With the Fall of the Syrian Govt, India Has Lost a Key Partner in West Asia
1 week, 6 days ago

With the Fall of the Syrian Govt, India Has Lost a Key Partner in West Asia

The Quint  

In November 2021, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Damascus, and in 2022, Assad made his historic trip to the UAE – his very first to an Arab country since the outbreak of the Syrian war. Last year, Assad even travelled to and was warmly welcomed in Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab League Summit after his country’s reinstatement within the league. As the then UAE Minister Anwar Gargash had explained, an Arab role in Syria had become necessary to combat the growing influence of Turkey and Iran. As if in a rerun of Afghanistan in August 2021, militant groups led by a former Al-Qaeda militant Abu Mohammad Al Jolani, who has a $10 million dollar bounty on his head, took charge.

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History of this topic

Syria’s de facto new leader says it is not a threat to the West
Trending News
4 days, 9 hours ago

Syria’s de facto new leader says it is not a threat to the West

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Syria's de facto new leader …

How re-building of Syria will be a herculean task for new regime
1 week, 1 day ago

How re-building of Syria will be a herculean task for new regime

Firstpost  

The reconstruction of the nation and its major pillars, like armed forces, police, and judiciary; revitalising the economy; addressing the political vacuum; and ushering in an all-representative democratic government are the major challenges to be addressed by the new interim government A man carrying a child reacts, as people attend the first Friday prayers inside the Umayyad Mosque, after fighters …

UAE official says new Syria leaders' Islamist ties 'worrying'
1 week, 1 day ago

UAE official says new Syria leaders' Islamist ties 'worrying'

Hindustan Times  

A senior UAE official said on Saturday that his government had concerns about the Islamist affiliation of the forces that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. A Syrian fighter from rebel group, fires towards a poster at the entrance of the notorious security detention centre called Palestine Branch, which pictures the late Syrian President Hafez Assad and his son the ouster …

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad’s inner circle and where are they now?
1 week, 2 days ago

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad’s inner circle and where are they now?

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — After insurgents toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad this month, many senior officials and members of his dreaded intelligence and security services appear to have melted away. Gen. Suheil al-Hassan Al-Hassan was the commander of the 25th Special Missions Forces Division and later became the head of the Syrian Special Forces, which were key to many of the government’s …

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad's inner circle and where are they now?
1 week, 2 days ago

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad's inner circle and where are they now?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After insurgents toppled Syrian President …

How Assad’s downfall could turn Syria into a new haven for Islamist extremists
Trending News
1 week, 6 days ago

How Assad’s downfall could turn Syria into a new haven for Islamist extremists

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa’s nom-de-guerre …

Syria: How a lightning assault by Syrian rebels toppled Assad’s regime in less than two weeks
1 week, 6 days ago

Syria: How a lightning assault by Syrian rebels toppled Assad’s regime in less than two weeks

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here’s a run-down of how the advance by insurgents …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?
Top News
2 weeks ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?

Deccan Chronicle  

Beirut: Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. Hours after Damascus' capture, the 42-year-old al-Sharaa made his first appearance in the city's landmark Umayyad Mosque, declaring Assad's fall “a …

What’s happening in Syria? Everything we know as President Assad flees and rebels claim victory
Trending News
2 weeks ago

What’s happening in Syria? Everything we know as President Assad flees and rebels claim victory

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The military command of the Syrian opposition says its …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria’s Assad?
Top News
2 weeks ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria’s Assad?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Syrian rebellion? From al-Qaida ties to HTS head
Top News
2 weeks ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Syrian rebellion? From al-Qaida ties to HTS head

Hindustan Times  

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the 42-year-old leader of the insurgent group that forced Syrian President Bashar Assad out of the country and ended his regime, is said to have worked for years to distance himself from his extremist past and present a more moderate face to the world. Top rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani speaks to a crowd at Ummayad Mosque …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the rebel leader behind Assad’s downfall – ‘Syria is being purified,’ he declares
2 weeks ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the rebel leader behind Assad’s downfall – ‘Syria is being purified,’ he declares

Live Mint  

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jolani: Syria's rebel leader hailed the capture of capital Damascus from the government control a 'historic' victory. The leader's speech at the landmark Damascus mosque came after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled the country ending the fifty-year long regime "This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region," Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, …

Opinion | Assad’s Syria Was Brutal. Will What Comes Next Be Better?
2 weeks ago

Opinion | Assad’s Syria Was Brutal. Will What Comes Next Be Better?

New York Times  

It is hard not to rejoice while watching images of ecstatic Syrians toppling statues from the regime of the deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad and hearing the shouts of joy of prisoners, many of whom may have been tortured and starved, released from his dungeons. Mr. al-Assad’s Syria was brutal for the regime’s opponents, and 13 years of civil war and …

Syrian rebel leader meets ex-PM to coordinate transfer of power as parliament backs 'people's will'
2 weeks ago

Syrian rebel leader meets ex-PM to coordinate transfer of power as parliament backs 'people's will'

New Indian Express  

The Syrian parliament said Monday it supports the will of the people to build a new country, a day after President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as rebels took over. We support the will of the people to build a new Syria towards a better future governed by law and justice," parliament, formerly pro-Assad, said in a statement carried by SANA …

Who Is Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, The Leader Of The Insurgency That Toppled Syria's Assad?
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Who Is Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, The Leader Of The Insurgency That Toppled Syria's Assad?

Huff Post  

BEIRUT — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. Hours after Damascus’ capture, the 42-year-old al-Sharaa made his first appearance in the city’s landmark Umayyad Mosque, declaring Assad’s fall …

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani: From fighting US in Iraq to Syria's new leader
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani: From fighting US in Iraq to Syria's new leader

Hindustan Times  

Syrian Islamist rebels, led by the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stormed the capital of Damascus on Sunday to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, who has reportedly fled the country in search of safety. Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of HTS, has gained worldwide attention as his strategic moves managed to bring an end to the long-drawn Syrian civil war and topple …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?
Top News
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria’s Assad?
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria’s Assad?

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. This undated photo released by a militant group in 2016, shows Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Syria’s al-Qaida affiliate, …

Syria’s Bashar al-Assad: The president who lost his homeland
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Syria’s Bashar al-Assad: The president who lost his homeland

Al Jazeera  

Overthrown president leaves a country in ruins and questions about what’s next. After more than 13 years of war, hundreds of thousands of people killed and millions displaced, the 24-year rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is over. Al-Assad reportedly fled the country on an airplane, bringing an end to more than 53 years of his family’s authoritarian rule over …

UN’s Syria envoy expresses ‘cautious hope’ after al-Assad’s fall
Trending News
2 weeks, 1 day ago

UN’s Syria envoy expresses ‘cautious hope’ after al-Assad’s fall

Al Jazeera  

Geir Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, has expressed “cautious hope” after opposition fighters declared the rule of President Bashar al-Assad had come to an end. In a statement later on Monday, Pedersen described the long-running war in Syria as a “dark chapter” that “has left deep scars”, adding: “Today we look forward with cautious hope to the …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?

New Indian Express  

BEIRUT: Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. Insurgents control capital Damascus, Assad has fled into hiding, and for the first time after 50 years of his family’s iron …

Syria's Assad: The president who led a bloody crackdown
Trending News
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Syria's Assad: The president who led a bloody crackdown

New Indian Express  

BEIRUT: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. On Sunday, as rebels entered the capital, a Syrian war monitor said he had left the country, in what could spell the end not just of his 24-year rule but the downfall of his clan's five-decade …

In a country splintered by civil war, could Syria’s rebels usher in a new dawn?
2 weeks, 1 day ago

In a country splintered by civil war, could Syria’s rebels usher in a new dawn?

CNN  

CNN — The red, white, green and black Free Syrian Army flag flew over Damascus on Sunday as thousands of residents lined the main square in bursts of defiant jubilation – after President Bashar al-Assad relinquished his grip on power. “This is a regime that, for over 50 years, under the mantra of freedom, unity and socialism, oppressed, tortured and …

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani: How Syria’s rebel leader went from radical jihadist to a blazer-wearing ‘revolutionary’
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani: How Syria’s rebel leader went from radical jihadist to a blazer-wearing ‘revolutionary’

CNN  

CNN — Ahmed Al Sharaa, an Islamist militant in his late 20s, moved back to Syria from Iraq in 2011 with six men and a monthly stipend of $50,000 from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who would go on to become the world’s most wanted terrorist. Western-style blazer In the years that followed, Jolani replaced his jihadist camo attire for a Western-style …

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani: How Syria’s rebel leader went from radical jihadist to a blazer-wearing ‘revolutionary’
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani: How Syria’s rebel leader went from radical jihadist to a blazer-wearing ‘revolutionary’

CNN  

CNN — Ahmed Al Sharaa, an Islamist militant in his late 20s, moved back to Syria from Iraq in 2011 with six men and a monthly stipend of $50,000 from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who would go on to become the world’s most wanted terrorist. Western-style blazer In the years that followed, Jolani replaced his jihadist camo attire for a Western-style …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Syria’s shock insurgency?
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Syria’s shock insurgency?

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Over the past dozen years, Syrian militant leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has worked to remake his public image and the insurgency he commands, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and consolidating power before emerging from the shadows. Now al-Golani, 42, seeks to seize the moment yet again, leading his fighters in a stunning offensive that has put them in …

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, leader of Syrian rebel group HTS which took Aleppo?
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, leader of Syrian rebel group HTS which took Aleppo?

Firstpost  

Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani is the leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group which swept into Aleppo last week in a huge blow to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The US has placed a $10 million bounty on al-Jawlani’s head, while the Islamic State has declared him an apostate Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group has taken Aleppo in …

UAE: World looking at India as 'Vishwa Bandhu', says PM at 'Ahlan Modi' event | HIGHLIGHTS
10 months, 1 week ago

UAE: World looking at India as 'Vishwa Bandhu', says PM at 'Ahlan Modi' event | HIGHLIGHTS

India TV News  

Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates where he will be inaugurating the first Hindu temple ‘BAPS Mandir’ in Abu Dhabi. During his visit, he will address the Indian diaspora filled with thousands of crowds besides meeting the top leadership of one of India's closest strategic partners in West Asia. Notably, …

UAE leader welcomes Iranian foreign minister in latest softening of Persian Gulf tensions
1 year, 6 months ago

UAE leader welcomes Iranian foreign minister in latest softening of Persian Gulf tensions

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The president of the United Arab Emirates met with Iran’s visiting foreign minister on Thursday in the latest sign of improving relations between Arab Gulf countries and the Islamic Republic. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have long harbored suspicions about Iran because of its nuclear program and support for militant groups across …

Saudi surge of diplomacy brings Assad, Zelenskyy to Arab summit
1 year, 7 months ago

Saudi surge of diplomacy brings Assad, Zelenskyy to Arab summit

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia hosted an Arab League summit on Friday in which Syrian President Bashar Assad was welcomed back after a 12-year suspension and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to rally support against Russia. In recent months, Saudi Arabia has restored diplomatic ties with Iran, is ending the kingdom’s yearslong war against Iran-backed rebels …

Tunisian leader calls meeting with Syria’s Assad ‘historic,’ buries memories of Arab Spring
1 year, 7 months ago

Tunisian leader calls meeting with Syria’s Assad ‘historic,’ buries memories of Arab Spring

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Smiles, a handshake and what Tunisian President Kais Saied called a “historic meeting” with the long-ostracized Syrian leader Bashar Assad. “Today, I am absolutely convinced of Tunisian support for Syria,” a statement from Saied’s office said after what it called the “historic” meeting. Tunisia resumed diplomatic relations with Syria in April, and Assad’s presence at the …

Tunisian leader calls meeting with Syria's Assad 'historic,' buries memories of Arab Spring
1 year, 7 months ago

Tunisian leader calls meeting with Syria's Assad 'historic,' buries memories of Arab Spring

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Smiles, a handshake and what Tunisian President Kais Saied called …

Arab leaders, joined by Syria's Assad at summit in Saudi Arabia, look to resolve other conflicts
1 year, 7 months ago

Arab leaders, joined by Syria's Assad at summit in Saudi Arabia, look to resolve other conflicts

The Hindu  

Arab leaders, joined by Syrian President Bashar Assad for the first time in more than a decade, were holding an annual summit on May 17 in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on Sudan and other conflicts. In recent months, Saudi Arabia has restored diplomatic ties with Iran, is ending the kingdom’s yearslong war against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen and has …

Analysis: How important is Syria’s return to the Arab League?
1 year, 7 months ago

Analysis: How important is Syria’s return to the Arab League?

Al Jazeera  

Many Arab states have accepted that Bashar al-Assad’s government has survived in Syria, and want to return to normal relations. Syria’s return to the Arab League, with the attendance of President Bashar al-Assad at Friday’s summit in Saudi Arabia, will mainly be about symbolism. The Arab League can’t deliver any of that, but there are Gulf Arab states that can.” …

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy seeks Arab League support on Saudi visit
1 year, 7 months ago

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy seeks Arab League support on Saudi visit

Al Jazeera  

President Zelenskyy calls on the Arab League to help protect ‘our people’ and the Ukrainian Muslim community amid Russia’s war on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has attended an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia to seek support for his country in the face of Russia’s invasion, as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his readiness to mediate in …

Assad gets warm reception as Syria welcomed back into Arab League
1 year, 7 months ago

Assad gets warm reception as Syria welcomed back into Arab League

Al Jazeera  

Syrian president attends first regional bloc summit since his country’s suspension over crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011. Al-Assad on Friday attended the regional bloc’s 32nd summit in Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah for the first time since his country’s suspension following the eruption of war in Syria in 2011. And in an apparent swipe at Turkish President Recep …

Zelenskyy urges support for Ukraine at Arab League summit as Assad makes controversial return
1 year, 7 months ago

Zelenskyy urges support for Ukraine at Arab League summit as Assad makes controversial return

ABC  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged countries at an Arab League summit to support his peace initiative to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Key points: Saudi Arabia faced heavy criticism from the US over a decision to cut oil production Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend the G7 leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan Saudi Arabia's crown prince has mediated in the …

Syria’s Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia for regional summit, sealing his return to the Arab fold
1 year, 7 months ago

Syria’s Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia for regional summit, sealing his return to the Arab fold

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Syrian President Bashar Assad arrived on Thursday in Saudi Arabia to attend a regional summit that is expected to seal Syria’s return to the Arab fold, marking his first visit to the oil-rich kingdom since Syria’s conflict began in 2011. During Syria’s conflict, Assad only visited Russia and Iran and over the past two years he …

Syria’s Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia in first visit since war
1 year, 7 months ago

Syria’s Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia in first visit since war

Al Jazeera  

President Bashar al-Assad to attend the Arab League summit on Friday, a sign of his regional rehabilitation. But the president’s arrival in regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia on Thursday is the latest example of an attempt by the majority of Arab states to now restore ties. Relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia had been turbulent since al-Assad took office in 2000 …

Middle East round-up: Syria rejoins the Arab League
1 year, 7 months ago

Middle East round-up: Syria rejoins the Arab League

Al Jazeera  

Syria returns to the Arab League, Israel bombards Gaza with air attacks, and it’s almost time for the Turkish elections. Still no justice for Shireen Abu Akleh Exactly one year ago, our colleague Shireen Abu Akleh, Al Jazeera’s long-time Palestinian correspondent, was killed by Israeli forces while she was reporting in the occupied West Bank. Briefly Sudan doctors targeted by …

Syria’s return to Arab League leaves opposition dismayed
1 year, 7 months ago

Syria’s return to Arab League leaves opposition dismayed

Al Jazeera  

Residents and members of the country’s political opposition alike are angered by the Arab League’s decision. Several Arab League members decided this week to reinstate Syria’s membership, under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, after more than a decade of isolation at the organisation’s headquarters in Cairo on Sunday. Radwan al-Atrash, a political activist and the former head of Idlib’s …

How has the world reacted to Syria rejoining the Arab League?
1 year, 7 months ago

How has the world reacted to Syria rejoining the Arab League?

Al Jazeera  

There have been warm welcomes and scepticism, but most countries have opted for a muted response. Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs @majedalansari : Qatar's Position on Normalization with Syrian Regime Has Not Changed#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/Nhrzn4Y12U — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar May 7, 2023 “The reinstatement of Syria does not mean normalisation of relations between Arab countries and Syria,” …

Arab League readmits Syria after 11-year absence
1 year, 7 months ago

Arab League readmits Syria after 11-year absence

CNN  

CNN — The Arab League has re-admitted Syria after an 11-year absence, the organization said Sunday, following an extraordinary meeting at the Arab League’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could participate in the upcoming Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia if he is invited and if he wants to attend, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit …

Arab League brings Syria back into its fold after 12 years
1 year, 7 months ago

Arab League brings Syria back into its fold after 12 years

Al Jazeera  

Ties with Damascus are being normalised, as the bloc hopes for an ‘Arab-led political path’ to solve the Syrian crisis. As al-Assad solidified his control of Syrian territory, Arab states have been looking to normalise ties, working towards an “Arab-led political path” in solving the crisis, Jordan’s top diplomat said, according to The Associated Press news agency. Arab League Secretary-General …

Syria readmitted to Arab League after reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran
1 year, 7 months ago

Syria readmitted to Arab League after reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran

The Telegraph  

Syria was readmitted to the Arab League on Sunday in a major coup for Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad made possible by thawing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. "Syria's regional isolation is officially broken," analyst Fabrice Balanche said, calling Sunday's decision a "diplomatic victory" for Assad. "The earthquake is the best opportunity to get closer without losing face," he …

As West Asia diplomacy shifts, Syria’s Assad is no longer untouchable
1 year, 8 months ago

As West Asia diplomacy shifts, Syria’s Assad is no longer untouchable

The Hindu  

In 2011, when civil strife broke out in Syria following street protests, Saudi Arabia led the Arab efforts to isolate the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and expel the country from the Arab League. When the Sunni-majority country ruled by the secular Arab Baath party slid into a civil war, Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies in the Gulf backed …

Saudi foreign minister visits Syria as relations thaw
1 year, 8 months ago

Saudi foreign minister visits Syria as relations thaw

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat arrived in the Syrian capital on Tuesday, the first official visit by an official from the kingdom in more than a decade, the Syrian government said. A statement published by Saudi state media said that bin Farhan’s visit came “within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s keenness and interest to reach a …

Saudi foreign minister to visit Syria as relations thaw
1 year, 8 months ago

Saudi foreign minister to visit Syria as relations thaw

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat is expected to arrive in the Syrian capital on Tuesday, the first official visit by an official from the kingdom in more than a decade, the Syrian government said. Syria and Saudi Arabia said last week they were moving toward restoring consular services and resuming flights between the two countries. The overtures picked up pace since …

Saudi foreign minister meets Syria’s Assad in Damascus
1 year, 8 months ago

Saudi foreign minister meets Syria’s Assad in Damascus

Al Jazeera  

Arrival of Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan is the first for a top Saudi official since the start of Syria’s war. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria’s decade-long regional isolation. The Saudi foreign ministry said in an online statement that …

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