DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s decision to invite Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to attend next month’s Arab League summit in Baghdad has triggered a wave of mixed reactions, highlighting deep political divisions within Iraq’s ruling factions.

Speaking at the ninth Sulaimani Forum, Sudani confirmed he had extended an official invitation to Sharaa and emphasized that the Syrian leader would be “welcome in Iraq.”

The Arab League summit is scheduled for May in the Iraqi capital.

On April 17, Sudani met with Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, alongside the Qatari emir. According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, the meeting addressed key issues, including border security and the flow of goods and people. Sudani’s office has yet to release an official account of the discussions.

Much of the polemic surrounding Sharaa's visit to the country stems from his involvement in various militant groups, including Al-Qaeda, active in the conflict in Iraq following the 2003 US invasion, with security sources confirming that an Iraqi warrant for his arrest still remains in place.

Coordination Framework rift

The move has reportedly caused a rift within the Coordination Framework. Aqil al-Rudaini, a spokesperson for the Victory Coalition led by former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, told The New Region that the invitation was “very natural.”

“We support establishing strong relations with Syria and other neighboring countries to protect Iraq and its people,” Rudaini said. “There are disagreements on the issue, but it’s ultimately the Iraqi government’s decision. We support whatever course it determines to be in the national interest.”

State of Law issues warns of unrest

In contrast, members of the State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, expressed strong opposition, warning of potential domestic unrest if Sharaa is allowed to enter Baghdad.

“Ahmed al-Sharaa is wanted by the Iraqi judiciary for terrorism-related offenses,” said coalition member Fadel Mawat in an interview with The New Region. “He is accused of involvement in the bloodshed of Iraqis. It would be unacceptable for him to be welcomed as a head of state.”

Mawat added that security forces would be obligated to arrest Sharaa upon entry if he were to come to Baghdad.

“The law must be enforced, even if he is a president,” he said. “We do not expect him to attend because he knows he is not welcome here. Likely, another representative will appear in Syria’s place.”

Sunni blocs demonstrate support

Other political blocs have backed Sudani’s move. Azzam al-Hamdani, a senior figure in the Sunni-majority Azm Alliance, said there is no valid reason to oppose Sharaa’s attendance.

“There is no official or confirmed arrest warrant against President Sharaa,” Hamdani told The New Region. “Refusing his participation is unjustified.” Hamdani urged politicians to prioritize Iraq’s broader interests.

“Iraq must work to strengthen its regional standing,” he said. “Sharaa is the head of a neighboring state, and there is strong Arab support for his participation. Iraq should play a role in reintegrating Syria into the Arab fold.”