Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – An influential moment is set to occur in the Middle East as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is anticipated to rejoin the Arab League in a summit hosted in Saudi Arabia this Friday. The forum will also delve into the persisting conflicts in Sudan and Yemen.
Assad’s return to the Arab League marks his inaugural participation since Syria’s 2011 expulsion in response to the government’s severe suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators. This oppressive action ignited a civil war that has since ravaged Syria for more than a decade. Assad’s reappearance represents a substantial shift in the region’s political dynamics.
Faisal Mekdad, the Syrian Foreign Minister, voiced his elation upon arriving in Jeddah, saying, “We express our happiness and pleasure to be on the kingdom’s soil. This summit is very important.” He further asserted that the Syrian delegation aimed to contribute to the success of the summit.
This assembly is occurring amidst a period of heightened diplomatic engagements by Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil exporter, across the Middle East and beyond. Major roads in Jeddah are adorned with the flags of Arab League member nations, including Syria, emphasizing the significance of this meet. The event is hailed as “the summit of all summits” by Al-Riyadh newspaper.
The Arab League’s gathering follows several diplomatic initiatives by Saudi Arabia, including a China-mediated reconciliation deal with Iran announced in March. The Kingdom has since reestablished bilateral connections with Syria and is amplifying efforts to bring about peace in Yemen, where it spearheads a military coalition opposing Iran-supported Huthi rebels.
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic endeavors also reach Sudan, where it intervened to evacuate civilians amidst recent violent outbreaks. Currently, Riyadh is facilitating negotiations between Sudan’s conflicting parties to broker a ceasefire.
The reinstatement of Syria into the Arab League is not without its complications. Qatar has shown resistance to establishing regular ties with Assad’s regime. Yet, the emir of Qatar, a known critic of the Syrian leader, will head his nation’s delegation in Jeddah.
The Arab League summit aims to tackle international issues beyond immediate regional concerns, such as the Ukraine conflict and the ongoing global economic crisis. Khaled Manzlawiy, the bloc’s assistant secretary general for political affairs, underscored in the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Arab unity could offer a voice that resonates not just regionally, but globally.
Saudi Arabia’s aspiration for a successful summit is palpable. The Kingdom is hopeful for definite commitments from Syria on matters such as war refugees and the captagon trade. However, the Arab League summits’ historical lack of decisiveness and internal discord pose challenges.
Despite the difficulties, the stakes are elevated. With Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role in molding the region’s future, the world anticipates the outcome, recognizing the potential of this summit to redefine the geopolitical scenario in the Middle East.
©traders-news.online
