Iraqi leader breaks silence about neighbor's conflict in late-night call to Turkey
Iraqʼs top official warns against staying passive while ethnic groups face removal in neighboring Syria. Turkish-Iraqi talks reveal complex regional situation as rebels gain ground
In a late-nite phone discussion on Dec 3rd Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told Tayyip Erdogan that Iraq wont stay quiet about Syriaʼs ethnic-related issues. The Iraqi leader pointed-out his countryʼs commitment to regional safety
The conversation highlighted concerns about Israelʼs actions: “These attacks on Syrian forces created perfect conditions for terror groups to expand their control“ [[Iraqi PMʼs office statement]]. This chat happened right after anti-Assad groups took over Aleppo city
Security sources say hundreds of pro-Iraqi fighters crossed Syriaʼs border on Dec 1st to help Assadʼs forces (though the Popular Mobilisation Forces deny sending any troops). The rebels quick progress happened partly because Hezbollah moved its fighters to face Israel in Lebanon; making Syrian areas less-protected
- Israeli forces hit targets in Syria more often since oct 2023
- Iraq stays close to Iran who supports Assad
- Iraqi fighters helped Assad before in this war
The whole situation shows how middle-eastern politics get mixed-up with different countries taking sides and making moves that affect their neighbors
