Concerns Rise In Iraq Over Syria's Escalating Civil War

Syrian War’s Spillover Threatens a Fragile Iraq -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — The civil war in Syria is testing Iraq’s fragile society and fledgling democracy, worsening sectarian tensions, pushing Iraq closer to Iran and highlighting security shortcomings just nine months after American forces ended their long and costly occupation here.

Fearing that Iraq’s insurgents will unite with extremists in Syria to wage a two-front battle for Sunni dominance, Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki recently ordered guards at the western border to block adult men, even husbands and fathers with families in tow, from crossing into Iraq along with thousands of refugees seeking to escape the grinding war next door.

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My Comment: Like many conflicts in the Middle East .... it all comes down to religion/tribe/sect. The only thing that I can add to this discussion is that I am glad that U.S. forces are out of Iraq, and that I can only hope that we do not go back.

Iraq Pressured To Stop Weapon Shipments To Syria

Iraq Blocks Syria-Bound North Korean Plane, Suspects Weapons Cargo -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Iraq said on Friday it has denied permission to a North Korean plane bound for Syria to pass through Iraqi airspace on suspicion it could be carrying weapons, and the United States stressed the need to prevent any such arms transfers.

Iraq has also denied a Western intelligence report that Iranian aircraft had flown weapons and military personnel over Iraqi airspace to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his 18-month-old fight against rebels seeking to end his rule.

U.S. officials said earlier this month they were questioning Iraq about Iranian flights in Iraqi air space. On Wednesday, U.S. Senator John Kerry threatened to review U.S. aid to Baghdad if it does not halt such overflights to Syria.

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Update #1: Iraq bans Syria-bound NKorea plane with suspected arms load, potentially closing supply line -- Washington Post/AP
Update #2: US, Iraqi leaders discuss concerns on Syria arms -- Reuters

My Comment: Iraq is feeling the pressure, but instead of stopping North Korean planes, I would like to see them stop these planes.