Iraq is reestablishing its diplomatic presence in Damascus, signaling a shift in regional relations following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed plans to reopen Iraq’s embassy. Meanwhile, the Kurdish Islamic party, the Kurdistan Islamic Movement (IMK), announced its intention to open a bureau in Damascus, leveraging ties with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Syria’s transitional leadership to advance Kurdish interests amid Syria’s political changes.
Iraq to Restore Diplomatic Ties with Syria
Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced plans to reopen Iraq’s diplomatic mission in Damascus during talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. This step marks Iraq’s efforts to strengthen its ties with Syria following the significant political changes that have unfolded since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
In parallel, the Kurdistan Islamic Movement (IMK), a Kurdish Islamic party, disclosed its plan to establish a bureau in Damascus. Erfan Ali Abdulazeez, the party’s leader, highlighted their longstanding ties with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, Syria’s transitional leader. Abdulazeez emphasized that these relationships will be used to advance Kurdish interests in Syria amid the new political landscape.
Iraqi Delegation Engages Syria’s New Leadership
An Iraqi delegation, led by National Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri, recently visited Damascus, marking Iraq’s first high-level engagement with Syria since the regime change on December 8. This transition saw HTS ousting Bashar al-Assad’s government through a swift offensive, leading to significant changes in Syria’s governance.
During the visit, Iraqi officials met with Syria’s transitional leadership, including Ahmed al-Sharaa. Discussions focused on enhancing border security and addressing regional stability, reflecting Iraq’s concerns about the shared border’s vulnerability. Iraqi government spokesperson Basem al-Awadi confirmed that the talks emphasized Iraq’s commitment to mitigating security risks posed by Syria’s ongoing turmoil.
Kurdish Islamic Party Strengthens Presence in Syria
The Kurdistan Islamic Movement’s announcement of opening a bureau in Damascus underlines its strategic focus on Syria. IMK leader Erfan Ali Abdulazeez revealed that the party’s enduring relationship with HTS and Syria’s transitional leadership is central to their plans. Abdulazeez noted that these connections would be instrumental in advocating for the Kurdish cause in Syria during this critical period of political transformation.
This move aligns with broader regional developments. Countries like Türkiye and Qatar have recently reopened their embassies in Damascus, signaling growing recognition of Syria’s transitional government. Iraq’s decision to reinstate its diplomatic presence further reflects the shifting regional dynamics and Iraq’s strategic recalibration.
Iraq Balances Diplomacy and Security
While Iraq seeks to rebuild diplomatic ties, it remains vigilant about its own security concerns. Thousands of Iraqi forces, including border police and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), were deployed along the Syrian border during the recent clashes between HTS and Assad’s forces. These measures aim to prevent spillover violence and protect Iraq’s sovereignty.
In a further demonstration of its cautious approach, Iraq recently repatriated nearly 2,000 Syrian soldiers who had sought refuge within its borders. By balancing diplomacy with security, Iraq aims to navigate the complex political and security challenges arising from Syria’s ongoing transition while ensuring regional stability.
