Syria Today | Brotherly ties intact

Brotherly ties intact

The deadly attacks that shook Baghdad on August 19 have had far-reaching implications on a political level, with Iraqi President Nouri al-Maliki accusing Syria-based Iraqi Ba’ath Party members of masterminding the bombings. Syria Today spoke to a range of Syrians and Iraqis living in Syria to see whether the recent events have changed their view of Syrian-Iraqi ties.

Aseel Abdul Rahim, 19, hairdresser, Iraqi: “Syria definitely had nothing to do with the August 19 explosions. Syria opened its embassy in Baghdad, exchanged ambassadors with Iraq and organised official visits even when the situation there was still dangerous. Those who are trying to divide the two countries know that their interests will suffer from improved relations between Syria and Iraq. As an Iraqi living in Syria for about two years now, I believe there’s nothing to this so-called crisis. Syria and Iraq will resolve their differences soon. They are true brothers.”

Abdul Rahman al-Muhammad, 29, cashier, Syrian: “Nothing has changed. I have many Iraqi friends who have been here for a long time now. They are part of our society, part of our families. During Ramadan, we often had iftar together; we go to restaurants and cafés too. I don’t think there’s any problem. There are some rumours that the Iraqis will be sent home, but they are not new – in reality we are seeing more Iraqis coming to Syria. They know they’ll find it secure, safe and generous.”

Nawras Mohsin, 27, lawyer, Iraqi: “Syria was shocked at the Iraqi accusations after the terrorist attacks in Baghdad. These types of attacks are not planned in Damascus. The accusations against Syria are baseless. Syria condemned the terrorist bombings. There is now more cooperation between the two countries to settle the problems through dialogue and political and diplomatic channels. I hope that Syria and Iraq will normalise their relationship soon.”

Bassam Zeniddin, 36, waiter, Syrian: “I don’t listen when someone criticises Syria. Syria has proved that it’s the land of the Arabs and of free people. Iraq’s stability is Syria’s and Syria was among the first to condemn the terrorist bombings. Syria doesn’t address international problems in such a way and I feel sad when Syria is accused by its brothers. Syria cares for Iraqi national interests and saved the lives of a large number of innocent Iraqi citizens.”