What Follows US Hegemony
Consortium NewsNov 24, 2022
Saudi Arabia, Syria in Talks to Resume Ties
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Image copyright: UAE Presidential Court/Handout/Reuters [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
Saudi state Al-Ekhbariya TV channel on Thursday reported that Saudi Arabia and Syria are in talks over re-establishing consular services amid a broader discussion to restore ties following a decade of no diplomatic relations.
Regional sources claim that both governments are planning to reopen mutual embassies after Eid al-Fitr, a Muslim holiday, later in April. Syria could also be readmitted to the 22-member Arab League after 12 years if talks succeed.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Recent deals between US ally Saudi Arabia and US rivals Iran and Syria reiterate how disastrous the current administration has been to US interests in the Middle East. By not showing a clear commitment to the interests of its regional allies, the US has caused a geopolitical tilt of the region to Russia and China.
Pro-establishment narrative
Amid growing signs of rapprochement between Riyadh and Damascus, which could lead to the return of Assad's regime to the Arab and international stage, the US can take this opportunity to balance its principles with realpolitik to finally get out of the decade-long impasse in Syria. The West should work with Saudi Arabia to engage in these talks to counter Iranian influence in Syria and prevent regional conflicts.
