LONDON: Syria’s slow return to the Arab fold is set to pick up pace. After Arab states cautiously reengaged following Bashar Assad’s fall in December, plans by the US and EU to lift sanctions have turned hesitation into opportunity.
As these barriers begin to ease, old allies are moving to renew ties — not only reviving diplomatic channels but also launching a high-stakes race to shape Syria’s postwar recovery and revival.
Leading the charge is Saudi Arabia, which has positioned itself as the key broker of Syria’s regional reintegration. Riyadh has hosted members of Syria’s new leadership and convened high-level meetings to coordinate Arab and international support for reconstruction.
A turning point came on May 14, when Saudi Arabia hosted a landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa — the first such encounter between American and Syrian leaders in more than 25 years.
The meeting, facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took place just one day after Trump’s surprise announcement that Washington would lift all sanctions on Syria.
