BAGHDAD: The head of the Center for Political Thought and Professor of Public Policy at the University of Baghdad, Ihsan Al-Shammari, has issued a warning regarding the potential repercussions of ongoing security events in Syria on Iraq. Al-Shammari highlighted the historical context, recalling the impact of the events in Syria during 2014, which significantly affected Iraq, leading to the fall of several Iraqi cities. He emphasized that Iraq's success in eliminating ISIS and extremist groups was attributed to various factors. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Shammari elaborated on the current situation in Aleppo, Syria, describing it as a signal to Iraq. He pointed out that several factors leading to the dramatic transformation in Syria's geography need to be addressed. Despite the Iraqi military's preparedness and border fortifications, Al-Shammari identified the political factor as the most influential issue facing Iraq. He cited the ongoing political crisis within the ruling Shiite framework, issues related to corruption, and political differences among Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish blocs. These internal challenges, coupled with external threats from the Zionist entity, pose significant concerns for Iraq's stability. Al-Shammari further mentioned that while a scenario akin to Aleppo's situation may not unfold in Iraq, armed groups remain a formidable challenge. He stressed the importance of considering these factors in discussions about shaping a new Middle East. He urged the Iraqi government to reassess its strategies, not just militarily but also politically, to effectively address these regional variables. Al-Shammari warned that failure to do so could result in significant challenges for Iraq, underscoring the need for the prime minister to reevaluate his approach to the current regional dynamics.
