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Syrian President's party wins majority seats in polls

Amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Arab League's Ambassador to Delhi Yusuf Mohamed Jameel has said that he has got assurances from India that its position on the Palestine issue remains unaltered.

In an interview with WION’s Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Jameel pointed to his discussions with Indian officials and emphasised, "Our friends in India always assure us that the only solution is the peace solution, the 2-state solution with borders of 1967, and this is the main issue." Arab league's ambassador and Dean of the Arab Ambassadors Corps, Palestine ambassador Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa (longest serving (since 2014) Arab envoy in Delhi) had met the Indian officials on the issue.

On India's recent UN positions, ambassador Jameel acknowledged the sovereign right of nations to pursue their interests, stating, "Well, we are good friends of India...any country has the right to take what is good for its own interest." India abstained from a UNGA resolution that failed to condemn Hamas terror attack but voted in favour of a resolution that was critical of Israel at the UN's Fourth Committee. Ambassador Jameel talked about the view of the Arab world on the ongoing crisis, terming the situation in Palestine "tragic" and how the Arab ambassadors council in Delhi has been meeting on the issue since last month. He also spoke about India Arab ties and how Indians are an "asset" in the Arab world.

The Arab League is a regional organisation comprising 22 member states in the Arab world.&nbsp;It is aimed at promoting economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its members. Established in 1945, it today has 22 member&nbsp;countries.

WION: What are the Arab League plans to do, to make sure that West Asia tensions are reduced?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: As you see, unfortunately, there has been an escalation of the situation there, since October 7. And this is mainly because nobody has put strong pressure on Israel or the government of Israel to stop that kind of aggression. All the members of the Arab states, their number one cause is the Palestinian cause. Since that action happened on October 7, the Arab League called for immediate and urgent meetings, at ministerial level that took place in Cairo on 11th Oct and take very strong resolution, which is number one calling to stop the aggression, the ceasing of fire and the lifting the siege on Gaza to allow the humanitarian aid to go to the civilian in Gaza. Talking about humanitarian aid, I'm talking mainly about the basic daily needs: medicine facilities, food, fuel, all these are very important basic needs for any community, which is not available there in Gaza since October 7. So it is very important to arrange more and more aid to give to the people of Gaza. And recently,&nbsp;there was a summit in Riyadh, the Arab Islamic summit that saw participation of 57 countries of the Arab and Islamic states, and a resolution was adopted by the leaders.&nbsp;The resolution condemned the Israeli aggression and called to stop fires, Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza. And, of course, to allow immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

&nbsp;

WION: In the Riyadh Summit, there were a lot of outcomes. There are media reports saying that they will also plan to cut off relations with Israel and this was thwarted by some member countries. Anything about that?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: &nbsp;When I am talking officially, I am talking about the resolution and what are the items in the resolution. There are many things going on. We are trying with our friends, international community to apply that resolution. And the resolution is very logical , to stop aggression, allow humanitarian aid, and call for the UN, especially the Security Council to find out or to carry out their responsibility, and have some resolution to stop the aggression. It is really important; the international community's role is very important.&nbsp;We, at the Arab league mission, the Arab ambassador's council in New Delhi, also we have been working together and continuing meetings since October 11. Met ambassadors, and ambassadors are very active, and we reached out to the officials from the Indian side.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's stance during this ongoing conflict

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel:&nbsp;&nbsp;India has a very strong, and historical relation with the Arab world. Ties have been very old, and we are building on that, that kind of positive relationship between the 2 sides. &nbsp;We did meet some officials here, and India has an important regional and international role. So their role or their efforts to help Palestinian people and to help us to stop that aggression will be very important. And especially when you see India has good relationship with both side, Arab states as well as Israel, so on that we are building, to help the Palestinians, to stop the aggression.

&nbsp;

WION: What kind of role do you expect from India. You just mentioned that India has a good relationship with the Arab world with Israel as well. 

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: &nbsp;Just about more effort with the international community, to stop the aggression, very briefly, that's what we call and we hope India, and I'm sure , India presents humanitarian aid not only in this crisis, not long ago, she was a very good supporter of the Palestinian cause, and was always, presenting humanitarian aid, educational, cultural. We are building on that. India has also granted humanitarian aid for the Palestine

&nbsp;

WION: You have been speaking to Indian officials, can you share what kind of conversation you had? 

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel:&nbsp;The Indian side, as usual, is very cooperative with us, and they listen to what we say. They are working with the international community to find a positive way, and&nbsp;our friends in India always assure us that the only solution is the peace solution, the 2-state solution with the borders of 1967 and this is the main issue. I mean, as they told us their position has never been changed, they still support the Palestinian cause and still send humanitarian aid and other educational cultural aid to the Palestinians. They have been very cooperative with us; they listen to us. The Dean of the Arab ambassador's corps and I went and jointly met officials with the same content.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's position at UN? It abstained at a resolution at UN and in another resolution condemned Israel

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel:&nbsp;This is completely right of a govt, India or any other country. They have to choose their right, what is right for them, and we did deliver our message to the Indian side, if your stance has changed, they said no no, it's still the same—peaceful solution, 2 states with border of 1967. I don't think there is a change in stance, this is what I have been told by the officials.

&nbsp;

WION: And do you agree with it?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel:&nbsp;Well, we are good friends of India…Any country has the right to take what is good for its own interest.

&nbsp;

WION: Since you are heading the Arab League mission, you have been holding meetings with several Arab ambassadors. What kind of conversations have been happening and what kind of sense you get from the Arab ambassadors? Are you planning something here in Delhi, all your ambassadors coming together?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: As I mentioned earlier, the Arab ambassador's council has been continuing to meet since October 11. We had our first meeting on that issue, formally on the 16th of October and from that time as frequently, hold it here at the mission.&nbsp;All ambassadors play&nbsp;very important role. They carry out the Arab League resolution and try to deliver that to the officials, the media, organisation, and our friends in India. They have a very, very positive role, to stand with the Palestinian people, they're suffering in Gaza.

&nbsp;

WION: Do you think that the UN has failed in terms of resolving the ongoing conflict in West Asia? We have seen resolutions being passed but at the end of the day, what the UNSC can do and what the UN GA can do are two different things. UNGA can put a voice, but the teeth have to be provided by the UNSC.

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: Security Council members as you know have different interests. I mean,&nbsp;on the Palestinian cause there was really, there was failure to get a resolution, which wasn't agreed upon by their own members. And this is really disappointing.&nbsp;I mean, we look at the United Nations Security Council as a very important international organization to enhance stability and peace all over the world. Not only, I mean, the Middle East or Africa or wherever, in general. This is their task. And we look forward also, we were calling the UN Security Council so I need to push for a peaceful resolution which will enhance the stability and security of the region. And that stability is good for all parties, not only for the Arab state, for Israel, for Palestinians. This is good for the regional area and international community as well.

&nbsp;

WION: Since you're the ambassador of the Arab League, you obviously know what's happening in the Arab world. What is the sense on the Arab street? What is the common man thinking of the ongoing conflict? How is it impacting societies?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: Well,&nbsp;history shows that Arab people in general are very supportive of the cause of Palestinian cause, and I think it's getting bigger and bigger after that kind of aggression.&nbsp;I know what you said to me, and maybe we have to put more effort to stopping that aggression and to help our people in Gaza.

&nbsp;

WION: Do you see a divide in the Islamic world as well in dealing with this crisis? Or do you see the Islamic world is speaking in one voice in the ongoing conflict?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: It was attended by all members, Arab, and Islamic countries which is very positive.&nbsp;All Arab and Islamic states have one position, on the resolution, all countries agreed.&nbsp;Arabs have been calling to stop the aggression.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the India-Arab ties?

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: As I mentioned, Arab and India ties are growing year after year. Now we are seeing trading ties, over $200 billion. We are looking forward to increasing that.&nbsp;The cooperation between the two sides is growing and includes many fields, not only political, but only trade, including cultural, education, health, energy, you name it.&nbsp;Arab India forum started in 2008 and has cooperation in all fields and that kind of forum sees a gathering of officials and will take ties to a new era.

&nbsp;

WION: The largest number of Indians who stay outside of India, a large portion stay in the Arab world as well, playing an important role as well.

Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: The Indians are all over the Arab world and are an asset. They are helping us in building, and they are really I mean, therefore appreciated.

Amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Arab League's Ambassador to Delhi Yusuf Mohamed Jameel has said that he has got assurances from India that its position on the Palestine issue remains unaltered.

Amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Arab League's Ambassador to Delhi Yusuf Mohamed Jameel has said that he has got assurances from India that its position on the Palestine issue remains unaltered. In an interview with WION’s Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Jameel pointed to his discussions with Indian officials and emphasised, "Our friends in India always assure us that the only solution is the peace solution, the 2-state solution with borders of 1967, and this is the main issue." Arab league's ambassador and Dean of the Arab Ambassadors Corps, Palestine ambassador Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa (longest serving (since 2014) Arab envoy in Delhi) had met the Indian officials on the issue. On India's recent UN positions, ambassador Jameel acknowledged the sovereign right of nations to pursue their interests, stating, "Well, we are good friends of India...any country has the right to take what is good for its own interest." India abstained from a UNGA resolution that failed to condemn Hamas terror attack but voted in favour of a resolution that was critical of Israel at the UN's Fourth Committee. Ambassador Jameel talked about the view of the Arab world on the ongoing crisis, terming the situation in Palestine "tragic" and how the Arab ambassadors council in Delhi has been meeting on the issue since last month. He also spoke about India Arab ties and how Indians are an "asset" in the Arab world. The Arab League is a regional organisation comprising 22 member states in the Arab world. It is aimed at promoting economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its members. Established in 1945, it today has 22 member countries. WION: What are the Arab League plans to do, to make sure that West Asia tensions are reduced? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: As you see, unfortunately, there has been an escalation of the situation there, since October 7. And this is mainly because nobody has put strong pressure on Israel or the government of Israel to stop that kind of aggression. All the members of the Arab states, their number one cause is the Palestinian cause. Since that action happened on October 7, the Arab League called for immediate and urgent meetings, at ministerial level that took place in Cairo on 11th Oct and take very strong resolution, which is number one calling to stop the aggression, the ceasing of fire and the lifting the siege on Gaza to allow the humanitarian aid to go to the civilian in Gaza. Talking about humanitarian aid, I'm talking mainly about the basic daily needs: medicine facilities, food, fuel, all these are very important basic needs for any community, which is not available there in Gaza since October 7. So it is very important to arrange more and more aid to give to the people of Gaza. And recently, there was a summit in Riyadh, the Arab Islamic summit that saw participation of 57 countries of the Arab and Islamic states, and a resolution was adopted by the leaders. The resolution condemned the Israeli aggression and called to stop fires, Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza. And, of course, to allow immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. WION: In the Riyadh Summit, there were a lot of outcomes. There are media reports saying that they will also plan to cut off relations with Israel and this was thwarted by some member countries. Anything about that? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: When I am talking officially, I am talking about the resolution and what are the items in the resolution. There are many things going on. We are trying with our friends, international community to apply that resolution. And the resolution is very logical , to stop aggression, allow humanitarian aid, and call for the UN, especially the Security Council to find out or to carry out their responsibility, and have some resolution to stop the aggression. It is really important; the international community's role is very important. We, at the Arab league mission, the Arab ambassador's council in New Delhi, also we have been working together and continuing meetings since October 11. Met ambassadors, and ambassadors are very active, and we reached out to the officials from the Indian side. WION: How do you see India's stance during this ongoing conflict Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: India has a very strong, and historical relation with the Arab world. Ties have been very old, and we are building on that, that kind of positive relationship between the 2 sides. We did meet some officials here, and India has an important regional and international role. So their role or their efforts to help Palestinian people and to help us to stop that aggression will be very important. And especially when you see India has good relationship with both side, Arab states as well as Israel, so on that we are building, to help the Palestinians, to stop the aggression. WION: What kind of role do you expect from India. You just mentioned that India has a good relationship with the Arab world with Israel as well. Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: Just about more effort with the international community, to stop the aggression, very briefly, that's what we call and we hope India, and I'm sure , India presents humanitarian aid not only in this crisis, not long ago, she was a very good supporter of the Palestinian cause, and was always, presenting humanitarian aid, educational, cultural. We are building on that. India has also granted humanitarian aid for the Palestine WION: You have been speaking to Indian officials, can you share what kind of conversation you had? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: The Indian side, as usual, is very cooperative with us, and they listen to what we say. They are working with the international community to find a positive way, and our friends in India always assure us that the only solution is the peace solution, the 2-state solution with the borders of 1967 and this is the main issue. I mean, as they told us their position has never been changed, they still support the Palestinian cause and still send humanitarian aid and other educational cultural aid to the Palestinians. They have been very cooperative with us; they listen to us. The Dean of the Arab ambassador's corps and I went and jointly met officials with the same content. WION: How do you see India's position at UN? It abstained at a resolution at UN and in another resolution condemned Israel Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: This is completely right of a govt, India or any other country. They have to choose their right, what is right for them, and we did deliver our message to the Indian side, if your stance has changed, they said no no, it's still the same—peaceful solution, 2 states with border of 1967. I don't think there is a change in stance, this is what I have been told by the officials. WION: And do you agree with it? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: Well, we are good friends of India…Any country has the right to take what is good for its own interest. WION: Since you are heading the Arab League mission, you have been holding meetings with several Arab ambassadors. What kind of conversations have been happening and what kind of sense you get from the Arab ambassadors? Are you planning something here in Delhi, all your ambassadors coming together? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: As I mentioned earlier, the Arab ambassador's council has been continuing to meet since October 11. We had our first meeting on that issue, formally on the 16th of October and from that time as frequently, hold it here at the mission. All ambassadors play very important role. They carry out the Arab League resolution and try to deliver that to the officials, the media, organisation, and our friends in India. They have a very, very positive role, to stand with the Palestinian people, they're suffering in Gaza. WION: Do you think that the UN has failed in terms of resolving the ongoing conflict in West Asia? We have seen resolutions being passed but at the end of the day, what the UNSC can do and what the UN GA can do are two different things. UNGA can put a voice, but the teeth have to be provided by the UNSC. Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: Security Council members as you know have different interests. I mean, on the Palestinian cause there was really, there was failure to get a resolution, which wasn't agreed upon by their own members. And this is really disappointing. I mean, we look at the United Nations Security Council as a very important international organization to enhance stability and peace all over the world. Not only, I mean, the Middle East or Africa or wherever, in general. This is their task. And we look forward also, we were calling the UN Security Council so I need to push for a peaceful resolution which will enhance the stability and security of the region. And that stability is good for all parties, not only for the Arab state, for Israel, for Palestinians. This is good for the regional area and international community as well. WION: Since you're the ambassador of the Arab League, you obviously know what's happening in the Arab world. What is the sense on the Arab street? What is the common man thinking of the ongoing conflict? How is it impacting societies? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: Well, history shows that Arab people in general are very supportive of the cause of Palestinian cause, and I think it's getting bigger and bigger after that kind of aggression. I know what you said to me, and maybe we have to put more effort to stopping that aggression and to help our people in Gaza. WION: Do you see a divide in the Islamic world as well in dealing with this crisis? Or do you see the Islamic world is speaking in one voice in the ongoing conflict? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: It was attended by all members, Arab, and Islamic countries which is very positive. All Arab and Islamic states have one position, on the resolution, all countries agreed. Arabs have been calling to stop the aggression. WION: How do you see the India-Arab ties? Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: As I mentioned, Arab and India ties are growing year after year. Now we are seeing trading ties, over $200 billion. We are looking forward to increasing that. The cooperation between the two sides is growing and includes many fields, not only political, but only trade, including cultural, education, health, energy, you name it. Arab India forum started in 2008 and has cooperation in all fields and that kind of forum sees a gathering of officials and will take ties to a new era. WION: The largest number of Indians who stay outside of India, a large portion stay in the Arab world as well, playing an important role as well. Yusuf Mohamed Jameel: The Indians are all over the Arab world and are an asset. They are helping us in building, and they are really I mean, therefore appreciated.

India has reaffirmed its unaltered stance on Palestine: Arab League's Ambassador Jameel

The Arab League Summit is scheduled in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 19th May 2023. Consisting of 22 members and headquartered at Cairo, it is a major regional forum for countries in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region, especially on economy, regional politics and security. Coming at a time amidst a major churn in the geopolitics of the region, this could be a landmark summit of the Arab League. Already, the Saudi-Iran peace deal brokered by China in March 2023 is taking shape and promises to end many conflicts in the region and pave the way for a period of reconciliation and peace.&nbsp;

As regards the Arab League too, there have been positive developments. The latest development is the decision to re-admit Syria into the forum, 12 years after its membership was revoked when Syria plunged into a civil war following a violent crackdown on protesters in March 2011 during the ‘Arab Spring’ protests. On 7th May, the foreign ministers of the Arab League agreed to reinstate Syria’s membership as a part of a larger reconciliation exercise in the region. The only voice of dissent came from Qatar which stated that although it will not oppose the re-entry of Syria into the Arab League, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that it will however not re-establish relations with Syria in the absence of a political solution that addresses “the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people.”

Watch | Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years

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<h2>The Arab League</h2>

The Arab League was formed in Cairo on 22nd March 1945, as a symbol of Arab unity or Pan-Arabism. Formed even before the establishment of the UN in October 1945, its founding members were Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen. It aimed to strengthen and coordinate the political, cultural, economic, and social programs among its members and to mediate disputes among the member nations. Over a period of time, new members were admitted taking it to a total of 22 members currently, which includes the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) which was admitted in 1976. In its 77 years, it has however, had a chequered history, especially on major issues/conflicts in the region, be it the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the Israel-Palestine issue, the US-led Gulf war in Iraq in 2003 or even the ‘Arab Spring’ protests in 2011-12. Even Egypt, one of the founding members was expelled in 1979 after the Camp David peace treaty with Israel and its HQ shifted out of Cairo to Tunis. It was reinstated only in 1989. &nbsp;Unity or consensus has generally been an area of concern and that is one major aspect for the forum to work on, if it wants to remain relevant in the future. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>Changing discourse in the region</h2>

The Saudi-Iran peace deal has already resulted in intensifying engagement between the two countries as also the assurance of early re-opening of respective embassies in the coming months. It has also resulted in the promise to end the war in Yemen. Reconciliation with Syria too is underway and President Assad has been invited to the Arab League Summit. Following the Saudi-Iran peace deal, there seems to be a wave of reconciliation among the countries in the region. Egyptian Foreign Minister SamehShoukry visited Syria on 27th February, the first trip by a top Egyptian diplomat to Syria since its civil war began in 2011. Earlier in March, Egypt’s foreign minister held talks with his Turkish counterpart MevlutCavusoglu on the possibility of restoring ties during the first visit to Cairo by Turkey’s top diplomat since relations ruptured after the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood government in 2013 in Egypt. Qatar and Bahrain too have announced restoration of diplomatic ties on 13th April, an important step towards unity within the region.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-syrias-bashar-al-assad-got-away-with-murder-593114">Opinion: How Syria’s Bashar al-Assad got away with murder</a>

Egypt and Iran are looking to mend ties. On 16th March, the spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Naseer Kanaani, confirmed that Iran wants to improve relations with Egypt. Egypt and Saudi Arabia ties are also on the mend. On 3rd April, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi made a surprise visit to Jeddah where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders “affirmed mutual concern for promoting common cooperation in all fields” as also “coordination and consultation” on regional and international issues. Qatar has already been integrated back into the region after the landmark GCC Summit at Al Ula in January 2021, ending Qatar’s diplomatic isolation of over three years from the GCC.

The depleting influence of the US in the region has opened up space for China and to some extent, Russia to offer support, economic as well as military, to countries in the region. China’s improved ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt are a case in point. The Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab countries including UAE, Bahrain Morocco and Sudan have opened up avenues of engagement which were earlier thought impossible. Ongoing talks, mostly back channel, between Saudi Arabia and Israel as well as the formation of I2U2 or the West Asian Quad comprising Israel, India, UAE and the US holds the possibility of tectonic shifts in the region in future. The recent meeting of the NSAs of India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Jeddah on 07th May where they discussed regional matters, security, ongoing developments and the feasibility of a rail link between the countries of the region as well as to South Asia via sea lanes, too is a vitally important development in the region.

<h2>What next for the Arab League</h2>

Recent developments in the region and the reality of interdependent global economies dictate that the forum has to evolve based on developing realities. The oil economies are past their prime and countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have already undertaken measures to develop suitable alternate economic models. Arab League could be a forum for these countries to help other smaller countries in the forum too to develop modern economies.

The Arab League is also different from two other forums in the region, GCC and the OIC. While the OIC represents the Islamic world as a whole across continents and its discourse is largely limited to debating Islamic issues, the GCC which was established in 1981 after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, is restricted to six countries of the Arabian peninsula and is based solely on the countering any threat from Iran. Arab League can therefore look beyond such narrow prisms’ and work towards a larger economic and security integration of the region.

Among the countries in the region, Turkey and Iran are not part of the Arab League being ‘Non-Arab’ countries. They are however too large, significant and powerful to be ignored if the region is looking for an effective regional integration. Arab League has long outlived its original mandate based on Pan-Arabism and needs to look beyond this formative idea. One such out-of-the-box idea could be to initiate a process to slowly ease Iran and Turkey into the forum, initially maybe as an observer or a dialogue partner. The Saudi-Iran peace deal could be used as a trigger for it. Anyway, it is better to have Iran in the room and talking, than an Iran which is isolated and perceived as a threat. Remember, the ASEAN today is much bigger than originally the countries of South East Asia. Similarly, the SCO too has vastly enlarged its membership beyond Russia, Central Asian Republics and China. Arab League too could take a cue from these precedents.

This summit could also help initiate a regional process towards healing and economic revival of nations which have been devastated due to prolonged conflict like Yemen, Syria and Libya as well as Iraq. The summit also offers an opportunity to resolve the ongoing deadly conflict in Sudan, one of the members of the league. Solidarity with Palestine, a cause that the Palestinians fear is losing traction in the past few years due to reconciliation attempts with Israel too could be an important aspect to be debated. 
&nbsp; 
India is already an Observer in the Arab League since December 2010 when the Indian Ambassador in Cairo was designated as India’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League with Observer Status. India and Arab League could use this re-vitalized forum to further cement ties with the region, where India already has deep and strategic ties with many major countries.

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

Arab League and the WANA region are at a point of inflection. Right initiatives and futuristic policies seeking regional integration rather than merely ‘Pan-Arabism’ could herald a new era in the region. With Saudi Arabia, the land of the two holy mosques taking over the presidency of the Arab League, there could be no better time for the Arab League to evolve anew.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

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The Arab League Summit is scheduled in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 19th May 2023. Consisting of 22 members and headquartered at Cairo, it is a major regional forum for countries in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region, especially on economy, regional politics and security.

The Arab League Summit is scheduled in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 19th May 2023. Consisting of 22 members and headquartered at Cairo, it is a major regional forum for countries in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region, especially on economy, regional politics and security. Coming at a time amidst a major churn in the geopolitics of the region, this could be a landmark summit of the Arab League. Already, the Saudi-Iran peace deal brokered by China in March 2023 is taking shape and promises to end many conflicts in the region and pave the way for a period of reconciliation and peace. As regards the Arab League too, there have been positive developments. The latest development is the decision to re-admit Syria into the forum, 12 years after its membership was revoked when Syria plunged into a civil war following a violent crackdown on protesters in March 2011 during the ‘Arab Spring’ protests. On 7th May, the foreign ministers of the Arab League agreed to reinstate Syria’s membership as a part of a larger reconciliation exercise in the region. The only voice of dissent came from Qatar which stated that although it will not oppose the re-entry of Syria into the Arab League, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that it will however not re-establish relations with Syria in the absence of a political solution that addresses “the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people.” Watch | Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years × The Arab League The Arab League was formed in Cairo on 22nd March 1945, as a symbol of Arab unity or Pan-Arabism. Formed even before the establishment of the UN in October 1945, its founding members were Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen. It aimed to strengthen and coordinate the political, cultural, economic, and social programs among its members and to mediate disputes among the member nations. Over a period of time, new members were admitted taking it to a total of 22 members currently, which includes the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) which was admitted in 1976. In its 77 years, it has however, had a chequered history, especially on major issues/conflicts in the region, be it the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the Israel-Palestine issue, the US-led Gulf war in Iraq in 2003 or even the ‘Arab Spring’ protests in 2011-12. Even Egypt, one of the founding members was expelled in 1979 after the Camp David peace treaty with Israel and its HQ shifted out of Cairo to Tunis. It was reinstated only in 1989. Unity or consensus has generally been an area of concern and that is one major aspect for the forum to work on, if it wants to remain relevant in the future. Changing discourse in the region The Saudi-Iran peace deal has already resulted in intensifying engagement between the two countries as also the assurance of early re-opening of respective embassies in the coming months. It has also resulted in the promise to end the war in Yemen. Reconciliation with Syria too is underway and President Assad has been invited to the Arab League Summit. Following the Saudi-Iran peace deal, there seems to be a wave of reconciliation among the countries in the region. Egyptian Foreign Minister SamehShoukry visited Syria on 27th February, the first trip by a top Egyptian diplomat to Syria since its civil war began in 2011. Earlier in March, Egypt’s foreign minister held talks with his Turkish counterpart MevlutCavusoglu on the possibility of restoring ties during the first visit to Cairo by Turkey’s top diplomat since relations ruptured after the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood government in 2013 in Egypt. Qatar and Bahrain too have announced restoration of diplomatic ties on 13th April, an important step towards unity within the region. Also Read | Opinion: How Syria’s Bashar al-Assad got away with murder Egypt and Iran are looking to mend ties. On 16th March, the spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Naseer Kanaani, confirmed that Iran wants to improve relations with Egypt. Egypt and Saudi Arabia ties are also on the mend. On 3rd April, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi made a surprise visit to Jeddah where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders “affirmed mutual concern for promoting common cooperation in all fields” as also “coordination and consultation” on regional and international issues. Qatar has already been integrated back into the region after the landmark GCC Summit at Al Ula in January 2021, ending Qatar’s diplomatic isolation of over three years from the GCC. The depleting influence of the US in the region has opened up space for China and to some extent, Russia to offer support, economic as well as military, to countries in the region. China’s improved ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt are a case in point. The Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab countries including UAE, Bahrain Morocco and Sudan have opened up avenues of engagement which were earlier thought impossible. Ongoing talks, mostly back channel, between Saudi Arabia and Israel as well as the formation of I2U2 or the West Asian Quad comprising Israel, India, UAE and the US holds the possibility of tectonic shifts in the region in future. The recent meeting of the NSAs of India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Jeddah on 07th May where they discussed regional matters, security, ongoing developments and the feasibility of a rail link between the countries of the region as well as to South Asia via sea lanes, too is a vitally important development in the region. What next for the Arab League Recent developments in the region and the reality of interdependent global economies dictate that the forum has to evolve based on developing realities. The oil economies are past their prime and countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have already undertaken measures to develop suitable alternate economic models. Arab League could be a forum for these countries to help other smaller countries in the forum too to develop modern economies. The Arab League is also different from two other forums in the region, GCC and the OIC. While the OIC represents the Islamic world as a whole across continents and its discourse is largely limited to debating Islamic issues, the GCC which was established in 1981 after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, is restricted to six countries of the Arabian peninsula and is based solely on the countering any threat from Iran. Arab League can therefore look beyond such narrow prisms’ and work towards a larger economic and security integration of the region. Among the countries in the region, Turkey and Iran are not part of the Arab League being ‘Non-Arab’ countries. They are however too large, significant and powerful to be ignored if the region is looking for an effective regional integration. Arab League has long outlived its original mandate based on Pan-Arabism and needs to look beyond this formative idea. One such out-of-the-box idea could be to initiate a process to slowly ease Iran and Turkey into the forum, initially maybe as an observer or a dialogue partner. The Saudi-Iran peace deal could be used as a trigger for it. Anyway, it is better to have Iran in the room and talking, than an Iran which is isolated and perceived as a threat. Remember, the ASEAN today is much bigger than originally the countries of South East Asia. Similarly, the SCO too has vastly enlarged its membership beyond Russia, Central Asian Republics and China. Arab League too could take a cue from these precedents. This summit could also help initiate a regional process towards healing and economic revival of nations which have been devastated due to prolonged conflict like Yemen, Syria and Libya as well as Iraq. The summit also offers an opportunity to resolve the ongoing deadly conflict in Sudan, one of the members of the league. Solidarity with Palestine, a cause that the Palestinians fear is losing traction in the past few years due to reconciliation attempts with Israel too could be an important aspect to be debated. India is already an Observer in the Arab League since December 2010 when the Indian Ambassador in Cairo was designated as India’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League with Observer Status. India and Arab League could use this re-vitalized forum to further cement ties with the region, where India already has deep and strategic ties with many major countries. Conclusion Arab League and the WANA region are at a point of inflection. Right initiatives and futuristic policies seeking regional integration rather than merely ‘Pan-Arabism’ could herald a new era in the region. With Saudi Arabia, the land of the two holy mosques taking over the presidency of the Arab League, there could be no better time for the Arab League to evolve anew. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Arab League: Time to evolve amidst changing discourse in the region

On November 12, 2011, the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria to punish the government of President Bashar al-Assad for cracking down on anti-government protestors with a brutality so savage it shocked even the members of a group with a poor record of concern for human rights.

On May 7, 2023, the 22-member regional group formally re-admitted Syria and this week al-Assad, still a pariah in the eyes of the West, is scheduled to attend an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, whose autocratic de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, had been pushing for an end to Syria’s isolation.

The decision to welcome back al-Assad, who has done nothing that would merit an embrace, is an abject lesson to&nbsp;the fact that national self-interest and geopolitics trump human rights. Assad has made no concessions for political reform at home, scoffs at the evidence of war crimes in the 4,194 days between expulsion and re-admission, and made no effort to persuade six million refugees to return home.

The Arab League’s decision also highlighted the waning influence of the United States, once a dominant player in the Middle East, and its Western allies. At a joint press conference in Washington two days after the League’s announcement, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his British counterpart James Cleverly made clear their opposition.

“We do not believe that Syria merits re-admission,” said Blinken. “Our position is clear: We are not going to be in the business of normalising relations with Assad and with that regime.” Not surprisingly, Russia cheered Assad’s return to the fold. “Moscow welcomes this long awaited step of returning Syria to the ‘Arab family’,” said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-attends-arab-league-meet-after-11-years-592720">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years</a>

The tide of the multi-sided civil war that followed the government’s initial wave of anti-protest repression turned in favour of the Assad regime with the 2015 intervention of Russia. Its air power, combined with Iranian-backed militias on the ground saved the government from collapse and allowed it to re-establish control over most of the country.

At the time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war as “a living nightmare” and said, “Syria’s people have endured some of the greatest war crimes the world has witnessed this century.”

There never was much hope that al-Assad and his regime would be held to account for a string of well-documented war crimes - from the systematic torture of prisoners and the bombing of schools and hospitals to the use of chemical weapons. Their most devastating deployment took place in August 2013 with the release of the nerve gas Sarin in the opposition-controlled Damascus district of Ghouta. It killed an estimated 1,400 people, including children.

In the early stages of the conflict, legal experts and human rights activists debated whether the Syrian leader could be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. But under the treaty that established it, there can be prosecution only for crimes committed in one of the 123 member states. Syria is not a member.

When the war began, policymakers in the United States and its Western allies thought tough economic sanctions would be an effective alternative to military action and expected that it would force the Assad regime to change its behaviour.

So confident were key members of the US administration that Assad would buckle under the combined pressure of sanctions and anti-government forces that the Obama administration’s leading expert on Syria, Frederic Hof, told a Congressional committee that “our view is that this regime is the equivalent of a dead man walking…I do not see this regime surviving.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-scores-big-diplomatic-win-in-11-years-to-attend-arab-league-meeting-after-10-years-592771">WATCH |&nbsp;Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years</a>

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Famous last words. More than a decade and an estimated 300,000 dead civilians later, the West is facing a question yet to be answered: once it is clear that rogue regimes can survive sanctions, should they continue to be applied? Almost everywhere, they have been hurting the civilian population more than their ruthless rulers.

Now that Syria is back with "the Arab family,” what do its members expect? So far, they have not spelt that out explicitly but one key issue for all is the millions of Syrian refugees that the host governments would like to leave their countries. Syrians are a particular burden on Lebanon, numbering close to two million in a population of five.

Another point of “family” contention is Syria’s role as the world’s leading producer and exporter of Captagon, an amphetamine popular in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It remains to be seen whether Assad can control the drug lords, including close affiliates, who have become multimillionaires under his rule.

Bashar escaping punishment would complete a family tradition. His father, from whom he inherited his power, also enforced authoritarian rule with mass murder. Even in a Middle East dotted with massacre sites, the way Hafez al-Assad dealt with Moslem Brotherhood dissidents in the city of Hama stood out.

On February 2, 1982, an army raid on militants of the outlawed Brotherhood sparked fighting throughout the city. The government responded by surrounding Hama with tanks and artillery and blasted the densely-populated centre for 27 days, without pause. Estimates of those killed in the assault ranged from 10,000 to 40,000, most of them civilians.

The assault ended a four-year campaign of bombing and assassinations by Sunni Muslims intent on breaking the tight grip on power of the Assad family and the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, to which the Assads belong. The Brotherhood lost, Hafez al-Assad won. A role model for his son, he ruled for another 18 years, until his death of heart problems.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

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On November 12, 2011, the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria to punish the government of President Bashar al-Assad for cracking down on anti-government protestors with a brutality so savage it shocked even the members of a group with a poor record of concern for human rights.

On November 12, 2011, the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria to punish the government of President Bashar al-Assad for cracking down on anti-government protestors with a brutality so savage it shocked even the members of a group with a poor record of concern for human rights. On May 7, 2023, the 22-member regional group formally re-admitted Syria and this week al-Assad, still a pariah in the eyes of the West, is scheduled to attend an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, whose autocratic de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, had been pushing for an end to Syria’s isolation. The decision to welcome back al-Assad, who has done nothing that would merit an embrace, is an abject lesson to the fact that national self-interest and geopolitics trump human rights. Assad has made no concessions for political reform at home, scoffs at the evidence of war crimes in the 4,194 days between expulsion and re-admission, and made no effort to persuade six million refugees to return home. The Arab League’s decision also highlighted the waning influence of the United States, once a dominant player in the Middle East, and its Western allies. At a joint press conference in Washington two days after the League’s announcement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his British counterpart James Cleverly made clear their opposition. “We do not believe that Syria merits re-admission,” said Blinken. “Our position is clear: We are not going to be in the business of normalising relations with Assad and with that regime.” Not surprisingly, Russia cheered Assad’s return to the fold. “Moscow welcomes this long awaited step of returning Syria to the ‘Arab family’,” said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ALSO READ | Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years The tide of the multi-sided civil war that followed the government’s initial wave of anti-protest repression turned in favour of the Assad regime with the 2015 intervention of Russia. Its air power, combined with Iranian-backed militias on the ground saved the government from collapse and allowed it to re-establish control over most of the country. At the time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war as “a living nightmare” and said, “Syria’s people have endured some of the greatest war crimes the world has witnessed this century.” There never was much hope that al-Assad and his regime would be held to account for a string of well-documented war crimes - from the systematic torture of prisoners and the bombing of schools and hospitals to the use of chemical weapons. Their most devastating deployment took place in August 2013 with the release of the nerve gas Sarin in the opposition-controlled Damascus district of Ghouta. It killed an estimated 1,400 people, including children. In the early stages of the conflict, legal experts and human rights activists debated whether the Syrian leader could be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. But under the treaty that established it, there can be prosecution only for crimes committed in one of the 123 member states. Syria is not a member. When the war began, policymakers in the United States and its Western allies thought tough economic sanctions would be an effective alternative to military action and expected that it would force the Assad regime to change its behaviour. So confident were key members of the US administration that Assad would buckle under the combined pressure of sanctions and anti-government forces that the Obama administration’s leading expert on Syria, Frederic Hof, told a Congressional committee that “our view is that this regime is the equivalent of a dead man walking…I do not see this regime surviving.” WATCH | Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years × Famous last words. More than a decade and an estimated 300,000 dead civilians later, the West is facing a question yet to be answered: once it is clear that rogue regimes can survive sanctions, should they continue to be applied? Almost everywhere, they have been hurting the civilian population more than their ruthless rulers. Now that Syria is back with "the Arab family,” what do its members expect? So far, they have not spelt that out explicitly but one key issue for all is the millions of Syrian refugees that the host governments would like to leave their countries. Syrians are a particular burden on Lebanon, numbering close to two million in a population of five. Another point of “family” contention is Syria’s role as the world’s leading producer and exporter of Captagon, an amphetamine popular in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It remains to be seen whether Assad can control the drug lords, including close affiliates, who have become multimillionaires under his rule. Bashar escaping punishment would complete a family tradition. His father, from whom he inherited his power, also enforced authoritarian rule with mass murder. Even in a Middle East dotted with massacre sites, the way Hafez al-Assad dealt with Moslem Brotherhood dissidents in the city of Hama stood out. On February 2, 1982, an army raid on militants of the outlawed Brotherhood sparked fighting throughout the city. The government responded by surrounding Hama with tanks and artillery and blasted the densely-populated centre for 27 days, without pause. Estimates of those killed in the assault ranged from 10,000 to 40,000, most of them civilians. The assault ended a four-year campaign of bombing and assassinations by Sunni Muslims intent on breaking the tight grip on power of the Assad family and the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, to which the Assads belong. The Brotherhood lost, Hafez al-Assad won. A role model for his son, he ruled for another 18 years, until his death of heart problems. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How Syria’s Bashar al-Assad got away with murder

Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia.

"I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the meeting, which was broadcast live by state TV channel Al Ekhbariya.&nbsp;

Jadaan added that he was "looking forward to working with everyone to achieve what we aspire to", as the camera panned to the Syrian delegation.&nbsp;

Arab League suspended Damascus in November 2011 after the regime's violent crackdown on protests. The protests spiralled into a conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions.

Syria was brought back into the Arab League earlier this month. This was seen as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold.

Saudi King Salman has invited Assad to attend Friday's summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, which would be his first since the 2010 meeting in Libya.&nbsp;

Assad regime held on to power during the war in Syria and clawed back lost territory. He got crucial support from Iran and Russia during all these years. Regional capitals began warming to Assad gradually.

The United Arab Emirates re-established ties with Syria in 2018 and has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus.&nbsp;

<h2>UAE invites Syria to COP28</h2>

The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year, Syrian state media said Monday.

Assad's first invitation to a global summit since the start of Syria's war in 2011 comes as the Arab world gradually warms to Damascus after a long spell in the diplomatic wilderness.

The Emirati charge d'affaires in Syria, Abdul Hakeem al-Nuaimi, has handed Assad an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan "to attend the COP28 climate conference", official news agency SANA reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia. "I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the meeting, which was broadcast live by state TV channel Al Ekhbariya. Jadaan added that he was "looking forward to working with everyone to achieve what we aspire to", as the camera panned to the Syrian delegation. Arab League suspended Damascus in November 2011 after the regime's violent crackdown on protests. The protests spiralled into a conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. Syria was brought back into the Arab League earlier this month. This was seen as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold. Saudi King Salman has invited Assad to attend Friday's summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, which would be his first since the 2010 meeting in Libya. Assad regime held on to power during the war in Syria and clawed back lost territory. He got crucial support from Iran and Russia during all these years. Regional capitals began warming to Assad gradually. The United Arab Emirates re-established ties with Syria in 2018 and has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus. UAE invites Syria to COP28 The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year, Syrian state media said Monday. Assad's first invitation to a global summit since the start of Syria's war in 2011 comes as the Arab world gradually warms to Damascus after a long spell in the diplomatic wilderness. The Emirati charge d'affaires in Syria, Abdul Hakeem al-Nuaimi, has handed Assad an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan "to attend the COP28 climate conference", official news agency SANA reported. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years

In a major diplomatic win for Syria, the country's leaders attend the first Arab League meeting in 11 years on Monday. The senior officials were present at the session ahead of Friday's summit in Saudi Arabia.

Syria's 10-year-long dry spell finally ends, UAE invites the country to COP28 climate summit

The Arab League has decided to readmit Syria. The country was suspended 12 years ago following the outbreak of the civil war. Will all Arab states now normalise relations with Syria?

Gravitas: Syria readmitted into the Arab League after 12 years

West Asia has been showing signals of change recently, and the change is now profound. Syria has been re-admitted to the Arab League of Nations, ending a 12-year period of political seclusion.

Arab League brings Syria back into its fold after 12 years

Arab League readmits Syria as relations with Assad normalise

The Syrian shift to Arab league has been a huge one. Syria has been readmitted into the Arab League of nations ending the 12-year-long isolation. The move comes after Arab League Foreign Ministers voted to reinstate Syria back into Arab fold at a meeting in Cairo.

Syria returns to Arab league: Syria's 12 years of political isolation ends

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian&nbsp;government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

In an anonymous decision, the group's foreign ministers announced that the "government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings," starting Sunday.

The group's foreign ministers in their statement spoke of their "keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve" the Syria crisis and its "humanitarian, security and political consequences." They also noted that humanitarian aid must reach "all those in need."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-ministers-to-agree-on-syrias-conditional-return-to-arab-league-report-589961">Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report</a>

Furthermore, they have decided to establish a ministerial committee to continue a "direct dialogue" with the Syrian government with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution.

As per AFP, the 22-member group had suspended Damascus' participation in&nbsp;2011 due to the nation's actions against peaceful protests that started earlier that year. These protests turned into a civil conflict and resulted&nbsp;in the death of over 500,000 individuals, the displacement of millions, and significant damage to the country's infrastructure and industry.

Ever since the war started, President Bashar al-Assad was left politically isolated. However, ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19, recent weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity.

At the beginning of the conflict, a number of Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Syria, "betting on his demise."

Others, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia as per AFP, even offered assistance to the Syrian opposition.

However, the leader "stubbornly held onto power," and even regained territory that was previously lost during the conflict. Due to this, regional capitals slowly warmed up to him. This acceptance, as per AFP, was further facilitated by the vital support provided by Iran and Russia.

The United Arab Emirates, which resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus towards the end of 2018, has reportedly been taking the lead in the recent push to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community.

An earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6th of this year further contributed to an Arab outreach to Assad's government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation. In an anonymous decision, the group's foreign ministers announced that the "government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings," starting Sunday. The group's foreign ministers in their statement spoke of their "keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve" the Syria crisis and its "humanitarian, security and political consequences." They also noted that humanitarian aid must reach "all those in need." Also read | Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report Furthermore, they have decided to establish a ministerial committee to continue a "direct dialogue" with the Syrian government with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution. As per AFP, the 22-member group had suspended Damascus' participation in 2011 due to the nation's actions against peaceful protests that started earlier that year. These protests turned into a civil conflict and resulted in the death of over 500,000 individuals, the displacement of millions, and significant damage to the country's infrastructure and industry. Ever since the war started, President Bashar al-Assad was left politically isolated. However, ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19, recent weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity. At the beginning of the conflict, a number of Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Syria, "betting on his demise." Others, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia as per AFP, even offered assistance to the Syrian opposition. However, the leader "stubbornly held onto power," and even regained territory that was previously lost during the conflict. Due to this, regional capitals slowly warmed up to him. This acceptance, as per AFP, was further facilitated by the vital support provided by Iran and Russia. The United Arab Emirates, which resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus towards the end of 2018, has reportedly been taking the lead in the recent push to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community. An earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6th of this year further contributed to an Arab outreach to Assad's government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years

Foreign ministers of Arab countries will on Sunday (May 7) agree&nbsp;on Syria's conditional return to the Arab League, the Arab News reported citing a statement. The Arab League drafted a resolution that said that Syrian delegations would resume participation in the league's meetings as of Sunday. The foreign ministers met in Egypt's capital city Cairo for meetings on Syria as well as the situation in&nbsp;conflict-torn Sudan.&nbsp;

The decision on Syria's condition return to the Arab League comes as some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, opened up relations with Syrian President Bashar Assad and their foreign ministers visited Damascus in recent weeks. Last month, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Cairo and Riyad, the first such visits in more than a decade.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-isis-chief-killed-in-syria-says-turkey-president-587671">Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president</a>

Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 after a bloody crackdown on protests against Bashar Assad led to a civil war. Arab countries later imposed economic sanctions on Syria. In November 2011, 18 of the 22 members of the league backed the suspension (of Syria's membership). &nbsp;Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria voted against the decision, while Iraq abstained.

However, several Arab countries have re-engaged with Syria recently.&nbsp;

On Friday (May 5), Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that Syria had enough votes among the Arab League's 22 members to regain its seat. "The return to the league will happen. Symbolically it will be important but ... that is only a very humble beginning of what will be a very long and difficult and challenging process, given the complexity of the crisis after 12 years of conflict," Safadi told CNN.&nbsp;

Safadi's remarks come after foreign ministers of Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan met in the Jordanian capital Amman on Monday (May 1) to discuss how to normalize ties with Syria as part of a political settlement of its war, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Jordan has called on Syria to engage with Arab states jointly on a step-by-step roadmap to end the conflict, tackling the issues of refugees, detainees, drug smuggling, and Iran-backed militias in Syria&nbsp;

During the meeting on Monday, Syria agreed to help end drug trafficking across its borders with Jordan and Iraq.&nbsp;

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Foreign ministers of Arab countries will on Sunday (May 7) agree on Syria's conditional return to the Arab League, the Arab News reported citing a statement. The Arab League drafted a resolution that said that Syrian delegations would resume participation in the league's meetings as of Sunday.

Foreign ministers of Arab countries will on Sunday (May 7) agree on Syria's conditional return to the Arab League, the Arab News reported citing a statement. The Arab League drafted a resolution that said that Syrian delegations would resume participation in the league's meetings as of Sunday. The foreign ministers met in Egypt's capital city Cairo for meetings on Syria as well as the situation in conflict-torn Sudan. The decision on Syria's condition return to the Arab League comes as some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, opened up relations with Syrian President Bashar Assad and their foreign ministers visited Damascus in recent weeks. Last month, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Cairo and Riyad, the first such visits in more than a decade. ALSO READ | Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 after a bloody crackdown on protests against Bashar Assad led to a civil war. Arab countries later imposed economic sanctions on Syria. In November 2011, 18 of the 22 members of the league backed the suspension (of Syria's membership). Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria voted against the decision, while Iraq abstained. However, several Arab countries have re-engaged with Syria recently. On Friday (May 5), Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that Syria had enough votes among the Arab League's 22 members to regain its seat. "The return to the league will happen. Symbolically it will be important but ... that is only a very humble beginning of what will be a very long and difficult and challenging process, given the complexity of the crisis after 12 years of conflict," Safadi told CNN. Safadi's remarks come after foreign ministers of Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan met in the Jordanian capital Amman on Monday (May 1) to discuss how to normalize ties with Syria as part of a political settlement of its war, the news agency Reuters reported. Jordan has called on Syria to engage with Arab states jointly on a step-by-step roadmap to end the conflict, tackling the issues of refugees, detainees, drug smuggling, and Iran-backed militias in Syria During the meeting on Monday, Syria agreed to help end drug trafficking across its borders with Jordan and Iraq. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report

Delegates from nine Arab nations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League. This comes after Syria's foreign minister flew down to Jeddah. Riyadh and Damascus have agreed to work towards normalisation of ties. Will Saudi Arabia now broker truce between Syria and the Arab world? Vikram Chandra tells you.

Will Syria return to Arab league? Saudi hosts summit to discuss ties with Syria | This World

Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights. Both countries agreed to fight drug trafficking and facilitate Syria's return to the Arab fold.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad landed in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday in the first visit by a senior Syrian diplomat to the kingdom in more than a decade, a major sign that Syria's regional isolation is nearing an end.&nbsp;

Watch | Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011

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Saudi Arabia had cut ties with Syria after Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. It also backed rebel groups that were fighting to remove Assad from power. Syria was suspended from the Arab League as well.

The resumption of Saudi-Syrian ties marks the most significant development in moves by Arab states to normalise links with Assad. It comes weeks after Mekdad met with the top diplomats of Egypt and Jordan, also for the first time in over a decade.&nbsp;

Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, regained control over much of Syria, and Saudi Arabia has said isolating him was not working.&nbsp;

In a joint statement at the end of Wednesday's visit, both sides agreed on the need for the Syrian state to assert its control over all its territories "and end the presence of armed militias".

The two ministers also discussed the steps needed for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis that contributes to "Syria's return to its Arab environment" and said they would enhance cooperation on combating drug trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights.

Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights. Both countries agreed to fight drug trafficking and facilitate Syria's return to the Arab fold. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad landed in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday in the first visit by a senior Syrian diplomat to the kingdom in more than a decade, a major sign that Syria's regional isolation is nearing an end. Watch | Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011 × Saudi Arabia had cut ties with Syria after Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. It also backed rebel groups that were fighting to remove Assad from power. Syria was suspended from the Arab League as well. The resumption of Saudi-Syrian ties marks the most significant development in moves by Arab states to normalise links with Assad. It comes weeks after Mekdad met with the top diplomats of Egypt and Jordan, also for the first time in over a decade. Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, regained control over much of Syria, and Saudi Arabia has said isolating him was not working. In a joint statement at the end of Wednesday's visit, both sides agreed on the need for the Syrian state to assert its control over all its territories "and end the presence of armed militias". The two ministers also discussed the steps needed for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis that contributes to "Syria's return to its Arab environment" and said they would enhance cooperation on combating drug trafficking. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria and Saudi Arabia welcome thaw in relations, agree to fight drug trafficking

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed&nbsp;Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel.&nbsp;Calling the signing of "Abraham Accords" a "positive development", India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia."

The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognised Israel, which was Jordan in 1994, and Egypt in 1979.

The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's "traditional support" to the "Palestinian cause", pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israel’s security concerns."

The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded role of the latter.&nbsp;He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict."&nbsp;Arab League is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt.&nbsp;

On India's ties with the grouping, he said that New Delhi " will work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions."

9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually.&nbsp; He said, India and the Arab world share a "civilisational relationship" and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce."

During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that "at the heart of the conflict are human beings" and "unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel.

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel. Calling the signing of "Abraham Accords" a "positive development", India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia." The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognised Israel, which was Jordan in 1994, and Egypt in 1979. The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's "traditional support" to the "Palestinian cause", pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israel’s security concerns." The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded role of the latter. He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict." Arab League is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt. On India's ties with the grouping, he said that New Delhi " will work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions." 9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually. He said, India and the Arab world share a "civilisational relationship" and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce." During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that "at the heart of the conflict are human beings" and "unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

At UNSC, India welcomes Abraham Accords; lauds role of Arab League

Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalise relations with Israel, US President Donald Trump said on Friday. This is being seen as&nbsp;a dramatic move aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

Trump tweeted out the news after he spoke by phone to both Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.

"Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal – the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days!" he wrote.

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Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal – the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1304464923469193217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A joint statement issued by the three leaders said they had agreed on "establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain."

"This is a historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East. Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and prosperity in the region," the joint statement said.

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Joint Statement of the United States, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Israel <a href="https://t.co/xMquRkGtpM">pic.twitter.com/xMquRkGtpM</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1304464848831631361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The statement said Bahrain accepted Trump's invitation to join Israel and the UAE at the signing ceremony. It said Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani of Bahrain will be signing a "historic Declaration of Peace" at the event.

The parties "will continue their efforts in this regard to achieve a just, comprehensive, and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to enable the Palestinian people to realize their full potential," the joint statement said.

The United Arab Emirates last month agreed to normalise ties with Israel under a US-brokered deal. That deal is scheduled to be signed on September 15 at a White House ceremony hosted by Trump and attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

The easing of relations with Israel comes amid a backdrop of shared fears about the threat of Iran to the region.

The Trump administration has tried to coax other Sunni Arab countries to engage with Israel. The most powerful of those, Saudi Arabia, has signaled it is not ready.

Bahrain, a small island state, is a close ally of Saudi Arabia and the site of the US Navy's regional headquarters. Riyadh in 2011 sent troops to Bahrain to help quell an uprising and, alongside Kuwait and the UAE, in 2018 offered Bahrain a $10 billion economic bailout.

Friday's deal makes Bahrain the fourth Arab country to reach such an agreement with Israel since exchanging embassies with Egypt and Jordan decades ago.

Last week, Bahrain said it would allow flights between Israel and the UAE to use its airspace. This followed a Saudi decision to allow an Israeli commercial airliner to fly over it on the way to the UAE.

(with inputs from agencies)

Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalise relations with Israel, US President Donald Trump said on Friday. This is being seen as a dramatic move aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalise relations with Israel, US President Donald Trump said on Friday. This is being seen as a dramatic move aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Trump tweeted out the news after he spoke by phone to both Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said. "Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal – the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days!" he wrote. Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal – the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2020 × A joint statement issued by the three leaders said they had agreed on "establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain." "This is a historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East. Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and prosperity in the region," the joint statement said. Joint Statement of the United States, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Israel pic.twitter.com/xMquRkGtpM — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2020 × The statement said Bahrain accepted Trump's invitation to join Israel and the UAE at the signing ceremony. It said Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani of Bahrain will be signing a "historic Declaration of Peace" at the event. The parties "will continue their efforts in this regard to achieve a just, comprehensive, and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to enable the Palestinian people to realize their full potential," the joint statement said. The United Arab Emirates last month agreed to normalise ties with Israel under a US-brokered deal. That deal is scheduled to be signed on September 15 at a White House ceremony hosted by Trump and attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The easing of relations with Israel comes amid a backdrop of shared fears about the threat of Iran to the region. The Trump administration has tried to coax other Sunni Arab countries to engage with Israel. The most powerful of those, Saudi Arabia, has signaled it is not ready. Bahrain, a small island state, is a close ally of Saudi Arabia and the site of the US Navy's regional headquarters. Riyadh in 2011 sent troops to Bahrain to help quell an uprising and, alongside Kuwait and the UAE, in 2018 offered Bahrain a $10 billion economic bailout. Friday's deal makes Bahrain the fourth Arab country to reach such an agreement with Israel since exchanging embassies with Egypt and Jordan decades ago. Last week, Bahrain said it would allow flights between Israel and the UAE to use its airspace. This followed a Saudi decision to allow an Israeli commercial airliner to fly over it on the way to the UAE. (with inputs from agencies)

Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces

Foreign ministers of nations in the Arab league failed to reach agreement on a draft resolution condemning last month's normalisation deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

The Arab League said late Wednesday that "the meeting saw a serious and comprehensive discussion but no consensus was reached on the resolution proposed by the Palestinian delegation."

No replacement resolution was adopted by ministers during their Wednesday videoconference. The Palestinian side preferred not to release a draft resolution without including the concepts it was putting forward.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki had urged fellow ministers to take "a position that rejects this step (normalisation), otherwise our meeting will be considered a blessing or collusion with it, or a cover for it and this will not be accepted by the State of Palestine".

The UAE's normalisation of relations with Israel, which has already seen the opening of phone and air links, broke with years of Arab League policy on the Middle East conflict and was condemned by the Palestinians as a "betrayal".

In 2002, the 22-member bloc adopted a Saudi-proposed peace plan, renewed as recently as 2017.

It offered normalisation only in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territories it occupied in the Six-Day War of 1967, a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital and a just solution for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who now number more than five million, according to the United Nations.

The Arab plan has been pushed aside by the Trump administration, which after several delays unveiled a controversial peace blueprint of its own in January.

It promised US blessing for Israel's eventual annexation of swathes of the occupied West Bank, including the strategic Jordan Valley and all Jewish settlements.

The UAE government hailed a clause in its US-brokered normalisation deal that appeared to put any Israeli annexations on hold.

But Israel retorted that any delay would be short-lived and that its annexation plans remained on the table.

Trump will host a signing ceremony for the agreement on September 15.

The UAE will be only the third Arab country to sign a deal with Israel after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. 
&nbsp;

Foreign ministers of nations in the Arab league failed to reach agreement on a draft resolution condemning last month's normalisation deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Foreign ministers of nations in the Arab league failed to reach agreement on a draft resolution condemning last month's normalisation deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. The Arab League said late Wednesday that "the meeting saw a serious and comprehensive discussion but no consensus was reached on the resolution proposed by the Palestinian delegation." No replacement resolution was adopted by ministers during their Wednesday videoconference. The Palestinian side preferred not to release a draft resolution without including the concepts it was putting forward. Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki had urged fellow ministers to take "a position that rejects this step (normalisation), otherwise our meeting will be considered a blessing or collusion with it, or a cover for it and this will not be accepted by the State of Palestine". The UAE's normalisation of relations with Israel, which has already seen the opening of phone and air links, broke with years of Arab League policy on the Middle East conflict and was condemned by the Palestinians as a "betrayal". In 2002, the 22-member bloc adopted a Saudi-proposed peace plan, renewed as recently as 2017. It offered normalisation only in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territories it occupied in the Six-Day War of 1967, a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital and a just solution for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who now number more than five million, according to the United Nations. The Arab plan has been pushed aside by the Trump administration, which after several delays unveiled a controversial peace blueprint of its own in January. It promised US blessing for Israel's eventual annexation of swathes of the occupied West Bank, including the strategic Jordan Valley and all Jewish settlements. The UAE government hailed a clause in its US-brokered normalisation deal that appeared to put any Israeli annexations on hold. But Israel retorted that any delay would be short-lived and that its annexation plans remained on the table. Trump will host a signing ceremony for the agreement on September 15. The UAE will be only the third Arab country to sign a deal with Israel after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Deadlock in Arab League over UAE-Israel deal continues

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast.

"We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-death-toll-climbs-to-at-least-137-three-day-mourning-declared-318461">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared</a>

Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port.

Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added.

"We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-emergency-aid-lands-in-lebanon-as-world-offers-support-318493">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support</a>

The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives.

Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team.

The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis.

Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran.

"The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast. "We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon. Also read| Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port. Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added. "We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said. Also read| Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives. Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team. The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis. Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran. "The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League says ready to mobilise Arab efforts to help Lebanon; Turkey ready to rebuild port

The United Nations and the Arab League made a joint appeal Wednesday for Israel to abandon its plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

The call was made during a UN Security Council video conference in which several government ministers participated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/nearly-80-million-people-forcibly-displaced-globally-at-the-end-of-2019-united-nations-307075" hreflang="en">Nearly 80 million people forcibly displaced globally at the end of 2019: United Nations</a>

It was the last international meeting before Israel goes ahead with the plans as early as July 1.

"I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/united-nations-cuts-assistance-to-yemen-over-75-services-affected-302442" hreflang="en">United Nations cuts assistance to Yemen, over 75% services affected</a>

He reiterated the longstanding goal of a two-state solution with an independent, contiguous, sovereign and viable Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Arab League secretary general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said annexation "will destroy any prospect for peace in the future."

The United Nations and the Arab League made a joint appeal Wednesday for Israel to abandon its plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. The call was made during a UN Security Council video conference in which several government ministers participated.

The United Nations and the Arab League made a joint appeal Wednesday for Israel to abandon its plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. The call was made during a UN Security Council video conference in which several government ministers participated. Also read: Nearly 80 million people forcibly displaced globally at the end of 2019: United Nations It was the last international meeting before Israel goes ahead with the plans as early as July 1. "I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Also read: United Nations cuts assistance to Yemen, over 75% services affected He reiterated the longstanding goal of a two-state solution with an independent, contiguous, sovereign and viable Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. Arab League secretary general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said annexation "will destroy any prospect for peace in the future."

UN, Arab League urge Israel to abandon annexation plans

The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanise opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, reported news agency AFP.

The extraordinary meeting -- scheduled for Thursday at the request of the Palestinian leadership -- will bring together Arab foreign ministers via video conference, rather than a face-to-face meeting, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the report added.&nbsp;

The Arab League's deputy secretary Hossam Zaki said the ministers will "discuss in their virtual meeting providing political, legal and financial support to the Palestinian leadership to confront the Israeli plans".&nbsp;

The meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz signed a deal for a unity government that could accelerate the premier's plans to annex parts of the West Bank in the coming months.&nbsp;

Those Israeli plans -- while subject to caveats, including the need to maintain "regional stability" and uphold the peace agreement with Jordan -- have drawn wide criticism including from the United Nations and the European Union.

Arab League chief Ahmed Ahmed Aboul Gheit had last week sent a message to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning against Israel's plans saying they risk "igniting tension in the region".&nbsp;

He also accused Israel of "exploiting the world's preoccupation with the novel coronavirus to impose a new reality on the ground".&nbsp;

Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and has since extended its control by expanding its settlements there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanise opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, reported news agency AFP.

The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanise opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, reported news agency AFP. The extraordinary meeting -- scheduled for Thursday at the request of the Palestinian leadership -- will bring together Arab foreign ministers via video conference, rather than a face-to-face meeting, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the report added. The Arab League's deputy secretary Hossam Zaki said the ministers will "discuss in their virtual meeting providing political, legal and financial support to the Palestinian leadership to confront the Israeli plans". The meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz signed a deal for a unity government that could accelerate the premier's plans to annex parts of the West Bank in the coming months. Those Israeli plans -- while subject to caveats, including the need to maintain "regional stability" and uphold the peace agreement with Jordan -- have drawn wide criticism including from the United Nations and the European Union. Arab League chief Ahmed Ahmed Aboul Gheit had last week sent a message to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning against Israel's plans saying they risk "igniting tension in the region". He also accused Israel of "exploiting the world's preoccupation with the novel coronavirus to impose a new reality on the ground". Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and has since extended its control by expanding its settlements there. (With inputs from AFP)

Arab League to convene urgent meet over Israel's plans to annex West Bank

March 22 in History: First Stanley Cup championship, Arab League formed and more

The Arab League on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, saying it did not meet the "minimum rights" of the Palestinians.

The pan-Arab bloc convened in Cairo days after the US unveiled its plan which is seen as favouring Israel.

The meeting brought together Arab senior officials including Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs.

In a statement released afterwards, the League said it "rejects the US-Israeli 'deal of the century' considering that it does not meet the minimum rights and aspirations of Palestinian people."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/has-donald-trump-proposed-a-middle-east-peace-plan-or-terms-of-surrender-for-the-palestinians-277760">Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians?</a>

Arab states also vowed "not to ... cooperate with the US administration to implement this plan."

They insisted on a two-state solution that includes a Palestinian state based on borders before the 1967 Six-Day War -- when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza -- and with east Jerusalem as its capital.

The US plan suggests that Israel would retain control of the contested city of Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and annex settlements on Palestinian lands.

Trump said Palestinians would be allowed to declare a capital within annexed east Jerusalem.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-tells-vladimir-putin-mideast-deal-a-new-opportunity-277570">Middle East peace plan a new opportunity - Netanyahu to Putin</a>

The only Arab ambassadors present at the plan's unveiling were from Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates -- three of Washington's closest allies in a region where many nations host US forces.

Other Arab states gave carefully worded initial responses to the plan, which was strongly rejected by Palestinian leaders.

Abbas said on Saturday "there will be no relations" with Israel and the US including on security cooperation following their "disavowal of signed agreements and international legitimacy".

The Arab League on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, saying it did not meet the "minimum rights" of the Palestinians.

The Arab League on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, saying it did not meet the "minimum rights" of the Palestinians. The pan-Arab bloc convened in Cairo days after the US unveiled its plan which is seen as favouring Israel. The meeting brought together Arab senior officials including Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs. In a statement released afterwards, the League said it "rejects the US-Israeli 'deal of the century' considering that it does not meet the minimum rights and aspirations of Palestinian people." Also read: Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians? Arab states also vowed "not to ... cooperate with the US administration to implement this plan." They insisted on a two-state solution that includes a Palestinian state based on borders before the 1967 Six-Day War -- when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza -- and with east Jerusalem as its capital. The US plan suggests that Israel would retain control of the contested city of Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and annex settlements on Palestinian lands. Trump said Palestinians would be allowed to declare a capital within annexed east Jerusalem. Also read: Middle East peace plan a new opportunity - Netanyahu to Putin The only Arab ambassadors present at the plan's unveiling were from Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates -- three of Washington's closest allies in a region where many nations host US forces. Other Arab states gave carefully worded initial responses to the plan, which was strongly rejected by Palestinian leaders. Abbas said on Saturday "there will be no relations" with Israel and the US including on security cooperation following their "disavowal of signed agreements and international legitimacy".

It didn't meet 'minimum rights': Arab League rejects Trump's Mideast plan

Iraq's national carrier is to resume flights to the capital of neighbouring Syria for the first time since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-receives-280-islamic-state-jihadists-from-us-backed-syria-force-199482">war there erupted in 2011</a>, a spokesman said Thursday.

Iraqi Airways will operate a weekly service from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-chief-jolani-calls-for-arming-to-defend-syrias-idlib-video-218240">Baghdad to Damascus</a> starting Saturday, spokesman Layth al-Rubaie told AFP.

Rubaie said the resumption of flights between the two neighbours was "important", citing bilateral trade, tourism and "the size of the Iraqi community living in Syria".

The Syrian transport ministry welcomed the decision in a statement on its official Facebook page.

Rubaie said the last flight from Baghdad to Damascus took place in December 2011, before the service was suspended due to the conflict that erupted in Syria that year.

Most airlines stopped flying over Syria after the conflict broke out, with many taking longer routes to circumvent the war zone.

But the conflict has wound down in recent years, after major regime advances against rebels and jihadists with Russian military backing since 2015.

Damascus has been largely spared the violence.

In April, the Syrian government said it had agreed to allow regional aviation giant Qatar Airways to resume flights over the country.

"The agreement came on the principle of reciprocity, as SyrianAir crosses Qatari airspace and never stopped flying to Doha throughout the war," the Syrian transport ministry said at the time.

The use of Syrian airspace would see "increased revenues in hard currency for the benefit of the Syrian state", it added.&nbsp;

Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011 as the death toll escalated and several regional powers bet on President Bashar al-Assad's demise.

But the regime, backed by allies Russia and Iran, has since re-conquered much of the territory it had lost to rebels and jihadists, and now controls some two-thirds of the country.

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have reopened their missions in Damascus.

Jordan reopened a key land crossing with its Syrian neighbour in October last year after a three-year hiatus.

Analysts said the move would help Syria inch its way back into trade with the wider region as it looks to boost its war-ravaged economy.

Jordanian officials have also visited Damascus to discuss plans to reopen Syrian airspace to its Royal Jordanian's commercial flights.

The Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011 with anti-government demonstrations that sparked a brutal regime crackdown.

The spiralling violence drew in regional powers and has killed more than 370,000 people, displacing millions. 
&nbsp;

Iraq's national carrier is to resume flights to the capital of neighbouring Syria for the first time since the war there erupted in 2011, a spokesman said Thursday.

Iraq's national carrier is to resume flights to the capital of neighbouring Syria for the first time since the war there erupted in 2011, a spokesman said Thursday. Iraqi Airways will operate a weekly service from Baghdad to Damascus starting Saturday, spokesman Layth al-Rubaie told AFP. Rubaie said the resumption of flights between the two neighbours was "important", citing bilateral trade, tourism and "the size of the Iraqi community living in Syria". The Syrian transport ministry welcomed the decision in a statement on its official Facebook page. Rubaie said the last flight from Baghdad to Damascus took place in December 2011, before the service was suspended due to the conflict that erupted in Syria that year. Most airlines stopped flying over Syria after the conflict broke out, with many taking longer routes to circumvent the war zone. But the conflict has wound down in recent years, after major regime advances against rebels and jihadists with Russian military backing since 2015. Damascus has been largely spared the violence. In April, the Syrian government said it had agreed to allow regional aviation giant Qatar Airways to resume flights over the country. "The agreement came on the principle of reciprocity, as SyrianAir crosses Qatari airspace and never stopped flying to Doha throughout the war," the Syrian transport ministry said at the time. The use of Syrian airspace would see "increased revenues in hard currency for the benefit of the Syrian state", it added. Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011 as the death toll escalated and several regional powers bet on President Bashar al-Assad's demise. But the regime, backed by allies Russia and Iran, has since re-conquered much of the territory it had lost to rebels and jihadists, and now controls some two-thirds of the country. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have reopened their missions in Damascus. Jordan reopened a key land crossing with its Syrian neighbour in October last year after a three-year hiatus. Analysts said the move would help Syria inch its way back into trade with the wider region as it looks to boost its war-ravaged economy. Jordanian officials have also visited Damascus to discuss plans to reopen Syrian airspace to its Royal Jordanian's commercial flights. The Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011 with anti-government demonstrations that sparked a brutal regime crackdown. The spiralling violence drew in regional powers and has killed more than 370,000 people, displacing millions.

Iraqi Airways to resume flights to Syria after 8-year break

The brutal all-out war in Syria&nbsp;is now coming to an end. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, thanks to the fundamental Russian and Iranian military support, has emerged victorious against all odds.&nbsp;

Neighbouring countries have slowly started rebuilding ties with Syria, putting an end to its isolation in the region.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-reopens-damascus-embassy-after-seven-years-186907">reopened its embassy in Damascus</a> for the first time in seven years.

The UAE, as the majority of Gulf countries, had supported the anti-Assad opposition throughout the war.&nbsp;

Bahrain expressed support for the move, underlining that its embassy had kept functioning throughout the war.&nbsp;

Kuwait is said to be ready to restore ties with Damascus but says the decision must be taken by the Arab League which expelled Syria in 2011.&nbsp;

Rumour&nbsp;has it, member-states of the Arab League are weighing the possibility of gradually re-admitting Syria.

Algeria, one of the few states which did not sever ties with Syria, is said to be spearheading the diplomatic effort.

The Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir paid a visit to Damascus, becoming the first Arab leader to do so in seven years. Tunisia resumed its direct flights to Syria.&nbsp;

Re-opening ties with neighbouring Arab countries, even if they supported the armed opposition, is fundamental for Assad.&nbsp;

Assad managed to win the military conflict, but war does not end with the last bullet. Syria would need an enormous international effort to rebuild the country. Reconstruction cost alone is estimated to be staggering 400 billion dollars.

Breaking the isolation would help bring the Syrian economy back on track, manage the eventual return of millions of refugees, and punish those who committed crimes.&nbsp;

The Gulf countries also need to reconnect with Damascus if they want to counterweight Iranian and Turkish influence in the region.

Iran funded and armed tens of thousands of militia against anti-Assad armed opposition groups.

Shortly after Donald Trump announced that US troops would pull out from Syria, Turkey spoke about a new military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Ankara considers the mainly-Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group.

Kurds reached out to the Syrian army, which is moving its soldiers to avoid a large-scale offensive.

If the Syrian government retakes control of the Kurdish areas and the border crossings with Turkey, Ankara is likely to refrain from launching a full-scale operation.

In return, Turkey could help keep under control the last rebel battalions holed up in the northern Syrian Idlib.&nbsp;

The future of Syria can only be determined amid regional and international cooperation. There is nothing Damascus can decide on its own.

This is the heavy price it pays for having become the terrain of a proxy war for hegemony in the region. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The brutal all-out war in Syria is now coming to an end. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, thanks to the fundamental Russian and Iranian military support, has emerged victorious against all odds.

The brutal all-out war in Syria is now coming to an end. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, thanks to the fundamental Russian and Iranian military support, has emerged victorious against all odds. Neighbouring countries have slowly started rebuilding ties with Syria, putting an end to its isolation in the region. The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus for the first time in seven years. The UAE, as the majority of Gulf countries, had supported the anti-Assad opposition throughout the war. Bahrain expressed support for the move, underlining that its embassy had kept functioning throughout the war. Kuwait is said to be ready to restore ties with Damascus but says the decision must be taken by the Arab League which expelled Syria in 2011. Rumour has it, member-states of the Arab League are weighing the possibility of gradually re-admitting Syria. Algeria, one of the few states which did not sever ties with Syria, is said to be spearheading the diplomatic effort. The Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir paid a visit to Damascus, becoming the first Arab leader to do so in seven years. Tunisia resumed its direct flights to Syria. Re-opening ties with neighbouring Arab countries, even if they supported the armed opposition, is fundamental for Assad. Assad managed to win the military conflict, but war does not end with the last bullet. Syria would need an enormous international effort to rebuild the country. Reconstruction cost alone is estimated to be staggering 400 billion dollars. Breaking the isolation would help bring the Syrian economy back on track, manage the eventual return of millions of refugees, and punish those who committed crimes. The Gulf countries also need to reconnect with Damascus if they want to counterweight Iranian and Turkish influence in the region. Iran funded and armed tens of thousands of militia against anti-Assad armed opposition groups. Shortly after Donald Trump announced that US troops would pull out from Syria, Turkey spoke about a new military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Ankara considers the mainly-Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group. Kurds reached out to the Syrian army, which is moving its soldiers to avoid a large-scale offensive. If the Syrian government retakes control of the Kurdish areas and the border crossings with Turkey, Ankara is likely to refrain from launching a full-scale operation. In return, Turkey could help keep under control the last rebel battalions holed up in the northern Syrian Idlib. The future of Syria can only be determined amid regional and international cooperation. There is nothing Damascus can decide on its own. This is the heavy price it pays for having become the terrain of a proxy war for hegemony in the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With Arab countries embracing Syria again, is country's isolation finally over?

Two developments, the pending return of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to the Arab fold and protests in Sudan, Jordan and Tunisia, send contradictory messages of where the Middle East and North Africa are headed.

Conservative monarchies like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have gone to great lengths to reverse the achievements of the 2011 Arab popular revolts that toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen and sparked mass protests in a swath of land stretching from the Atlantic coast of Africa to the Gulf.

A number of recent contacts, including a visit to Damascus by embattled Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the first by an Arab leader since the eruption of the Syrian civil war; a meeting in Cairo of Syrian and Egyptian intelligence chiefs, and the refurbishing of the shuttered UAE embassy in the Syrian capital, are widely seen as precursors for Syria’s return.

In a twist of irony, Messrs. Al-Bashir and Al-Assad have both been accused of war crimes. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued an arrest warrant for Al-Bashir that has largely been ignored by Middle Eastern and African nations.

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who overthrew Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first and only democratically elected leader, in a UAE-Saudi-backed military coup in 2013, drove home autocrats’ seeming victory with the appearance in a court of the country’s two toppled leaders, Hosni Mubarak and Morsi.

In a demonstration of Al-Sisi’s supremacy, Mubarak was required to testify against Morsi in a case involving a 2011 jail break.

There is little doubt that Middle Eastern and North African autocracy has the winds at its back, in part because many in the region have been taken aback by the brutality of the counterrevolution that has sparked civil war, military intervention and harsh repression.

Nonetheless, multiple protests in recent years across the region in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Mauritania and Sudan, as well as, online protests in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, suggest that grievances underlying the 2011 and subsequent protests remain widespread. This is true for countries like Egypt where the achievements of the 2011 protests have been reversed as well as Tunisia, the one country that succeeded in pursuing political transition.

A recent survey conducted by Zogby Research Services (ZRS) concluded that only one in five Tunisians and Egyptians believed that their country was moving in the “right direction,” while 69 per cent of Tunisians and 55 per cent of Egyptians said their countries were moving in the “wrong direction.”

When asked whether respondents felt they were better or worse off than they had been five years ago, only 21 per cent of Tunisians and 20 per cent of Egyptians said “better off,” while 59 per cent of Tunisians and 64 per cent of Egyptians claimed they were “worse off.”

The survey seemed to confirm the notion that the key to long-term stability in the Middle East and North Africa lies in resolving the region’s ticking time bomb: Unemployment and particularly youth unemployment.

The Zogby survey showed that employment, corruption, nepotism, an improved educational system and political reform were priorities for Egyptians and Tunisians. “The bottom line - the need to create jobs and reform governance so as to create greater confidence and opportunities for citizens are the challenges faced by the leaderships in both Tunisia and Egypt,” said James J Zogby, the founder of ZRS.

Official youth unemployment rates across the Middle East hover around 30 per cent and 20-25 per cent in North Africa with real rates believed to be far higher.

Neither Arab autocrats nor democratic Tunisia have so far been able to deliver. Yet, the outcome of the battle between greater political liberalism and autocracy in the Middle East is likely to be won in the sphere of economics rather than politics.

Arab autocrats as well as Tunisian leaders have since 2011 been long on promising economic reform that would create jobs and enhance career perspectives and short on delivery. A failure to tackle corruption, the enhanced role of the state in countries like Egypt where the military supported by the UAE and Saudi Arabia plays an ever-greater role in the economy, and depressed oil prices, have stymied growth in the region.

As a result, economics rather than politics will also seal the ultimate fate of the Arab spring, a code word for the crisis of confidence in the system and in leadership that has helped autocrats in the Middle East and North Africa retain or regain power and has fuelled populism, nationalism and the rise of the far right across the globe.

In a rare and furtive recognition of Middle Eastern and North African realities by the Trump administration, the US embassy in Riyadh tweeted in early December a video with Arabic subtitles promoting peaceful protest as a path to "positive social and political changes," but quickly deleted it when questioned about it by Middle East Eye.

The video argued that "even in oppressive, authoritarian conditions, protesters can tailor their campaigns to succeed." It featured archival photos of celebrated protest movements, asserting that research showed that between 1900 and 2006, non-violent protests had been twice as effective as violent ones.

Al-Assad’s return to the Arab fold may constitute one more setback for forces of change in the Middle East and North Africa but is a long way from symbolising their demise. For that to happen, the region’s autocrats have to make good on their promises by implementing painful structural reforms that inevitably will challenge vested interests. So far, there is little indication of that happening.

Which means that a warning earlier this year by Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), that “Public dissatisfaction, bubbling up in several countries, is a reminder that even more urgent action is needed,” remains as valid today as when she first issued it.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Two developments, the pending return of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to the Arab fold and protests in Sudan, Jordan and Tunisia, send contradictory messages of where the Middle East and North Africa are headed.

Two developments, the pending return of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to the Arab fold and protests in Sudan, Jordan and Tunisia, send contradictory messages of where the Middle East and North Africa are headed. Conservative monarchies like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have gone to great lengths to reverse the achievements of the 2011 Arab popular revolts that toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen and sparked mass protests in a swath of land stretching from the Atlantic coast of Africa to the Gulf. A number of recent contacts, including a visit to Damascus by embattled Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the first by an Arab leader since the eruption of the Syrian civil war; a meeting in Cairo of Syrian and Egyptian intelligence chiefs, and the refurbishing of the shuttered UAE embassy in the Syrian capital, are widely seen as precursors for Syria’s return. In a twist of irony, Messrs. Al-Bashir and Al-Assad have both been accused of war crimes. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued an arrest warrant for Al-Bashir that has largely been ignored by Middle Eastern and African nations. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who overthrew Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first and only democratically elected leader, in a UAE-Saudi-backed military coup in 2013, drove home autocrats’ seeming victory with the appearance in a court of the country’s two toppled leaders, Hosni Mubarak and Morsi. In a demonstration of Al-Sisi’s supremacy, Mubarak was required to testify against Morsi in a case involving a 2011 jail break. There is little doubt that Middle Eastern and North African autocracy has the winds at its back, in part because many in the region have been taken aback by the brutality of the counterrevolution that has sparked civil war, military intervention and harsh repression. Nonetheless, multiple protests in recent years across the region in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Mauritania and Sudan, as well as, online protests in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, suggest that grievances underlying the 2011 and subsequent protests remain widespread. This is true for countries like Egypt where the achievements of the 2011 protests have been reversed as well as Tunisia, the one country that succeeded in pursuing political transition. A recent survey conducted by Zogby Research Services (ZRS) concluded that only one in five Tunisians and Egyptians believed that their country was moving in the “right direction,” while 69 per cent of Tunisians and 55 per cent of Egyptians said their countries were moving in the “wrong direction.” When asked whether respondents felt they were better or worse off than they had been five years ago, only 21 per cent of Tunisians and 20 per cent of Egyptians said “better off,” while 59 per cent of Tunisians and 64 per cent of Egyptians claimed they were “worse off.” The survey seemed to confirm the notion that the key to long-term stability in the Middle East and North Africa lies in resolving the region’s ticking time bomb: Unemployment and particularly youth unemployment. The Zogby survey showed that employment, corruption, nepotism, an improved educational system and political reform were priorities for Egyptians and Tunisians. “The bottom line - the need to create jobs and reform governance so as to create greater confidence and opportunities for citizens are the challenges faced by the leaderships in both Tunisia and Egypt,” said James J Zogby, the founder of ZRS. Official youth unemployment rates across the Middle East hover around 30 per cent and 20-25 per cent in North Africa with real rates believed to be far higher. Neither Arab autocrats nor democratic Tunisia have so far been able to deliver. Yet, the outcome of the battle between greater political liberalism and autocracy in the Middle East is likely to be won in the sphere of economics rather than politics. Arab autocrats as well as Tunisian leaders have since 2011 been long on promising economic reform that would create jobs and enhance career perspectives and short on delivery. A failure to tackle corruption, the enhanced role of the state in countries like Egypt where the military supported by the UAE and Saudi Arabia plays an ever-greater role in the economy, and depressed oil prices, have stymied growth in the region. As a result, economics rather than politics will also seal the ultimate fate of the Arab spring, a code word for the crisis of confidence in the system and in leadership that has helped autocrats in the Middle East and North Africa retain or regain power and has fuelled populism, nationalism and the rise of the far right across the globe. In a rare and furtive recognition of Middle Eastern and North African realities by the Trump administration, the US embassy in Riyadh tweeted in early December a video with Arabic subtitles promoting peaceful protest as a path to "positive social and political changes," but quickly deleted it when questioned about it by Middle East Eye. The video argued that "even in oppressive, authoritarian conditions, protesters can tailor their campaigns to succeed." It featured archival photos of celebrated protest movements, asserting that research showed that between 1900 and 2006, non-violent protests had been twice as effective as violent ones. Al-Assad’s return to the Arab fold may constitute one more setback for forces of change in the Middle East and North Africa but is a long way from symbolising their demise. For that to happen, the region’s autocrats have to make good on their promises by implementing painful structural reforms that inevitably will challenge vested interests. So far, there is little indication of that happening. Which means that a warning earlier this year by Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), that “Public dissatisfaction, bubbling up in several countries, is a reminder that even more urgent action is needed,” remains as valid today as when she first issued it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Efforts to return Syria’s Bashar al-Assad to Arab fold amount to hollow victory for autocrats

Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognise a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan&#39;s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.

Six Arab foreign ministers met in Amman on Saturday to follow up on earlier decisions taken by the Arab League to counter US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#39;s move in December to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, a decision that overturned decades of US&nbsp;policy on the Middle East.

A committee made up of Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Palestinians and headed by Jordan was set up after an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo shortly after Trump&#39;s decision that called on Washington to abandon its decision.

The Arab League said at the time the move would spur violence throughout the region and described Trump&#39;s announcement as a &quot;dangerous violation of international law&quot; which had no legal impact.

Safadi said the ministers would recommend a series of moves to a full ministerial meeting of the Arab League due later this month.&nbsp;

&quot;We will confront the decision by seeking a (UN) resolution, an international one, to recognise a Palestinian state on 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital,&quot; said Safadi.

He did not elaborate on the timing of the diplomatic moves nor say whether he was referring to a UN&nbsp;Security Council or General Assembly resolution.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the ministerial meeting would also discuss Washington&#39;s role in future Arab-Israeli peacemaking that members states said was now jeopardised by what they see as US&nbsp;bias towards Israel.

&quot;We want to lessen any losses on the Palestinian side and lessen the Israeli gains,&quot; Aboul Gheit added.

Arab states would also discuss whether to convene an extraordinary summit of their leaders or wait until a scheduled summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh at the end of March, he added.&nbsp;

Trump&rsquo;s recognition of Jerusalem has infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies, who say it is a blow to peace efforts and risks sparking more violence in the region.

Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. Israel regards Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital.

Most countries consider East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed after capturing it from Jordan in a 1967 war, to be occupied territory, and say the status of the city should be decided at future Israeli-Palestinian talks.

On December 18, the United States blocked a United Nations Security Council call for Trump&#39;s declaration on Jerusalem to be withdrawn.

Three days later, more than 120 countries defied Trump and voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

In 2012, the UN&nbsp;General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in a resolution that said the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations.&nbsp;

Arab states will persuade the United Nations to recognise Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war

Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognise a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said. Six Arab foreign ministers met in Amman on Saturday to follow up on earlier decisions taken by the Arab League to counter US President Donald Trump's move in December to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a decision that overturned decades of US policy on the Middle East. A committee made up of Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Palestinians and headed by Jordan was set up after an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo shortly after Trump's decision that called on Washington to abandon its decision. The Arab League said at the time the move would spur violence throughout the region and described Trump's announcement as a "dangerous violation of international law" which had no legal impact. Safadi said the ministers would recommend a series of moves to a full ministerial meeting of the Arab League due later this month. "We will confront the decision by seeking a (UN) resolution, an international one, to recognise a Palestinian state on 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital," said Safadi. He did not elaborate on the timing of the diplomatic moves nor say whether he was referring to a UN Security Council or General Assembly resolution. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the ministerial meeting would also discuss Washington's role in future Arab-Israeli peacemaking that members states said was now jeopardised by what they see as US bias towards Israel. "We want to lessen any losses on the Palestinian side and lessen the Israeli gains," Aboul Gheit added. Arab states would also discuss whether to convene an extraordinary summit of their leaders or wait until a scheduled summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh at the end of March, he added. Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem has infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies, who say it is a blow to peace efforts and risks sparking more violence in the region. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. Israel regards Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital. Most countries consider East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed after capturing it from Jordan in a 1967 war, to be occupied territory, and say the status of the city should be decided at future Israeli-Palestinian talks. On December 18, the United States blocked a United Nations Security Council call for Trump's declaration on Jerusalem to be withdrawn. Three days later, more than 120 countries defied Trump and voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. In 2012, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in a resolution that said the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations.

Arab League to lobby UN to recognise Palestinian state

I never thought I&#39;d be saying this, but Donald Trump, for once, is making sense. &quot;We cannot solve problems by making the same failed assumptions. Old problems need new solutions&quot;, he said.&nbsp; It was a pleasant change to see him sticking to the script. (It&#39;s time the world recognised the virtues of the teleprompter too!) Low on his trademark garbled rhetoric, more coherent. He declared his commitment to achieving peace, announcing the shift of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognised the latter as the capital of Israel.

Bad in law, unjust to the Palestinians, unfair on the part of a mediator, a blow to decades of US foreign policy, diplomatic arson, the kiss of death for peace - the naysayers have spared no effort in crafting the choicest expressions of criticism. And yet, the move makes sense.

Did anyone have illusions about where the American loyalties lay in this conflict? Others pretended to be fair, Trump wore his bias on his sleeve.

Did the so-called peace process make any tangible progress when America stuck to the previous strategy of maintaining a precarious balance? Previous Presidents failed. There&#39;s nothing to suggest that Trump&#39;s advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner&#39;s efforts and visits had made any headway.

Will the Arab world and America&#39;s European allies do anything beyond the token protests? The EU is mulling pushing for the Palestinian capital in Jerusalem. Only, Jerusalem is under Israeli control and under the current circumstances, the idea is impractical.

The Arab League is meeting&nbsp;on Saturday, but it&#39;s going through the motions. The Sunni states, led by Saudi Arabia see Israel as a potential partner, no more a pariah, as they prepare to deal with the perceived threat from Iran. There are elements who care about the &quot;Palestinian cause&quot; but no Arab ally of Ramallah has offered more than lip service for a while now.

Protests have begun, there&#39;s a call for another intifada or uprising by Hamas leader Ismail Haniya. But can the decision of one sovereign nation to recognise the right of another sovereign nation to determine its capital be held hostage to threats of protests?

To Trump&#39;s credit, he has made good on an election promise that most of his predecessors broke. Yes, he undermines America&#39;s stature as a peace broker. Yes, it&#39;s a gamble. But it&#39;s a better bet than seven decades of a bloody status quo which, by the way, is also a misnomer. The American President promised an unconventional approach to policymaking and governance. He&#39;s doing it. Shifting the orbit. Jolting a system. If the gambit doesn&#39;t pay off, you cannot accuse him of not having tried.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Donald Trump is shifting the orbit. Jolting a system. If the gambit doesn't pay off, you cannot accuse him of not having tried.

I never thought I'd be saying this, but Donald Trump, for once, is making sense. "We cannot solve problems by making the same failed assumptions. Old problems need new solutions", he said. It was a pleasant change to see him sticking to the script. (It's time the world recognised the virtues of the teleprompter too!) Low on his trademark garbled rhetoric, more coherent. He declared his commitment to achieving peace, announcing the shift of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognised the latter as the capital of Israel. Bad in law, unjust to the Palestinians, unfair on the part of a mediator, a blow to decades of US foreign policy, diplomatic arson, the kiss of death for peace - the naysayers have spared no effort in crafting the choicest expressions of criticism. And yet, the move makes sense. Did anyone have illusions about where the American loyalties lay in this conflict? Others pretended to be fair, Trump wore his bias on his sleeve. Did the so-called peace process make any tangible progress when America stuck to the previous strategy of maintaining a precarious balance? Previous Presidents failed. There's nothing to suggest that Trump's advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner's efforts and visits had made any headway. Will the Arab world and America's European allies do anything beyond the token protests? The EU is mulling pushing for the Palestinian capital in Jerusalem. Only, Jerusalem is under Israeli control and under the current circumstances, the idea is impractical. The Arab League is meeting on Saturday, but it's going through the motions. The Sunni states, led by Saudi Arabia see Israel as a potential partner, no more a pariah, as they prepare to deal with the perceived threat from Iran. There are elements who care about the "Palestinian cause" but no Arab ally of Ramallah has offered more than lip service for a while now. Protests have begun, there's a call for another intifada or uprising by Hamas leader Ismail Haniya. But can the decision of one sovereign nation to recognise the right of another sovereign nation to determine its capital be held hostage to threats of protests? To Trump's credit, he has made good on an election promise that most of his predecessors broke. Yes, he undermines America's stature as a peace broker. Yes, it's a gamble. But it's a better bet than seven decades of a bloody status quo which, by the way, is also a misnomer. The American President promised an unconventional approach to policymaking and governance. He's doing it. Shifting the orbit. Jolting a system. If the gambit doesn't pay off, you cannot accuse him of not having tried. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Trump's orbit shift, this year in Jerusalem

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-warns-of-catastrophe-if-us-recognises-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-25859">Donald Trump called Palestinian leader Mahmud</a> Abbas on Tuesday as speculation grew the president was planning to move the US 
embassy to Jerusalem, a move which would alter decades-old policy on Jerusalem.

White House said President Trump is set to call Israel PM&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and Jordan&nbsp;King&nbsp;Abdullah shortly as he mulls a radical change in US policy over the status of Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Tayseer Jaradat, Palestinian deputy foreign minister said any move to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would be a breach of international law 
and&nbsp; &quot;infringement to feelings&quot; of the Palestinian people.

Turkey said it would cut ties with Israel if Trump changed US policy on Jerusalem.

French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed concern over US move to &quot;unilaterally recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel&quot; during a phone call with Trump on Monday.

European Union diplomat Federica Mogherini, said: &quot;Any action that would undermine peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians must absolutely be avoided.&quot;

Report said the US president may not move the embassy but could recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital which would radically shift US policy and enrage several Arab nations, including several US allies in Europe 
and West Asia.

The Arab League it was a &quot;clear aggression&quot; against Arabs.&nbsp;

Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said &quot;given the danger of this matter if it were to happen,&nbsp;it would have possible negative consequences not only for the situation in Palestine&nbsp;but also for the Arab and Islamic region.&quot;

White House said President Trump is set to call Israel PM, Jordanian king shortly as he mulls a radical change in US policy over the status of ?Jerusalem.

US President Donald Trump called Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday as speculation grew the president was planning to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, a move which would alter decades-old policy on Jerusalem. White House said President Trump is set to call Israel PM Netanyahu and Jordan King Abdullah shortly as he mulls a radical change in US policy over the status of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Tayseer Jaradat, Palestinian deputy foreign minister said any move to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would be a breach of international law and "infringement to feelings" of the Palestinian people. Turkey said it would cut ties with Israel if Trump changed US policy on Jerusalem. French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed concern over US move to "unilaterally recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel" during a phone call with Trump on Monday. European Union diplomat Federica Mogherini, said: "Any action that would undermine peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians must absolutely be avoided." Report said the US president may not move the embassy but could recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital which would radically shift US policy and enrage several Arab nations, including several US allies in Europe and West Asia. The Arab League it was a "clear aggression" against Arabs. Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said "given the danger of this matter if it were to happen, it would have possible negative consequences not only for the situation in Palestine but also for the Arab and Islamic region."

EU, Arab league warn Trump not to change US policy on Jerusalem's status

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