Iraqi politician Baha Al-Araji
Media Monitor
Iraqi politician Al-Araji discusses Arab summit, Al-Sudani, and regional politics
BAGHDAD — Iraqi politician Baha Al-Araji claimed that “some political forces” are attempting to undermine the upcoming Arab League Summit in Baghdad to deny Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani any credit for its success, asserting, “the real target is Al-Sudani, not the Syrian president.”
Iraq will host the 34th regular Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17. 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 possible attendance of interim Syrian President Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jonali, has sparked widespread concern and opposition within Iraq’s political sphere.
In a televised interview, Al-Araji stated that opposition to the Syrian official’s visit is politically motivated, adding that Al-Sudani met with the Syrian official in Qatar “despite having many reservations about him—possibly more than those held by the forces opposing his entry into Iraq,” explaining that “a state is built on interests, not emotions.”
Excerpts from Baha Al-Araji’s interview with Al-Iraqiya TV:
Some political forces are working to thwart the Arab summit in Baghdad so that its success is not counted as credit for Mr. Al-Sudani. This drives them to reject Al-Shara’s entry into Iraq, as the real target is Al-Sudani, not the Syrian president. Had the Arab summit taken place a year ago, the objections would not have escalated, and perhaps those who oppose him today would have received him.
Mr. Al-Sudani went to Qatar based on an invitation from Emir Tamim bin Hamad, and sat with Al-Shara despite having many reservations about him—possibly more than those held by the forces opposing his entry into Iraq. But he understands that a state is built on interests, not emotions. The meeting included discussion of three files: the security file, which includes borders and ISIS; the holy shrines and the Shiite sect for which Iraq seeks to act as a guardian; and the economic file, including the possibility of exporting Iraqi oil through Syria.
There must be strong relations with all countries, including Syria—whether Al-Shara is a terrorist or not. His case is now in the hands of the judiciary, and everyone, including Mr. Al-Sudani, will abide by its rulings. I do not believe there are real warrants against the Syrian president, although this does not negate that he is accused in terrorist cases. Arab countries supporting Al-Shara may stand against us if we boycott him.
There is political targeting of Al-Sudani’s government. Even the demonstrations by farmers and teachers were politically motivated—despite our respect for their rights—because some forces fear his electoral competition. If they had expanded, they would have been against the entire system, not just Al-Sudani. The prime minister does not consider a second term a priority or goal and is currently focused on his electoral project. There is no political agreement within the Coordination Framework to prevent any figure from assuming the premiership for two terms, and what is being circulated in this regard is merely talk.
Over the past year, American officials have been asking us to prove to the world that Iraq is not part of Iran, and that what connects us to it is only relations and cooperation. This is what we must demonstrate. Therefore, Mr. Al-Sudani does not want to be part of any axis. Despite the government’s efforts to end the international coalition’s presence according to the agreed timelines, if you ask me, I would say that foreign forces will not withdraw, and the voices demanding it will diminish.
