BAGHDAD -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on December 13, 2024, aiming to address the fallout from the sudden collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. This visit, his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was marked by discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani about the future of the region.
During the meeting, Blinken highlighted the urgency for Iraq and its neighbors to stabilize their nations and avert the resurgence of terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State (ISIS). He stated, "No one knows the importance of [ISIS' presence] more than Iraq, because of the continuing presence of Daesh [ISIS] in Syria, and we are determined to make sure Daesh cannot re-emerge." This emphasis on regional stability reflects broader concerns as rebel forces gain ground, leaving Syria at a crossroads.
Discussion of Syria’s transition was central to Blinken’s talks. He noted, “I think this is a moment as well for Iraq to reinforce its own sovereignty as well as its stability, security and success going forward.” With the Assad government’s ousting creating significant power vacuums, Blinken reiterated the need for the succeeding interim government to reflect the interests of Syria’s diverse communities, insisting it must be inclusive and prevent the territory from being used as a base for terrorism.
Blinken’s visit follows his engagements earlier with leaders from Turkey and Jordan, where he sought to coordinate regional responses to the changing dynamics within Syria. Meetings leading up to his Iraq visit focused on minimizing the potential for chaos to spill over borders, particularly considering commitments among regional powers to combat ISIS and prevent Iranian influence from deepening.
Indeed, Iran’s role is under scrutiny, particularly as the country holds significant sway over various militias active within Iraq. Blinken called for coordinated efforts to limit Iran's access to insurgent groups and their operations across borders, framing it as pivotal for enhancing Iraq’s security. "Now is the time for Iran to exert its sovereignty," he acknowledged, indicating the need for Iran to step back amid the regional turmoil.
Part of the challenging narrative is the handling of the expansive network of Iranian-backed militias, which have previously targeted US interests. Officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, warned of these groups attempting to exploit the instability caused by the upheaval in Syria. Sullivan noted, “They could try to take advantage of” the chaos and challenged the Iraqi government to manage these threats effectively.
Following his discussions with Sudani, Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Iraq and its security ambitions, saying, “The United States [and] Iraq together had tremendous success in taking away the territorial caliphate [of ISIS] years ago.” This established partnership reflects broader U.S. goals to secure stability and maintain influence within Iraq and surrounding regions.
The situation has rapidly evolved; with Assad's government falling, Iraq has mobilized thousands of its own troops along the Syrian border, particularly from the Popular Mobilization Forces, which contain many Iran-aligned units. Iraq's choice not to intervene militarily as the rebel factions advanced is seen as precautionary against broader sectarian conflicts.
Above all, Blinken’s visit serves not only as diplomatic outreach but also as reassurance for Iraq as it seeks to assert its identity amid regional upheavals. The Secretary of State expressed optimism about Iraq's role, stating, "We’re back in the region at a time of both real promise but also peril for Syria and its neighbors." These proactive diplomatic efforts aim to shape Syria’s future consensus, which could well determine Iraq’s stability.
Blinken concluded his engagements with plans to return to Jordan for ministerial discussions focused on reconstructing Syria's governance structures. The Cabinet emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and supporting the personnel as they attempt to rebuild from the Assad years.
Regionally, leaders are recognizing the necessity of unified approaches rather than fragmented responses. "We’re having now detailed conversations about what it exactly looks like, and I would anticipate you’ll see countries coming together to support the Syrian people as they transition away from Assad’s brutal dictatorship," Blinken remarked, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration.
This pivotal moment for Syria and its neighbors serves as not only the backdrop for Blinken's bilateral talks but also highlights the need for concerted action to mitigate the throes of instability, placing lasting consequences for the future amid hopes for recovery and enduring partnerships.
