President al-Sharaa’s absence comes amid intense political controversy sparked by Iraq’s official invitation to Damascus. The move faced harsh criticism from prominent Iraqi political figures, most of whom are aligned with Iran-backed factions. Critics viewed the invitation as provocative, citing al-Sharaa’s contentious background and militant past.
Objections to al-Sharaa’s participation are not only political but also security-related. Iraqi security sources previously revealed that an old arrest warrant exists for the Syrian president, stemming from his time as a militant with al-Qaeda against US forces in Iraq. He was reportedly imprisoned in Iraq for several years. This background places the Iraqi government in a delicate position, particularly given mounting pressure from both domestic actors and international allies. (Read More)
