US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced trip to Iraq on December 13, 2024, amidst mounting international efforts to address the abrupt collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Blinken met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad, with discussions lasting over an hour. This visit comes as part of a broader US initiative to rally regional partners, following meetings in Turkey and Jordan earlier this week.
The fall of Assad’s government to rebel forces has prompted urgent discussions on maintaining stability in Syria and the broader region. “Any interim government must ensure Syria is not a base for terrorism or extremism,” Blinken stated, emphasizing concerns about groups like ISIS seeking to exploit the chaos.
Focus on Iraq’s Role and Regional Security
During his meeting, Blinken reiterated the shared US-Iraq commitment to prevent ISIS from re-emerging. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out,” Blinken declared, referring to the group’s territorial defeat. He stressed the importance of Iraq’s sovereignty, particularly in light of the influence of Iranian-backed militias that have previously targeted US interests in Iraq.
This visit follows closely after the top US military commander for the Middle East conducted an assessment of the counter-ISIS mission in Iraq and Syria. Two senior State Department officials also visited Baghdad earlier this week, underscoring the significance of the ongoing security challenges in the region.
US Commitment to Regional Unity and Stability
Blinken highlighted the broader implications of Syria’s collapse, noting Iraq’s pivotal role in supporting regional efforts. “What’s happening in Syria has an important impact,” Blinken said during remarks at the US embassy in Baghdad. He emphasized the need for international cooperation to aid the Syrian people as they transition from Assad’s rule.
After concluding his stop in Iraq, Blinken is set to return to Aqaba, Jordan, for a ministerial summit on December 14. This summit will focus on reconstructing Syrian state institutions while preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, and stability.
Balancing Promise and Peril
Speaking to the press in Aqaba before his visit to Iraq, Blinken described the current regional dynamics as a mix of “real promise but also peril” for Syria and its neighbors. He underscored the importance of a unified regional approach to support Syria’s recovery, stating, “We’re having detailed conversations about what this approach will look like, and I anticipate countries will come together to support a just framework.”
Addressing Iranian Influence and Future Stability
The US is closely monitoring the potential for Iranian-backed militias in Iraq to exploit the instability in Syria. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned last week about the risks posed by these groups. Blinken’s visit reinforces Washington’s call for Iraq to curb militia activity while collaborating with regional partners to stabilize the region.
As the international community grapples with the ramifications of Assad’s downfall, Blinken’s engagements in Iraq and Jordan highlight a concerted effort to ensure Syria’s future is one of unity and stability, free from the threats of extremism and external interference.
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