Biden drove 'historically' close Middle East allies into the arms of America's greatest enemies, experts say
FOX NewsOct 14, 2022
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.
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.
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.
There's a 53% chance that Saudi Arabia will normalize relations with Israel by 2031 if Iran does not get a nuclear bomb by then, according to the Metaculus prediction community.