Iraqi PM’s invitation to Syrian President Sharaa sparks political uproar

Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed Shia al-Sudani’s invitation to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad has sparked a domestic political storm.

The move has been met with strong opposition from several Iraqi lawmakers and political factions, with some calling for Sharaa’s arrest if he enters the country, according to Amwaj.media,.

Following the announcement of the invitation—delivered by Sudani during a meeting with Sharaa in Qatar—more than 50 Iraqi MPs reportedly submitted a petition to the parliament speaker demanding a ban on the Syrian president’s visit.

Some also urged the judiciary to intervene to prevent Sharaa’s entry.

Iraqi PM’s invitation to Syrian President Sharaa sparks political uproar — Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa (C-L) leaves a bilateral room after his meeting with Qatar's foreign minister during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, in Antalya, April 11, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Shiite factions, Iran-backed groups voice concern

Members of the Shiite political bloc voiced particularly strong criticism. MP Yousef al-Kalabi described the invitation as “a betrayal” of Iraqis who suffered during past waves of terrorism.

Iran-backed groups also expressed discontent. Abu Ali al-Askari, spokesperson for Kata’ib Hezbollah, questioned the rationale behind the invitation, while Qais al-Khazali, head of Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, called the move “premature.” He suggested that Sharaa could be detained by Iraqi security forces upon arrival, citing an alleged arrest warrant.

Leaked documents, legal ambiguities

The controversy intensified following reports that leaked documents were shared on a Telegram channel reportedly affiliated with Iran-backed groups, according to Turkish media. The documents claimed that Sharaa had been held in U.S. and Iraqi custody between 2005 and 2011.

Syrian-American journalist Hassan Hassan commented on the leak, arguing that the documents lacked concrete evidence to support terrorism-related charges. He suggested the leak aimed to stir public opposition to the visit.

Iraq’s judiciary has not confirmed whether Sharaa is subject to any active arrest warrant or legal action.

The tensions emerged just days after Prime Minister Sudani publicly confirmed the invitation at the Sulaimani Forum on April 16. During his remarks, Sudani also announced that he would run for re-election in Iraq’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2025.