Arab foreign ministers gathered last Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, marking a historic moment with Syria’s return to the table.
For the first time since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024 and Syria’s reinstatement in the Arab League in May 2023, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani took part in a ministerial meeting alongside his Arab counterparts.
The session addressed preparations for the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17, the Palestinian issue, and ongoing crises in Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Sudan—along with the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended in November 2011 in response to the regime’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests. More than a decade later, shifting regional calculations and a desire to stabilize neighboring countries led member states to vote Syria back into the League on May 7, 2023. Still, skepticism remained among some members, and US sanctions continued to reflect Washington’s insistence on political reforms and human rights commitments from Syria’s new leadership.
The Cairo meeting focused primarily on strategic and logistical preparations for the upcoming Baghdad summit. Ministers reviewed working groups, security coordination, and thematic sessions that will address reconstruction and counterterrorism.
Key discussions also covered the Palestinian situation, with renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, and strategies for addressing the humanitarian fallout in Yemen and Sudan. Diplomats further explored options for resolving tensions surrounding the Ethiopian dam and its broader regional implications.
The Arab world stands united against any breach of sovereignty
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit opened the session by condemning recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, asserting that “the Arab world stands united against any breach of sovereignty.”
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In a brief statement to reporters, Syria’s Foreign Minister al-Shaibani emphasized Damascus’ commitment to constructive participation in Arab decision-making. “Our full representation marks a new chapter for Arab unity and joint action,” he said.
Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, welcomed Syria’s return, framing it as essential to border security and reconstruction efforts. The United States, however, maintained a cautious stance.
A spokesperson for the US State Department reiterated Washington’s support for its Arab partners in their quest for regional security but confirmed that existing sanctions would remain “until reforms in Syria become tangible and irreversible.”
Implications for US Policy
Syrian political analyst Mustafa al-Nuaimi told The Media Line that the American public and policymakers should take note of several key points:
- Counterterrorism cooperation: Given Syria’s proximity to Iraq and Lebanon, its integration is crucial for dismantling extremist financing and operational networks.
- Refugee pressures: With over 5 million Syrian refugees in neighboring states, enhanced Arab coordination could ease humanitarian burdens that indirectly affect US interests.
- Geopolitical balance: With Russia and Iran currently propping up opposition to Western influence in Syria, reintegrating Damascus into the Arab fold could dilute that dominance and open space for Western dialogue.
Al-Nuaimi noted that “reactivating Syria’s role via multilateral platforms like the Arab League, instead of direct bilateral engagement, allows the US to promote regional stability without endorsing Syria’s domestic policies.”
Looking Ahead
As foreign ministers depart Cairo, attention shifts to Baghdad, where Arab heads of state will confront complex challenges—from Lebanon’s political deadlock to escalating Israeli–Palestinian violence. Syria’s presence at the summit will test the durability of Arab consensus and signal whether Damascus can transform diplomatic momentum into real progress on reconstruction and political dialogue.
If Syria remains committed to reform, Western caution may gradually fade. If not, a new cycle of isolation may ensue.
Syrian opposition figure Firas al-Khalidi, head of the Cairo Platform, told The Media Line that Syria’s reintegration into the Arab sphere is vital at this juncture.
This participation is an opportunity to rebuild ties with Arab nations and reclaim Syria’s rightful place
“The presence of the Syrian delegation was strong and meaningful. This participation is an opportunity to rebuild ties with Arab nations and reclaim Syria’s rightful place,” al-Khalidi said.
He added that Arab countries must play a more active role in lifting sanctions, enabling Syria to recover, and collaborating with neighbors to prevent militant infiltration from Iran.
Syria’s reentry into the Arab League thus marks the end of an era of isolation—and the start of a delicate path toward normalization that could reshape the region’s diplomatic landscape.