| Published May 18, 2025
Regional leaders gather in the Iraqi capital to discuss Gaza reconstruction as Donald Trump concludes Gulf visit
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s decision to forgo the recent Arab League summit in Baghdad has stirred significant discussion across the Middle East. His absence, officially unexplained, follows widespread opposition in Iraq due to his previous affiliations with extremist groups.
Al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has been working to reintegrate Syria into regional diplomacy. However, his history as a former al-Qaeda affiliate, known then as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has raised concerns. He was involved in insurgent activities against U.S. forces in Iraq post-2003 and later led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria.
Iraq’s invitation to al-Sharaa sparked backlash, particularly from Shiite lawmakers who recalled his group’s attacks during Iraq’s sectarian conflict. Over 50 Iraqi legislators petitioned to bar his attendance, citing security and political concerns. While some Sunni politicians viewed his participation as a chance to strengthen Arab ties, the prevailing sentiment led to his decision to send Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in his stead.
The summit, focused on Gaza’s reconstruction and regional stability, proceeded without Syria’s president. Al-Sharaa’s absence underscores the challenges he faces in shedding his militant past and gaining full acceptance in the Arab world.
Implications of Syrian President Skipping the Arab League Summit
1. Diplomatic Isolation and Image Problem
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Regional Skepticism: The backlash against Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s attendance at the summit reveals deep-seated distrust among Arab nations, especially Iraq, which suffered heavily from extremist violence.
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Stained Reputation: Al-Sharaa’s militant past as a former leader of an al-Qaeda-affiliated group complicates his efforts to gain acceptance on the Arab and international stage, casting a shadow over Syria’s diplomatic re-engagement.
2. Sectarian Tensions in the Middle East
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Sunni-Shiite Divide: The opposition to Al-Sharaa’s participation was largely driven by Iraqi Shiite lawmakers who view his past actions as directly linked to the suffering of their communities.
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Continued Sectarian Suspicion: His absence at the summit highlights the ongoing mistrust and unresolved sectarian wounds in the region, making Arab unity harder to achieve.
3. Limited Regional Reintegration for Syria
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Hindered Diplomatic Normalization: Syria’s attempt to rejoin the Arab League and restore its diplomatic status is complicated by the controversy surrounding its leadership.
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Conditional Engagement: Regional powers may continue to engage with Syria cautiously, maintaining a degree of distance due to concerns over Al-Sharaa’s background.
4. Potential Impact on Syrian Domestic Politics
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Leadership Credibility at Stake: Al-Sharaa’s inability to attend a major regional summit could be seen as a diplomatic failure domestically, weakening his image among supporters.
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Pressure from Opponents: Domestic rivals may leverage this incident to question his legitimacy and leadership.
5. Iraq’s Role as a Gatekeeper
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Assertive Diplomatic Position: Iraq’s resistance to Al-Sharaa’s participation demonstrates its willingness to challenge regional decisions that conflict with its own security concerns.
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Influence Over Regional Policy: This incident may encourage Iraq to take a more active role in shaping Arab League policies, especially on issues involving Syria.
6. Broader Implications for Arab League Unity
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Difficult Path to Consensus: The controversy over Al-Sharaa’s participation highlights the difficulty of maintaining unity within the Arab League, especially when dealing with leaders with controversial pasts.
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Strained Relations: Such disputes can hinder the League’s ability to present a united front on critical regional issues, such as security, counter-terrorism, and conflict resolution.
Overall Takeaway:
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s decision to skip the Arab League summit amid backlash over his militant past underscores the ongoing struggle for Syria’s diplomatic reintegration. His history as a former extremist leader remains a significant obstacle, triggering opposition from regional powers like Iraq and exposing deep-rooted sectarian tensions. This controversy not only weakens Syria’s diplomatic standing but also highlights the challenge of maintaining unity within the Arab League. As Syria attempts to rebuild its regional ties, its leadership’s past continues to cast a long shadow, complicating efforts for lasting acceptance and cooperation.
SOURCES: ZEROHEDGE – Syrian President Skips Arab League Summit In Baghdad After Outcry Over ISIS Background
MIDDLE EAST EYE – Syrian president skips Arab League summit in Baghdad following opposition
REUTERS – Syria’s Sharaa skips Iraq summit after firestorm over invitation
AP NEWS – Syrian president will not attend Arab summit in Baghdad after invitation triggers divisions
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