Baghdad: The Head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Hamid al-Shatri, confirmed that Iraq was significantly impacted by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, despite not being a supporter of it. Al-Shatri made these remarks during a dialogue session on the second day of the Baghdad International Dialogue Conference.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Shatri emphasized the interconnected nature of the Iraqi and Syrian arenas, noting that developments in one nation invariably affect the other. He described the situation in Syria as a pivotal turning point for the region, expressing hope that it would lead to enhanced stability. However, he also voiced concerns about armed groups and conflict zones in Syria and their potential impact on neighboring countries, including Iraq.
Al-Shatri articulated Iraq’s desire for a reciprocal relationship with Syria, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation, to benefit both populations and ensure regional stability. He acknowledged the diverse opinions within Iraq regarding the situation in Syria, with some factions welcoming change while others fear its repercussions. The Iraqi government, he noted, is tasked with safeguarding the interests of its people amidst these differing perspectives.
He further elaborated on Iraq’s stance towards the Assad regime, explaining that while Iraq was not keen on its continuation, there was apprehension about potential alternatives, particularly in light of past experiences in Iraq. Al-Shatri conveyed Iraq’s concerns about the presence of ISIS in various Syrian regions and the potential security threats posed by the situation in Syria, including the fate of Syrian components, tribal overlaps, and the dangers along the Iraqi border.
He also highlighted issues concerning the al-Hawl camp, the prisons of al-Hasakah with over 9,000 terrorists, and the leakage of Syrian army weapons to uncontrolled groups. Al-Shatri expressed Iraq’s intent to understand the future governance structure under Ahmed al-Sharaa following the stabilization in Syria, as well as the duration of the transitional rule. These concerns and messages were communicated to Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Syrian administration.