Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to strengthen collaboration against the Islamic State group. His meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted mutual security responsibilities. Sudani announced the death of a senior IS figure, further emphasizing regional stability concerns due to recent violence against Alawites in Syria.
On Friday, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced cooperation between Syria and Iraq in combating remnants of the Islamic State group. This visit coincided with a significant announcement from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani regarding the death of a senior IS leader. This marks Shaibani’s first trip to Iraq since the Islamist coalition displaced Bashar al-Assad in December, highlighting the evolving relationship between the two nations since the regime’s change in Syria.
The complex relationship between Iraq and Syria has further developed following the removal of Assad, who maintained strong alliances with the Iraqi government. Iraq, primarily Shiite Muslim, is an ally of both the United States and Iran, which traditionally supported Assad’s regime. Despite Assad’s backing from Russia and various militias, Iraqi armed groups also played crucial roles in sustaining his rule during Syria’s prolonged civil conflict.
During his visit, Shaibani met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. At a subsequent joint news conference, he remarked, “Security is a shared responsibility,” underscoring Syria’s readiness to enhance cooperative efforts with Iraq against IS along their shared border, as terrorism operates without borders. This clarification comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s announcement of the elimination of Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, a high-ranking IS official.
Sudani noted al-Rufayi’s notoriety as a dangerous figure within Iraq and the broader global context. He emphasized that the operation leading to al-Rufayi’s elimination was conducted in collaboration with the US-led coalition. Hussein, during the same press conference, expressed hope for meaningful results from Syria’s inquiry into the mass killings of civilians, particularly targeting the Alawite minority, which predominantly supports Assad.
Iraq has expressed its condemnation regarding the massacre of over 1,383 civilians in Syria, predominantly targeting Alawites. Baghdad has initiated investigations concerning attacks on Syrian nationals in Iraq, influenced by a recent group’s threats to retaliate against those responsible for these civilian deaths. Pro-Iran militia supporters in Iraq have since begun online campaigns condemning Syrian citizens linked to these actions. Iraqi authorities have consequently detained multiple Syrians for allegedly fostering terrorist groups connected to the massacre.
In summary, Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Iraq emphasizes Syria’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State, coinciding with significant developments regarding IS leadership. The complex geopolitical landscape following Assad’s ousting continues to impact relations, as shared security concerns and humanitarian issues shape interactions between the two neighboring countries. Iraq’s response to recent violence within Syria indicates a keen interest in regional stability and civil peace.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
