| Published April 24, 2025
Dozens of MPs move to prevent Syrian president’s attendance at Arab league summit in Baghdad
A growing wave of public outrage is sweeping Iraq as news spreads of a planned visit by Syrian militant leader Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa, widely known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. Jolani, once a senior figure in al-Qaeda’s Iraq affiliate and now the head of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, is facing fierce opposition from Iraqi citizens and political figures who view him as a war criminal with blood on his hands.
The backlash comes amid reports that Jolani may visit Iraq as part of a controversial regional outreach effort. Despite efforts by HTS to rebrand itself in recent years, Jolani’s past as a senior al-Qaeda commander continues to haunt his image—especially in Iraq, where memories of sectarian violence and terror attacks remain painfully fresh.
A Legacy of Terror
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani first gained notoriety as a commander in al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), the precursor to ISIS. He later broke away and established the al-Nusra Front in Syria, which also operated under the al-Qaeda umbrella before rebranding into HTS.
Although HTS claims to have severed ties with al-Qaeda, Western governments—including the U.S.—continue to designate both Jolani and HTS as terrorists. His image makeover, which includes TV interviews in Western attire and a bid to portray himself as a statesman, has done little to reassure Iraqis.
“This man’s hands are stained with Iraqi blood,” said one Iraqi social media user, echoing the sentiments of many. “How can we welcome him when we buried our dead because of him?”
Public Campaign Gathers Steam
The public backlash has transformed into an online campaign urging the Iraqi government to ban Jolani from entering the country. Hashtags like #NoToJolaniInIraq have trended across social platforms, with Iraqis—both civilians and former security officials—calling the visit an insult to the country’s sovereignty and the memory of terror victims.
Politicians have also weighed in. Several Iraqi lawmakers have urged the foreign ministry to formally oppose the visit, emphasizing that no form of political rebranding can erase Jolani’s militant past.
“This is a man who led a group responsible for bombings, killings, and displacement in Iraq,” said one MP in a statement to local media. “His visit is not welcome and will be seen as a betrayal of the Iraqi people.”
Iraqi-Syrian Tensions and the Bigger Picture
The controversy is straining already delicate ties between Baghdad and opposition-held parts of Syria, where HTS maintains influence in the Idlib region. While some factions in the region are exploring diplomatic outreach to stabilize war-torn territories, the inclusion of figures like Jolani has proven explosive.
Analysts say the uproar reflects deep-rooted scars from Iraq’s brutal war against extremist groups over the last two decades. Many fear that engaging with former jihadist leaders—even under a new political guise—risks legitimizing their past crimes and undermining Iraq’s counterterrorism efforts.
Here’s a Pros and Cons analysis of the potential visit of Syrian leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani to Iraq, based on the current public and political reaction:
Pros
✅ Potential for Regional Dialogue
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Some proponents argue that engaging with influential figures like Jolani—regardless of their past—could open channels for dialogue and conflict de-escalation between Iraq and parts of opposition-held Syria.
✅ Stabilization Strategy
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From a geopolitical standpoint, including former militant leaders in political processes has sometimes contributed to stability in war-torn regions. Jolani’s visit could be seen as part of a broader effort to reintegrate fractured factions into formal diplomacy.
✅ Leverage in Syrian Affairs
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Hosting Jolani could give Iraq strategic leverage in dealing with Syria’s complex internal dynamics, especially in the Idlib region where HTS holds sway.
Cons
❌ Public Outrage and Trauma
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Jolani’s past links to al-Qaeda and his role in Iraq’s insurgency evoke painful memories. Many Iraqis view his visit as deeply offensive, especially to families of terror victims.
❌ Legitimization of Terrorism
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Welcoming a former al-Qaeda leader, even under a rebranded image, could be seen as legitimizing terrorism—setting a dangerous precedent that violent extremists can re-enter politics without accountability.
❌ Domestic Political Fallout
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The visit could spark political instability within Iraq, especially among lawmakers and security officials who fought against AQI and ISIS. It may weaken trust in the government’s judgment and priorities.
❌ Undermining Counterterrorism Efforts
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Iraq has spent years fighting extremist ideology. Jolani’s presence might undermine these efforts and embolden remaining radical elements, potentially leading to a resurgence in recruitment or propaganda.
❌ Negative International Perception
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Iraq could face criticism from allies and international partners, especially those who still consider Jolani and HTS as terrorist entities. This may affect foreign aid, cooperation, and security partnerships.
Conclusion
The proposed visit of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani to Iraq has ignited a storm of controversy, reopening old wounds tied to one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. While some argue that engaging with rebranded militant leaders could support regional stability and dialogue, the overwhelming public sentiment in Iraq is one of outrage and rejection. For many, Jolani is not a political figure—he is a symbol of terror, loss, and betrayal.
As the Iraqi government weighs its next steps, it faces a defining choice: whether to prioritize strategic diplomacy or stand firmly with the people demanding justice and remembrance. In a region where memory runs deep and scars still bleed, the line between reconciliation and betrayal is not just political—it’s personal.
SOURCES: MIDDLE EAST EYE – Iraqis campaign to ban visit by Syria’s Ahmad al-Sharaa over al-Qaeda past
ZEROHEDGE – Iraqis Outraged By Visit Of Syrian Leader Jolani Over al-Qaeda Past
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