The Syrian presidency revealed that Iraq, Libya, and Tunisia did not congratulate Ahmed Al-Sharaa on becoming president, unlike many other Arab and Western leaders. Iraq’s Foreign Minister stated their willingness to engage with Syria’s new leadership and invite Al-Sharaa to the Arab League summit. Iraq’s silence raises questions about its diplomatic stance.
On Thursday, the Syrian presidency released a list of countries that congratulated Ahmed Al-Sharaa on his recent appointment as president. The spectrum of responses showed that while numerous Arab nations expressed their congratulations, Iraq, Libya, and Tunisia notably abstained from doing so. In contrast, multiple countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman were quick to offer their support.
Additionally, leaders from Western nations recognized Al-Sharaa’s new position, with notable congratulations coming from Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Despite the praises from many, Iraq has yet to issue an official response regarding Al-Sharaa’s presidency, indicating a cautious approach to regional relations.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein addressed this situation in an interview with France 24, stating that Iraq holds no reservations about engaging with Syria’s new leadership. He mentioned that Iraq intends to invite all Arab leaders, including Al-Sharaa, to the forthcoming Arab League summit scheduled for May, reflecting a readiness for diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Asaad Al-Shibani, the Syrian Transitional Government Foreign Minister, announced plans for an upcoming visit to Baghdad, following an official invitation.
The article highlights the cautious stance of Iraq regarding Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s presidency in Syria, as exhibited by its absence from the list of congratulatory countries. Despite this silence, Iraq remains open to engaging with the new leadership and plans to invite Al-Sharaa to future summits. The overall diplomatic landscape remains intricate, with various nations publicly recognizing Al-Sharaa’s authority. Essentially, while other Arab nations have voiced their support, Iraq’s nuanced position may reflect broader regional dynamics that warrant closer observation moving forward.
Original Source: shafaq.com
