Fewer than half of Arab heads of state are attending the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, citing security concerns tied to the presence of Iranian-backed Shiite militias in the Iraqi capital. Reporter Hudhaifa Ebrahim explains [1] that while Iraqi officials are calling the summit a success, participation is clearly affected by regional rivalries and longstanding fears of Iranian influence in Iraq.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa withdrew after Shiite militias threatened to assassinate him, citing his past ties to the al-Nusra Front and al-Qaida. Other leaders, including those from the UAE, Morocco, and Kuwait, are absent. Still, key figures like Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan are attending, with some analysts suggesting their presence is meant to signal Arab resolve to counter Iran’s regional reach.
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Tensions flared ahead of the summit over the removal of pro-Iranian militia banners near the airport, sparking clashes with Iraqi authorities. Adding to the intrigue was a surprise visit from Esmail Qaani, head of Iran’s Quds Force, leading to speculation about possible Iranian attempts to influence the summit’s outcome.
The summit agenda focuses on economic development, regional cooperation, and conflicts in Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon. But Iraqi journalist Zuhair Qasim questioned whether the $600 million spent on the summit will bring any real benefit to Iraq.
Still, some observers believe the symbolic act of hosting the event in Baghdad could help reposition Iraq within the Arab world. To explore the deeper political context and security concerns surrounding the summit, read the full article [1] by Hudhaifa Ebrahim.