Iraq, Iran, and Syria convened an emergency meeting in Baghdad to address the recent territorial gains by Syrian rebels led by HTS. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed serious concerns over regional stability and the efficacy of diplomatic efforts amidst rising tensions. Calls for non-interference from key Iraqi figures indicate a shift in stance regarding involvement in Syria, emphasizing Iraq’s security concerns related to its neighbor’s conflict.
On December 6, 2024, an emergency meeting took place in Baghdad involving the foreign ministers of Iraq, Iran, and Syria to address the escalating situation in Syria, where rebel forces have made significant territorial gains. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived to discuss the crisis, particularly focusing on the recent capture of Hama by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed deep concerns regarding the regional stability that could be affected by the events in Syria, especially with the swift advances made by opposition factions against the Assad regime and its allies.
The meeting’s outcomes remain uncertain, as there is a prevailing sentiment among Iraqi officials that the situation may have escalated beyond recovery for the Syrian regime. An anonymous source from the Iraqi foreign ministry conveyed skepticism about the efficacy of the discussions. In parallel, Iraqi societal voices are increasingly advocating for non-interference in Syria, with individuals like Khamis Al-Khanjar and Shia cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr publicly opposing any deployment of Iraqi forces in support of the Assad regime.
This sentiment highlights a political divide within Iraq regarding its involvement in Syrian affairs. Some factions, such as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, maintain that Iraq must respond to perceived threats posed by terrorist groups in Syria. Falih al-Fayyadh, leader of these forces, insisted on the necessity for preventive measures concerning the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that Syria’s situation is inherently linked to Iraq’s national security.
As regional tensions continue to evolve, the outcomes of such diplomatic engagements will be crucial in shaping the future dynamics of both Syria and its neighboring countries. With Iraqi politicians and clerics urging a hands-off approach, the response to the conflict will significantly impact the alliances and stability within the region.
The emergency meeting held by Iraq, Iran, and Syria comes against the backdrop of increasing territorial gains by Syrian rebels, particularly those affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which have raised alarms among the Assad regime’s allies. The political climate in Iraq is also shifting, with significant voices calling for a non-involvement stance on the Syrian issue, reflecting a growing desire to avoid further entanglement in regional conflicts amidst complex sectarian dynamics. The discussions underscore the interconnectedness of Iraq’s security with developments in Syria and the varied perspectives among Iraq’s political factions regarding interventionism.
The emergency meeting among Iraq, Iran, and Syria signifies a critical juncture in addressing the ongoing crisis in Syria, particularly following the rebel advances that have altered the balance of power in the region. Despite the urgency, Iraqi officials express concerns about the timely effectiveness of any proposed measures. The growing calls for non-interference by prominent Iraqi leaders indicate a significant shift in domestic attitudes toward foreign engagements. As the situation develops, the stability of both Syria and Iraq remains deeply interlinked, warranting careful diplomatic considerations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
