In the wake of the US strike on Syria, relations worsen between Damascus and the US-supported government in Iraq, writes Bassel Oudat The Syrian government expressed serious discontent with the official Iraqi position towards the US military attack on Al-Sokariya village within Syrian borders on 26 October. The bombarding US helicopters flew into Syrian territory from Iraqi land without clear reason. The attack was vicious, resulting in civilian casualties. Meanwhile, an Iraqi government spokesperson verified that attack targeted terrorists who, recently, killed Iraqi policemen. The Syrian government perceived the Iraqi position as acceptance of and participation in the aggression. Direct coordination between Iraqi authorities and US forces may also be suspected. The Syrian expected the Iraqi government to condemn the attack. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Muallim described the Iraqi official spokesperson's statement as "not made by an Arab". Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Al-Meqdad deemed it "foolishness". As such, the Syrian government decided to reconsider its relations with the Iraqi government. The Syrian government also thinks that the Iraqi government has been unappreciative of the efforts Damascus has made regarding the Iraqi situation in the last three years. Syria was opposed to the occupation of Iraq since 2003, accepting, however, with some reservations, the Iraqi government constituted in 2004. Relations have been tense at times, with Syria concerned about potential Iraqi government aggression. Later, Syrian positions changed with the deployment of thousands of soldiers on its Iraqi border, with ditches dug and barriers erected to prevent as much as possible the entrance into Iraq of armed mujahideen fighters. It even arrested and held some of them and deported others back to their home countries. In the same context, it received heads of Iraqi governments (Iyad Allawi and Nuri Al-Maliki), a number of ministers and delegations of Iraqi authorities. Mutual economic relations were also renewed, the Syrian government hosted more than 1.5 million Iraqi refugees, and Syria's foreign minister visited Baghdad when the two countries decided to establish diplomatic ties. Accordingly, Syria assigned an ambassador, few weeks ago, after a 25-year absence. It also took part in the security and non-security meetings of Iraqi neighbouring countries, agreeing with the Iraqi government to formulate joint committees aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. In the same context, Syria expressed an intention and wish to normalise its relations with Iraq regardless of seeing US troops as occupation forces. According to a senior Syrian source, Syrian policy "became convinced that an Arab presence, and support to the new Iraqi regime, contributes to Iraq's independence and sovereignty". It also would help maintain Iraq's stability and security, and eliminate relevant grounds for continuing the US occupation. Thus, the Syrian government responded positively to most Iraqi requests, leaving it all the more astonished at the position taken by the Iraqi government in the wake of the recent US aggression. The quick Syrian response to the Iraqi position was manifested in withdrawing a number of Syrian military deployed on the border between the two countries. In the same context, it postponed the meeting of the joint committee between the two countries slated for 10-12 November. News was also leaked that Syria will not participate in the upcoming neighbouring countries meeting on 22 November. All are messages expressing Syrian anger at the Iraqi position. As such it is evident that Syria intends to distance itself from the Iraqi government while continuing to be concerned for the interests of Iraqi people who it believes should receive all possible assistance. Meanwhile, over a million Iraqi refugees are living in Syria, which is also a crossing point for imported and exported goods to and from Iraq, for Iraqi oil pipelines, and is a supplier of electrical power to Iraq. Syria has developed ties with all Iraqi political and social currents, within and outside the country, as well as with members of the resistance, qualifying Damascus to play an important role in Iraq's future. As such, Syria is capable of mitigating or aggravating the situation in Iraq. It seems that the Syrian government will start adopting a strict stand towards the Iraqi government. However, it is unlikely that Damascus will allow bilateral relations to seriously deteriorate as this will not benefit Syria as a neighbour. More likely is that Syria will keep a closer eye on Iraqi affairs and not miss an opportunity to increase its influence. It may even look to take a second role after Iran in Iraq, aiming to strengthen Syrian authority and its regional role, especially after it lost some influence in Lebanon. Syrian positions might also be a source of pressure on the next US administration to reconsider US policy towards the country.
