
Far-fetched fears: Iraq downplays risk to Syria's al-Sharaa during visit
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iraq's al-Nasr (Victory) Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, dismissed concerns about possible threats to Syrian transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa if he visits Baghdad soon, amid sharp political disagreements over Iraq's ties with Damascus.
Speaking to Shafaq News, coalition spokesperson Aqeel al-Rudaini said the Iraqi government would be fully responsible for al-Sharaa's protection during any official visit. 'Even those who oppose the visit are unlikely to act in a way that would harm the government or tarnish Iraq's reputation,' he said. 'Targeting him is far-fetched—he would be under state protection.'
Al-Rudaini also addressed legal concerns surrounding al-Sharaa—also known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, former leader of al-Nusra Front—who reportedly faces an outstanding Iraqi arrest warrant dating back to his time in al-Qaeda. 'There are international protocols,' al-Rudaini affirmed, noting that Iraq has not enforced numerous warrants against foreign individuals, including a pending arrest order for US President Donald Trump.
'You don't arrest a sitting head of state during an official visit.'
Legal expert Mohammed Jumaa echoed that point, explaining that under both Iraqi and international law, heads of state enjoy immunity during their tenure. 'Any past charges against President al-Sharaa are effectively nullified while he holds office,' he told Shafaq News.
The possibility of al-Sharaa visiting Baghdad has deepened divisions within Iraq's Coordination Framework, a bloc of Shiite political factions. A recent internal meeting exposed rifts, with senior figures such as Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali absent, and State of Law leader Nouri al-Maliki leaving early due to disagreements—particularly over normalizing ties with Syria's transitional government under al-Sharaa.
According to a political source familiar with the talks, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani defended his government's outreach to Damascus during the meeting. He argued that increased cooperation with Syria could bolster Iraq's border security and disrupt ISIS infiltration attempts, while also easing US pressure over Baghdad's regional posture.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Shafaq News
24 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq acquires French Caracal helicopters
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraq's Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of the first batch of French-made Caracal helicopters, part of a broader agreement with France to enhance the country's military aviation capabilities. In a statement, the Ministry reported that two helicopters had been delivered, with additional units expected to arrive later this year and throughout 2026. The Caracal, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, ranks among the most advanced utility helicopters in service. Its introduction to the Iraqi Army Aviation fleet is intended to improve operational its readiness by offering versatility for combat, transport, and rescue missions across a variety of weather conditions and terrains. This acquisition reflects Iraq's ongoing efforts to ''modernise its defence infrastructure and expand military partnerships,'' the statement added.


Shafaq News
24 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
US urges Baghdad, Erbil to settle salary crisis
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the US State Department urged both Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional governments to resolve their salary dispute through constructive and consistent dialogue, warning that the prolonged crisis could damage Iraq's investment environment. At a press briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States is closely following the situation in the Kurdistan Region, stressing that resolving the dispute in line with constitutional responsibilities would send a clear signal that Iraq is committed to creating conditions favorable to investment, including from American companies. Bruce also indicated that meaningful progress on the issue could help facilitate broader cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil, including the reopening of the Iraq–Turkiye oil pipeline and the expansion of energy exploration activities. Her remarks came as tensions between the Federal and Regional governments have escalated over the release of public sector salaries. Federal authorities have linked disbursements to the KRG's full transfer of oil exports to the state-owned SOMO company and increased oversight of non-oil revenues. The KRG has pushed back, arguing that the conditions are excessive and deviate from earlier understandings. The deadlock has resulted in delayed salary payments for hundreds of thousands of public employees in the Kurdistan Region. As a temporary measure, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later authorized the payment of May salaries through a federal loan, pending a permanent resolution.


Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
PM Barzani warns of "serious repercussions" over delayed salaries
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that the continued halt in salary payments to public employees in the Region could have serious repercussions, characterizing Baghdad's move as 'unjust and unconstitutional.' Speaking at the inauguration of the 'Visit Kurdistan' foundation, Barzani linked the suspension of salaries to broader efforts aimed at placing pressure on the Region, hindering its reconstruction and development. He also emphasized that the KRG had met its constitutional responsibilities — and exceeded them — stressing that he expected reciprocal commitments from Baghdad to protect the rights of the Kurdistan Region's citizens. Instead, he pointed to what he described as a ''disregard for constitutional provisions'' and previously concluded agreements. His comments came amid heightened friction between Erbil and Baghdad over the release of public sector salaries. Federal authorities have linked disbursements to the Kurdistan Region's full transfer of oil exports to the state-run SOMO company, along with increased oversight of non-oil revenues. The KRG has pushed back, viewing the conditions as excessive and inconsistent with earlier understandings. The deadlock has resulted in delayed salary payments for hundreds of thousands of public employees in the Region. As a temporary measure, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later authorized the payment of May's salaries through a federal loan, pending further resolution.