... is not the “city upon a hill” and the U.S. is not the “light of the world”. Perhaps Pax Americana has brought peace and prosperity to the rest of the world, yet it has only seen the Middle East consistently set ablaze.
Regional powers such as Saudi Arabia continue to strike Faustian bargain with the U.S., as it is the only country in the world both capable and willing to guarantee the continued survival of the government. However, a “wind of change” is blowing across the region, and we ...
... between the SAR and the IRI. In Damascus, too, there is certain wariness towards Arab states, and they remember too well that Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar, had been among the main sponsors of the Syrian opposition at least until 2014. It is unlikely ... ...
Given the political will and some flexibility from all parties involved, it might be feasible for Syria to become part of the Arab world again. A return to the LAS would undoubtedly be a diplomatic breakthrough for the government in Damascus. Yet, this ...
... with the UAE, despite years of hostility and the UAE’s support of the Syrian opposition, can be attributed to several key factors.
For official Damascus, a successful
détente
with the UAE is viewed as a means to overcome Syria’s isolation in the Arab world, which could eventually help restore its membership in the Arab League and be reintegrated into the Arab family. The UAE also serves as an intermediary for Damascus’s communication with other GCC states (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Qatar) and the West. It is also worth noting that the Syrian government views the UAE as a potential counterbalance to excessive Iranian influence in Syria.
Cooperation with the Emirates is also beneficial for economic reasons, such as circumventing ...
