Blinken, Iraqi PM Discuss Syria’s Future and Regional Stability in Baghdad

By Abdullahi Yusuf

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his Middle East tour with a significant meeting in Baghdad on Friday, where he held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on the future of Syria and the enduring threat of the Islamic State (ISIL/ISIS).

The high-level discussions focused on fostering stability and preventing Syria from becoming a hub for terrorism. Blinken reaffirmed the US’ commitment to supporting Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and long-term stability. “I underscored our commitment to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” Blinken shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

A key point of the meeting was ensuring that Syria’s transition from dictatorship to democracy is inclusive and protective of all minorities. “As Syria transitions from the Assad dictatorship to hopefully a democracy, it must do so in a way that protects all minorities and establishes an inclusive, nonsectarian government,” Blinken emphasized.

The two leaders also reflected on past joint efforts in combating ISIS, recalling the successful dismantling of its territorial caliphate in Iraq and Syria. “No one knows the importance of this more than Iraq due to the ongoing threat from ISIS in Syria,” Blinken said, stressing continued efforts to prevent the group’s resurgence.

The talks come amid shifting dynamics in Syria, where opposition fighters, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have rejected affiliations with extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. Meanwhile, Syria’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir has prioritized repatriating millions of Syrian refugees as part of the country’s recovery efforts.

Blinken’s Baghdad visit followed a stop in Turkiye, where he held discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Their talks centered on ensuring a “Syria-led and Syrian-owned” political transition that respects the rights of all Syrians, including minority groups, amid ongoing regional challenges.

As the US and Iraq reaffirm their partnership, the focus remains on building a secure and peaceful Middle East while ensuring that Syria’s future government is inclusive, democratic, and resistant to extremist influences.

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