Expectations that Arab states would normalize relations with Syria to dilute Bashar al-Assad’s relationship with Iran are proving premature.
By Liz Sly Liz Sly Beirut bureau chief, covering Lebanon, Syria and the wider region Email Bio Follow March 3 at 3:51 PM BEIRUT — Efforts by Arab states to reengage with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, now that he has prevailed in the war, have been put on hold after a push by the United States to deter its allies from renewing ties with his government.
Many Arab states, meanwhile, are unsure whether they want to rehabilitate a leader who remains bound to Iran by a long and close alliance, according to diplomats in the region. Iran has gained influence in Syria by helping Assad win the war. The question of how to address the issues posed by Assad’s survival after eight years of war is crucial for Syria and its Arab neighbors. Many of those countries supported the anti-Assad rebellion and are confronting the reality that he is likely to remain in power for the foreseeable future.
“There’s zero Arab influence in Damascus. Zero,” the UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said in an interview, explaining his country’s decision to restore diplomatic relations. “Because we burned all our bridges in 2011, that has allowed regional players such as Turkey and Iran to be the main determinant. And suddenly the Arabs have zero say.”
Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two regional powers, are holding out against moves to revive Syria’s membership, diplomats say. “It’s clear Egypt and Saudi are holding the line, and as long as they remain firm, the moves of other Arab Gulf countries are not going to be decisive in restoring Assad’s role,” said a Western diplomat, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
इंडिया ताज़ा खबर, इंडिया मुख्य बातें
Similar News:आप इससे मिलती-जुलती खबरें भी पढ़ सकते हैं जिन्हें हमने अन्य समाचार स्रोतों से एकत्र किया है।
Assad visit to Iran a show of loyalty despite efforts by US and IsraelAs the US and Israel galvanise support to oust Iran from Syria, Bashar al Assad makes an appearance in Tehran flaunting the strength of Syria-Iran ties.
और पढो »
As Assad holds on in Syria, EU's 'strategic patience' testedAfter eight years of civil war from which Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is em...
और पढो »
Is Algeria facing a late bloom of Arab Spring uprisings?A complex political configuration and the scars of civil war helped Algeria avoid the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings. But eight years later, the country faces political turmoil as the President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika seeks a fifth term in office.
और पढो »
Syrian president thanked Iran's Foreign Ministry during visit to Tehran: RouhaniSyrian President Bashar al-Assad thanked Iran's Foreign Ministry during his...
और पढो »
Holding Its Tongue on Democracy, EU Presses Arab Leaders to Stem MigrationEuropean Union officials used a first-of-its-kind summit in Egypt this week to press Arab leaders to impose stability and stem migration but played down calls for democracy, reflecting a desire for calm after years of border tumult.
और पढो »
EU, Arab leaders draw lines in the sandAt first-ever summit, European and Arab state leaders confront stark cultural differences and pledge to strengthen ties.
और पढो »
Syrian regime killing civilians in demilitarised zone – UNHRCThousands of displaced people continue to languish in deplorable makeshift camps unfit to meet their basic needs in Syria, says UNHRC report.
और पढो »
Tens of thousands of Algerians call on Bouteflika to step downTens of thousands of people in cities across Algeria call on President Bouteflika to leave office in the biggest anti-government demonstrations there since the Arab Spring eight years ago
और पढो »
Trump says American held captive in Yemen has been freedPresident Trump announced Monday that American citizen Danny Burch has been freed after 18 months of captivity in Yemen.
और पढो »
UN reaches aid warehouses on Yemen frontlines, seeks $4.2 bnSignificant donations came from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the two main countries in a coalition supporting the government side in Yemen's conflict.
और पढो »