Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani
For Arab League summit
Armed forces spox dismisses security concerns over Syrian president’s mooted visit to Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials have dismissed security concerns about a potential visit by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani, to the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad. They emphasized the capital’s stability and its preparedness for major regional events.
Haider Al-Salami, a member of the parliamentary foreign relations committee, voiced worries that Al-Shara’s visit could pose a risk of security breaches.
However, armed forces spokesperson Sabah Al-Naaman told 964media that Baghdad has a proven track record of hosting large gatherings. He described statements questioning the city’s security as “irresponsible.”
“There may be increased security efforts in preparation for the summit, but we are reassured that the country is experiencing a high level of security stability, and the capital, Baghdad, has a secure environment suitable for any event,” he said.
Yasser Watout, a member of the parliamentary security and defense committee, said protecting Al-Shara would be Iraq’s responsibility. He added that Iraq “must deal with him as [a head of] state, not as a militia [leader].”
“There is no fear for Al-Shara’s safety if he visited Baghdad,” Watout told 964media, noting that the decision to invite him rests with the Iraqi government. “It is true that Al-Shara’s name has been linked to past issues related to Iraq, but today he is the president.”
The 34th regular Arab League summit is set to be hosted in Baghdad this year following a decision by the Arab League. The move came in response to a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani during the 32nd Arab League summit in Riyadh in May 2023, with the decision announced as the 33rd summit concluded in Bahrain in May 2024.
The Arab League member states include Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
