Iraqi speaker of parliament expresses support for Syrian self-determination and stability

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani on Sunday voiced ‘full respect’ for the Syrian people’s will and their pursuit of political change.

In a statement addressing the latest developments in Syria, Al-Mashhadani emphasized Iraq’s solidarity with its neighboring country. “We in the Iraqi Parliament are closely monitoring the developments in our sister nation, Syria, and we express our full respect for the Syrian people’s will and their free choices in achieving political change that reflects their aspirations for building a peaceful, civil, and stable Arab state,” he said.

Al-Mashhadani highlighted the deep historical, geographical, and cultural ties between Iraq and Syria, stressing the importance of Syria regaining its pivotal role in the Arab region. “The Iraqi Parliament underscores the necessity of Syria’s restoration to its rightful role in the region and the elimination of the consequences of recent events that have affected everyone,” he added.

“We reiterate that the choices of the Syrian people are theirs alone, and we respect them fully. The stability and security of Syria directly influence Iraq and the entire region,” Al-Mashhadani stated.

Syrian rebel forces launched a rapid and coordinated offensive that culminated in the toppling of President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime and the capture of Damascus. The operation began on Nov. 27, with rebels advancing from the north and swiftly seizing key cities, including Aleppo, Hama and Homs. By Dec. 7, they had encircled the capital, leading to Assad’s flight from the country.

The offensive was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, an Islamist group that played a significant role in the rapid advance.

As rebel forces entered Damascus, thousands of citizens gathered in the city’s main square to celebrate the end of Assad’s 24-year rule. HTS leader Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani appeared in Damascus, hinting at a potential democratic future for Syria.