Al-Sharaa’s absence from Baghdad summit reflects tensions – Iraqi analyst
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s decision to decline attendance at the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad “comes amid significant political and public tension in Iraq, an Iraqi political analyst said on Thursday.
Speaking to North Press, Ibrahim al-Sarraj explained, “There is strong public and parliamentary opposition to al-Sharaa’s participation in the Baghdad summit, given the current regional climate and Iraq’s internal political landscape.”
Several Iraqi political factions have objected to al-Sharaa’s attendance, citing allegations that he is wanted by the Iraqi judiciary on charges related to “terrorism.”
The Syrian Presidency announced that President Ahmad al-Sharaa would not participate in the summit, scheduled to be held in Baghdad this Saturday. Instead, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani will lead the delegation and represent Syria in discussions and negotiations during the event.
Al-Sarraj noted that al-Sharaa’s absence could help ease tensions surrounding the summit. “His decision not to attend may reduce some of the public and political outrage sparked by the invitation,” he said.
Earlier this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated that al-Sharaa represents the Syrian state and that his participation in the summit would be “important.”