The ongoing changes in Syria necessitate a recalibration of Iraq’s role in the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime has exposed Iraq to new security threats. Amidst pressures from Iran and the United States, Iraq must focus on border security and reassess its internal and external relations to safeguard its national interests.
As Syria undergoes significant changes, Iraq faces the necessity of recalibrating its regional role. The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has disrupted the strategic connection linking Iran to Lebanon through Syria. Iraq, positioned between these two nations, must prioritize securing its borders while also addressing internal security challenges presented by new developments in Syria.
Following the 2003 ousting of Saddam Hussein by U.S. forces, Syria became a conduit for terrorist elements entering Iraq, exacerbating regional instability and leading to significant loss of life in Iraq. Initially, the Iraqi government condemned the Assad regime, bearing witness to the ramifications of Syrian instability. However, as the Syrian civil war unfolded, Iraq shifted its stance, preferring the lesser immediate threat posed by Assad amidst the uprising and emergence of various terrorist factions.
Iraq now stands at a crossroads as it navigates its foreign relations and security strategies in light of Syria’s transformation. As Iraq faces pressures from both Iran and the United States, it must balance its national interests against the backdrop of evolving regional dynamics, specifically addressing the challenges posed by the new Syrian government and its potential implications for Iraq’s stability.
Original Source: www.atlanticcouncil.org
