Here's What Happened at the Arab Summit in Baghdad, Verifiable News
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa did not attend the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad on May 17, 2025, due to significant opposition within Iraq. His past affiliations with al-Qaeda and leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group involved in attacks against Shiite communities, raised concerns among Iraqi Shiite lawmakers. Fearing potential unrest and political backlash, Iraqi authorities and al-Sharaa agreed that Syria would be represented by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani instead.(Wikipedia, Reuters, Wikipedia)
This summit occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East tour, where he met with al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia. During this meeting, Trump announced the lifting of all U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a shift in U.S. policy and support for Syria's new leadership. Trump praised al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader who spent years imprisoned after being captured in Iraq, describing him as a “young, attractive guy” and a “tough guy” with a “strong past”.(AP News, The Guardian)
Trump's decision to lift sanctions was part of a broader strategy to encourage Syria's integration into regional frameworks like the Abraham Accords, aiming to distance Syria from its traditional allies, Iran and Russia. However, this move faced criticism from Israel, which opposes lifting sanctions on Syria and has increased military strikes in the region since al-Sharaa took power. (Reuters)
At the Arab League summit, leaders focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and pledging over $40 million for Gaza and Lebanon’s reconstruction The summit also highlighted the complexities of regional politics, with Syria's absence underscoring the challenges of reintegration and the varied responses to Trump's policy shifts.(The Guardian)
In summary, President al-Sharaa's absence from the Arab League summit reflects the contentious nature of his leadership and the broader geopolitical shifts influenced by recent U.S. foreign policy decisions.(AP News)
Arab Leaders arriving at Baghdad International Airport for the Arab Summit 2025
According to Baghdad reports, Iraq announced a $20 million pledge to support reconstruction efforts in Gaza and Lebanon before the summit ended.
The move highlights Iraq’s effort to reassert itself as a key player in the Arab world, aiming to regain regional influence after years of internal turmoil and weakened standing. Decades of conflict, economic hardship, and political divisions have heavily affected the country.
After the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, Iraq endured years of insurgency and later faced the brutal rise of ISIS. Since defeating the militant group in 2017, the country has made strides toward stability and is now seeking a more active role on the regional stage. (jPost.com)
Fewer than half of Arab heads of state are attending the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, with many citing security concerns linked to the presence of Iranian-backed Shiite militias in the Iraqi capital.
As stated earlier in this article, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa abruptly withdrew from the summit after receiving threats of assassination from Shiite militias, who accused him of past connections to the al-Nusra Front and al-Qaida. Leaders from the UAE, Morocco, and Kuwait also opted not to attend. Despite the absences, prominent figures such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II are present, with analysts suggesting their attendance is a deliberate message aimed at pushing back against Iranian dominance in the region.
Tensions escalated ahead of the summit when Iraqi authorities removed pro-Iran militia banners near Baghdad’s airport, triggering violent clashes. The atmosphere grew even more charged following a surprise visit by Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, fueling speculation about Iran’s efforts to steer the summit’s direction from behind the scenes. (Themediaalign.org)
