Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to discuss enhancing security cooperation against the Islamic State group. His visit coincided with announcements of a successful operation against IS leadership. The meeting addressed concerns regarding the Alawite community in Syria and ongoing investigations into mass killings. Iraq’s commitment to securing Syrians residing in its territory was also reiterated amidst rising tensions following recent violent events.
On Friday, the interim Foreign Minister of Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Baghdad, expressing Syria’s willingness to strengthen collaboration with Iraq against the remnants of the Islamic State group. This visit coincided with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s announcement regarding the elimination of a senior IS leader, underscoring the focus on security during these discussions.
Shaibani’s visit marked his first trip to Iraq since his Islamist alliance overthrew the government of Bashar al-Assad in December. The relations between Syria and Iraq have been complicated since Assad’s removal, as he was a strong ally of Baghdad, which has a Shiite Muslim majority, being a strategic partner of the United States while also maintaining relations with Iran.
Assad’s regime received support primarily from Russia, Iran, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, while armed groups in Iraq were also instrumental in defending his rule during the civil war triggered by a crackdown on democracy protests. The Sunni Muslim rebels, who currently lead the interim government, present a moderate image but have ties to previous conflicts involving Al-Qaeda.
During the visit, Shaibani held discussions with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, where he stated, “Security is a shared responsibility” and emphasized the need for cooperation along the border to combat terrorism effectively. Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani also highlighted the significance of eliminating Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, an IS leader considered a major threat both regionally and globally.
Additionally, the two nations addressed ongoing concerns regarding past mass killings of Alawite civilians by security forces, with Iraq seeking results from Syria’s investigations. They expressed worries about the Alawite community and the need for a commission of inquiry by Damascus to restore civil peace in Syria.
Baghdad condemned the recent massacre of approximately 1,383 civilians, primarily from the Alawite sect, reinforcing the sentiment of vigilance against the violence against their citizens. Iraq is also probing an attack against Syrian workers following a vow by a new group to retaliate against the violence in Syria, leading to heightened tensions and arrests of Syrians in Iraq accused of supporting terrorist factions.
The visit of Syria’s interim foreign minister to Iraq highlights a significant effort to enhance cooperation against the Islamic State group while addressing complex diplomatic dynamics following regime changes. Concerns over the treatment of the Alawite minority and active investigations into violence underscore the intricate relationship between Syria and Iraq. Both nations are navigating challenges posed by historical alliances and contemporary political realities as they commit to mutual security and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
