Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Iraqi and Syrian counterparts in Baghdad to address the ongoing Syrian crisis, where rebel forces have gained significant territory. Concerns over regional security and the potential for Iraqi involvement in the conflict were voiced, with calls for non-interference alongside demands for preventive measures against terrorism in Syria. The meeting aims to formulate a joint stance in response to the challenging developments.
On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Baghdad for an emergency three-way meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Al-Sabbagh to address the escalating situation in Syria. This meeting comes in the wake of significant territorial gains made by rebel forces in Syria, particularly the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which captured the strategic city of Hama. The swift advances of these opposition forces have caused serious concern among Iraq, Iran, and Syria due to the potential impact on regional security.
Minister Fuad Hussein expressed Iraq’s concern regarding the developments in Syria, noting that ongoing events could severely influence the stability of the region. An official from the Iraqi foreign ministry indicated skepticism about the ability of the ministers to reverse the unfavorable momentum experienced by the Syrian regime forces. The meeting aims to formulate a joint response to the crisis while officials acknowledge the challenges posed by the rapid changes on the ground.
In the backdrop of this meeting, there are growing calls within Iraq for non-intervention in Syrian affairs. Prominent Iraqi leaders, including Khamis Al-Khanjar, head of the Sovereignty Alliance, and Shia cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, have advocated for the withdrawal of Iraqi fighters from the conflict, emphasizing the importance of respecting Syrian autonomy in deciding its future. Amid the turmoil, they stress that Iraq should not become embroiled in the Syrian conflict as they adhere to a stance of non-interference.
Conversely, Falih al-Fayyadh, leader of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), expressed a contrasting viewpoint, asserting that Iraq must remain vigilant regarding the instability caused by terrorist groups gaining ground in Syria. He emphasized that Syria is critical to Iraq’s security interests, and maintaining preventive measures is paramount, regardless of Iraq’s non-participation in the conflict.
The gathering of these officials underscores the urgent need for a coordinated approach in reaction to the developing crisis in Syria and reflects the complexities of regional alliances and interventions.
In recent weeks, the situation in Syria has escalated significantly, with rebel forces, particularly the Islamist group HTS, achieving notable territorial gains. This shift has prompted major players in the region, such as Iran, Iraq, and Syria, to convene for discussions aimed at addressing the implications of these developments. Amidst ongoing conflict, concerns over regional security and the potential for further instability have led to calls for non-intervention while some officials argue for preventative measures against growing threats.
The emergency meeting between Iraq, Iran, and Syria highlights the urgency and complexity of addressing the Syrian conflict. While there is a strong push from various Iraqi leaders for non-intervention, concerns about regional stability continue to drive discussions on how to respond to the ongoing gains by rebel forces. The contrasting viewpoints within Iraq regarding involvement in Syria reflect broader tensions around intervention and security in the region, emphasizing the delicate balance that must be maintained amidst this crisis.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
