Iraqi delegation’s visit to Syria sparks mixed reactions within Iraqi political sphere

BAGHDAD — The visit of an Iraqi delegation, led by Intelligence Chief Hamid Al-Shatri, to meet Ahmed Al-Shara, head of Syria’s new administration, has drawn mixed reactions from Iraqi political leaders.

MP Sajad Salem praised the government’s initiative to restore relations with Syria, emphasizing the importance of fostering a pragmatic approach to diplomacy.

“We commend the Iraqi government’s initiative to restore relations with our sister nation, Syria,” Salem said in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter . “The government has listened to Iraqi public opinion, which favors establishing normal relations with Syria’s new administration, free from alliances driven by arms deals and geopolitical axes.”

Similarly, Abdul Amir Al-Taiban, advisor to the Iraqi prime minister, strongly defended the visit, describing it as a reflection of Iraq’s growing regional influence and commitment to the Arab world’s stability.

“The Iraqi delegation, led by Dr. Hamid Al-Shatri, reflects Iraq’s commitment to the interests of the Arab nation and its people,” Al-Taiban stated in a post. “This visit underscores Iraq’s hefty regional and international weight at a critical time.”

He concluded his remarks with the phrase: “Iraq today is the most difficult number in the regional equation.”

In contrast, Hadi Al-Salami, an MP, criticized the visit, calling it “hasty and ill-advised.” He specifically objected to engaging with Ahmed Al-Shara, describing him as a “terrorist responsible for the deaths of dozens of Iraqis.”

“This meeting was a rushed and unfortunate step by the Prime Minister. Al-Jolani [Ahmed Al-Shara] is a criminal affiliated with ISIS who has the blood of Iraqi citizens on his hands,” Al-Salami said.