There appears to be some significant news coming out of the Middle East. The second-largest city in Syria, Aleppo, is now ruled by terrorists and opposition troops. Serious worries have been raised by this development in Iraq, just across the border.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had a chat with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday. He didn’t mince words, saying, “Iraq will not be a mere spectator regarding the grave developments in Syria.” His message was clear: Iraq is ready to do whatever it takes to protect its security and that of Syria too.
While Iraqi officials have been showing their support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, some news reports are suggesting that Iranian-backed militias from Iraq, specifically the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), are heading into Syria to back the government in Damascus. However, nothing’s confirmed on that front yet.
Rasha al Aqeedi, who’s an expert at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, mentioned that while official statements and footage suggest Iraqi forces have gathered at the border, there’s no solid evidence that any groups have crossed into Syria. PMF leaders and Iraqi officials are flat out denying any entry.
For Iraq, which shares a big 600-kilometer border with Syria, these developments are nerve-wracking. The country has been a steadfast friend to Syria over the past 13 years of conflict. Furthermore, it is a friend of Iran, a key backer of the Syrian government.
The potential for an Islamic State (IS) resurgence is currently one of Iraq’s biggest concerns. Do you recall those men? In some areas of Syria and Iraq, they used to be in charge. Aqeedi thinks they might want to make some noise again, especially with all this chaos happening in their old stomping grounds.
But Aqeedi also warned that moving Iraqi security forces to the border might leave regions like Nineveh and Kirkuk wide open for trouble from ISIS. That’s a situation no one wants.
Speaking of Nineveh, Mohammed Kakai from the Nineveh Provincial Council’s Security Committee said they’re beefing up security along the border with Syria. He says, “The border guards are on high alert. Installation of sophisticated infrared cameras is underway.”.
Iraqi forces are also cooperating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces; they operate and share intelligence against whatever the eventual threat may be.
On the other hand, Saif al-Saadi, a researcher from Baghdad, explained that there are legal obstacles for Iraq to go in Syria.
Their constitution, they said, calls for only peaceful resolution of any conflict and also not to interfere in internal affairs of another country. He added that Iraq’s prime minister, as head of the armed forces, must pay attention to defend Iraq’s borders and keep within control other regional forces, including the powerful Iran-allied, mostly Shiite PMF. Drawing into Syria “will only hurt them.”. As things start to heat up inside and around Aleppo, fingers are pointed at Iraq to see which way it will go. Watch as this story develops!
