Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to enhance cooperation in combating remnants of the Islamic State. His visit coincided with an Iraqi announcement regarding the killing of a senior IS leader. Tensions between Syria and Iraq remain due to differing sectarian allegiances and recent acts of violence against civilians in Syria’s Alawite community, prompting discussions on security responsibilities and accountability.
On October 13, 2023, Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to enhance cooperation against the Islamic State (IS) remnants. His visit coincided with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announcing the elimination of a senior IS leader. This marked Shaibani’s first trip to Iraq since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December, highlighting the complex evolution of relations between Syria and Iraq.
The relationship between Syria and Iraq has become intricate following Assad’s removal, as he was a steadfast ally to the Iraqi government. Iraq, with its Shiite Muslim majority, aligns closely with both the United States and Iran, which had historically supported Assad. Iranian-backed armed groups played a pivotal role in sustaining Assad’s regime during Syria’s prolonged civil war.
The Sunni Muslim rebels who replaced Assad are now led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously fought against U.S. forces in Iraq as a member of Al-Qaeda. During his visit, Shaibani met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, asserting that “Security is a shared responsibility” and emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation against terrorism along their shared border.
Prime Minister al-Sudani highlighted the recent killing of Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, identified as a top IS leader and previously sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023. The operation, carried out in collaboration with the U.S.-led coalition, targeted Rufayi, who was considered a significant threat in both Iraq and Syria. The exact timing of his death remains unspecified.
At the press conference, Minister Hussein expressed concern regarding the humanitarian crisis faced by Syria’s Alawite community during the regime’s violent actions, stressing the importance of a thorough investigation to foster civil peace. Baghdad condemned a recent massacre where at least 1,383 Alawite civilians were killed, attributing blame to both the Syrian regime and allied groups.
Following this incident, Iraq initiated investigations into retaliatory assaults against Syrian workers in Iraq, particularly spurred by calls for vengeance from a new militant group. The Iraqi authorities apprehended at least 13 Syrians for their alleged roles in supporting terrorist factions and the aforementioned mass killings. Syria’s foreign ministry subsequently demanded that the Iraqi government ensure safety for its citizens residing in Iraq amidst these tensions.
The visit of Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Iraq underscores a pivotal moment in the evolving relations between the two nations as they confront shared security challenges posed by the Islamic State. Significant developments marked this visit, including the Iraqi government’s stance on the massacre of civilians and Syria’s calls for accountability. Ongoing cooperation in combating terrorism, coupled with the attention to humanitarian issues among Syrian communities in Iraq, will be critical in determining the future of both countries in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
