Iraqi observers have said that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani's recent visit to Baghdad will open a new chapter in relations between the neighbors following weeks of “wariness” in wake of the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Shaibani’s visit was warmly welcomed by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani.
The Syrian official did not meet with leaders of the pro-Iran ruling Coordination Framework who are viewing new Syria warily. In the open, they did not express reservations over the visit, while in closed circles, they welcomed it.
Armed groups loyal to Iran, however, have expressed their opposition to Shaibani’s visit. While they did not issue statements in protest, they made their positions clear on social media, while some of their supporters held small rallies in Baghdad and Basra.
Iran was a staunch supporter of the Assad regime.
Former aide to the prime minister Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie said Shaibani’s visit is important for deepening ties between Syria and Iraq and underlines al-Sudani's desire to be open to Damascus.
In a post on the X platform, he remarked that the “wise” leaders in the Coordination Framework have prioritized Iraq’s interests and have “responsibly” viewed the developments in Syria and refrained from making any rash statements.
Former diplomat Dr. Ghazi Faisal said the visit marks a “qualitative shift” in relations between the neighbors.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iraq must develop and expand investments in Syria and work on building close relations with it.
“As for its political system, that is tied to the will of the Syrian people and their right to determine their fate,” he added.
Moreover, he noted the formation of a joint operations room between Damascus and Baghdad to combat the ISIS terrorist group, which could help achieve rapprochement between them.
Iraq must be “realistic” in its relations with neighbors, he went on to say. It must adopt “strategic openness” and cooperate in water and security areas, and combat terrorism.
Professor of strategic studies at Baghdad University Ihssan Shmary said Shaibani’s visit was a “test to Baghdad and Damascus” that will help shape relations between them.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the visit is significant given the Iraqi government’s criticism of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group - whose leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is now interim president of Syria - shortly before Assad’s ouster.
However, it now appears that the government wants to open a new chapter in relations with Syria, he stated.
He stressed the need to follow up on the visit and “build on its outcomes”, including the formation of a joint cooperation council.
Furthermore, Shmary said Iran’s influence must not be ignored when it comes to relations between Baghdad and Damascus, especially after Tehran’s allies showed clear opposition to the development of relations with the new rulers in Syria.
