Iraq shifted its approach to the crisis in Syria, signalling a significant departure from its traditionally neutral stance. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani addressed a closed parliamentary session on Wednesday, detailing his government's strategy to confront what he views as "escalating regional threats" linked to Syria's turmoil.
Al-Sudani, joined by senior ministers including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim, outlined measures aimed at safeguarding Iraq's stability. His office described the session as a discussion of "policies and measures taken to address regional challenges and developments since the events of October 7, 2023."
The shift comes as Iraq's leadership grows uneasy about the Syrian conflict's implications on Baghdad's security and stability. On Tuesday, Al-Sudani held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, raising over what he described as "ethnic cleansing targeting various groups and sects in Syria."
"Iraq will not just stand still in the face of the grave repercussions unfolding in Syria, particularly acts of ethnic cleansing targeting various components and sects. Having suffered from terrorism and the fallout of extremist groups, Iraq cannot allow a repeat of such devastation," Al-Sudani was quoted as saying, according to a statement by the prime minister's Media Office.
Break from neutrality
Al-Sudani's remarks mark a departure from Iraq's previous attempts to distance itself from the Syrian conflict. Ihsan Al-Shammari, head of the Political Thinking Center, in a post on the X platform, described this as "a clear abandonment of neutrality," claiming Iraq is now openly backing the Assad regime.
Others have expressed caution. Kurdish MP Karwan Yarwais argued to °®Âþµº that while the radical groups in Syria currently pose no immediate threat to Iraq, "These groups have no principles and cannot be trusted." He further pointed to the example of how the Islamic State previously emerged from Syria before its devastating invasion of Iraq in 2014.
Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, on Wednesday what he described as "foreign interference in Syria and attempts to undermine its sovereignty", linking Syria's stability to regional security. He emphasised Syria's "pivotal role" and warned that its fall would destabilise the region. Al-Maliki urged Arab and Islamic nations to support Syria's unity and affirmed Iraq's security and military readiness to maintain internal stability.
"We defended Syria in the past because it is a pivotal state, and its fall would mean the violation of the entire region," al-Maliki stated. "Defending Syria is also a defence of its neighbouring countries and the region. Therefore, Syria must be protected to confront this challenge," Al-Maliki said during a televised speech.
Critics, however, argue that Iraq's involvement in Syria has more to do with regional alliances than its own security. Iraqi journalist Osman Al-Mukhtar in a post on the X platform claimed that the Iraqi government is following Iranian directives, alleging that "what is happening in Syria has no connection to Iraq's security."
"This is not our battle," Al-Mukhtar wrote, cautioning against deepening Iraq's involvement in Syria.
On the ground, Iraq has reinforced its 620-kilometre border with Syria. Armoured units, infantry, and surveillance equipment have been deployed, and additional barriers, including watchtowers and a concrete wall, are being constructed.
Military spokesperson Yahya Rasool said the deployments aim to prevent any spillover from Syria's conflict. "Our border defences are strong, but we remain on high alert," Rasool said, hinting at potential strikes on extremist factions such as ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra.
Calls for dialogue
Iraq's ruling coalition proposed hosting a regional summit in Baghdad to tackle these developments. The State Administration Coalition, which includes Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish factions, called for diplomacy, while Sunni leader Khamis al-Khanjar urged the government to mediate between Syrian opposition forces and the Assad regime.
"Interference in Syria's affairs violates Article 8 of the Iraqi constitution," al-Khanjar warned, advocating for the withdrawal of Iraqi fighters from Syrian territory.
For their part, pro-Iran factions in Iraq, including Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, have voiced support for the Assad regime. These groups have historically provided military backing to Damascus, framing their involvement as critical to Iraq's security.
Meanwhile, the situation in Syria remains volatile. Rebel factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a major offensive, capturing large areas in northern Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that rebels had reached the outskirts of Hama, displacing thousands in the process.
The insurgents, who describe their offensive as a "fight for freedom", reignited debates about the role of international actors in Syria's conflict. HTS, which has roots in reactionary ideologies like Al-Qaeda, faces accusations of human rights abuses, complicating its narrative of liberation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected in Baghdad on Friday for talks likely to focus on Syria. Tehran, a staunch ally of the Assad regime, has consistently pushed for greater regional coordination to support Damascus.
"If the Syrian government asks us to send forces to Syria, we will study their request," Araqchi said earlier this week, accusing with no evidence of the US and Israel enabling extremist groups. Observers believe his visit may pressure Iraq into taking a more active role in Syria.
The Iraqi-Syrian border has long been a flashpoint for extremist activity, smuggling, and cross-border militias. While Iraq's military reinforcements aim to prevent a repeat of past crises, critics argue that the government is exaggerating the threat to justify aligning with Iran’s regional agenda.
As Iraq grapples with these challenges, its actions are drawing both domestic scrutiny and international attention, with many questioning whether this shift marks a pragmatic response to regional instability or a calculated move under external influence.