US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad on Friday (local time) to discuss the future of neighbouring Syria and the ongoing threat of the Islamic State (ISIS). Blinken’s visit to Iraq marked the final leg of his unannounced Middle East tour, which included stops in Turkey and other regional capitals, and comes in the wake of significant political upheaval in Syria following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
During the meeting, Blinken underscored the US’s unwavering commitment to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a collaborative effort between the two nations. “Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani and I met to discuss the latest developments in Syria. I underscored our commitment to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” Blinken stated in a post on social media platform X.
A key focus of the talks was Syria’s ongoing transition from dictatorship to democracy. Blinken and al-Sudani discussed how the process should be inclusive, ensuring the protection of all minority groups within Syria. Blinken stressed the importance of a peaceful and democratic transition that produces a government free from sectarianism. “Syria should not become a platform for terrorism,” Blinken stated, further highlighting the necessity of a transition that respects human rights and protects vulnerable communities.
Additionally, Blinken spoke about Iraq’s role in reinforcing its own sovereignty amidst regional instability. He noted the significant joint efforts of the United States and Iraq in dismantling ISIS’s territorial caliphate, which had spanned both Iraq and Syria. “The United States and Iraq together had tremendous success in taking away the territorial caliphate that Daesh had created years ago. No one knows the importance of that more than Iraq because of the ongoing presence of ISIS in Syria. We are determined to make sure that Daesh cannot re-emerge,” Blinken added.
This shared commitment between Iraq and the US to combat terrorism in the region remains a central pillar of their bilateral relationship. While ISIS’s territorial caliphate has been dismantled, Blinken reiterated the threat posed by the terrorist group, which continues to operate in Syria. He also acknowledged the ongoing challenges of eliminating ISIS remnants and preventing their resurgence in the region.
The situation in Syria remains fluid, with a complex mix of local, regional, and international actors involved in the conflict. While opposition forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have been at the forefront of efforts to overthrow the Assad government, they have distanced themselves from extremist organisations like ISIS and al-Qaeda. HTS maintains that they have no ambitions in Iraq, an assertion that has been highlighted in reports by Al Jazeera.
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Despite Iraq’s reluctance to allow Shia rebel groups to intervene in Syria, concerns remain that the unrest in Syria could spill over into Iraq. The situation has prompted Iraqi leaders to take a cautious approach to the conflict, ensuring that any intervention does not destabilise the country further.
Syria’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir has made the repatriation of Syrian refugees a key priority. Al-Bashir aims to bring back millions of Syrian refugees who have fled the country, hoping that their return will aid in the country’s recovery and restoration of stability. However, Syria’s internal challenges persist, with recent unrest surrounding the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, which was set on fire, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the country.
Blinken’s tour also included discussions in Turkey, where he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In their talks, Blinken emphasised the importance of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition, which he believes is crucial for lasting peace and stability in the country. “We also spoke about the need to protect the rights and freedoms of Syrians, including members of minorities, during this pivotal time,” Blinken said after the meeting.
As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on ensuring that the country transitions towards a more democratic and inclusive future, while also addressing the ongoing threat posed by ISIS. The discussions between Blinken and al-Sudani serve as a reminder of the critical role that Iraq plays in the broader Middle Eastern security landscape and the importance of continued cooperation between the US and Iraq in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
