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s interim foreign minister, visited Baghdad to affirm his government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Iraq in the battle against the Islamic State (IS). This visit coincided with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s announcement regarding the elimination of a senior IS leader. Shaibani’s trip marked his first diplomatic engagement in Iraq since the Islamist alliance led to the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December.
The political dynamics between Syria and Iraq have shifted markedly since Assad’s removal, as he had been a close ally of the Iraqi government. Iraq, predominantly Shiite Muslim, maintains a strategic partnership with the United States while also being allied with Iran, a significant supporter of Assad’s regime. In the civil war instigated by Assad’s repression of democracy protests, Iranian and Iraqi groups played a vital role in assisting Assad’s rule against Sunni rebel forces, who ultimately displaced him.
During his visit to Baghdad, Shaibani held discussions with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. He stated, “Security is a shared responsibility,” emphasizing the need for a united front against Daesh (IS) across the border. Shaibani reiterated Syria’s readiness to enhance security cooperation due to the borderless nature of terrorism.
In conjunction with these diplomatic relations, Sudani commended Iraqi security forces for eliminating Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, an IS leader regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. The operation to neutralize Rufayi had the backing of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition, although the specific timing of his death was not publicized.
Hussein indicated that Iraq sought practical outcomes from Syria’s inquiry into recent mass civilian killings predominantly targeting the Alawite minority, Assad’s sect. He expressed hope that Syria’s newly established commission would lead to results conducive to civil peace. Additionally, Baghdad condemned the recent massacre of civilians in Syria, highlighting the predominantly Alawite victims.
In a related development, Iraq is investigating attacks on Syrian workers arising after a new group pledged revenge for the killings of Alawite civilians. Pro-Iran militia supporters have targeted Syrians online over alleged complicity in these atrocities, prompting Iraqi forces to arrest at least 13 Syrians purportedly supporting these terrorist factions, as reported by unnamed interior ministry officials. Additionally, Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the violence against its nationals in Iraq, urging Baghdad to implement measures ensuring their safety.
In summary, the visit of Syria’s interim foreign minister to Iraq underscores an urgent focus on bolstering joint security efforts against the remnants of the Islamic State. This diplomatic engagement reflects the evolving relations between Iraq and Syria following significant political changes, while both countries confront shared challenges related to terrorism and regional stability. The outcomes of ongoing investigations into civil rights violations in Syria alongside growing tensions involving Syrian nationals in Iraq reveal the complexities in these bilateral relations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
