Muqtada Al-Sadr congratulates Syrians on Al-Assad’s ouster

BAGHDAD — Muqtada Al-Sadr, leader of Iraq’s Shia National Movement, has congratulated the Syrian people on the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime and called for a unified effort to prevent foreign interference in Syria’s transition.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Al-Sadr praised the Syrian people for bringing an end to a regime that spanned more than five decades. “The fall of a regime that ruled for over 50 years is a testament to the determination of the Syrian people of all sects. It is a moment of hope for a brighter future,” he wrote.

Al-Sadr emphasized the need for Syrians to chart their own path toward a democratic government free from external influence. “This is a critical juncture for our Syrian brothers to come together and ensure that their future is shaped by their own will, without the interference of foreign powers—whether American, Israeli, or others,” he said.

He urged Syrians to prioritize peace and inclusivity while rejecting extremism and military rule. “We call for the formation of a government that represents all segments of the Syrian population, far removed from terrorism, dictatorship, or external domination,” he added.

Al-Sadr concluded his statement by expressing hopes for stronger ties between Iraq and Syria based on shared destiny and mutual respect. “Our nations share a common path, and we must reject any attempts by enemies to divide us through sectarian or political strife,” he said.

Muqtada al-Sadr was among the first Iraqi Shia leaders to urge Iraq to refrain from involvement in the recent rebel offensive in Aleppo. Sadr stressed the “necessity of Iraq’s government, people, parties, militias and security forces not getting involved in the Syrian issue”, urging the government to “punish all those who violate […] security”.

In April 2019, he called for the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi militias from Syria to prevent Iraq from being drawn into a broader regional conflict. Al-Sadr has consistently emphasized the importance of Iraq maintaining neutrality and avoiding entanglement in external conflicts, particularly those involving neighboring countries.