Syria playing in Iraqi politics

DAMASCUS, Syria, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Damascus is moving to ally with leading Iraqi figures in defiance of official condemnation for deadly Baghdad attacks as Iraq prepares to pick a new government.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki lashed out at Damascus because of allegations that leading Baath Party supporters had plotted a string of attacks in Baghdad from their Syrian base.

Damascus, however, has played host to a series of leading Iraqi leaders as the political landscape in Baghdad evolves ahead of parliamentary elections in March, Emirati newspaper The National reports.

In December, Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, met with Syrian President Bashar Assad to mourn the passing of the Syrian leader's younger brother.

Hakim during the visit expressed his "deep appreciation" for the support Syria has offered Iraq as it emerges from years of war.

His visit was followed by the arrival of former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who is expected to play a major role in the March election.

Maliki is stumping for a second term as prime minister on a policy of national security. Though he may secure enough support to achieve his aims, Damascus may have enough Iraqi political support in hand to gain favor in whatever government emerges in March, the report said.