Saudi Arabia has appointed its first ambassador to Syria in 12 years, signaling a thaw in relations since Syria's readmission to the Arab League over a year ago. Faisal al-Mujfel has been named as the kingdom's ambassador to Syria, marking a significant diplomatic development. Syria was readmitted to the Arab League after being suspended for over a decade due to President Bashar Assad's crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2011. Riyadh had severed ties with Damascus in 2012.
The ongoing civil war in Syria, now in its 14th year, has resulted in the deaths of nearly half a million people and the displacement of half of the country's pre-war population of 23 million. Efforts to find a political solution to the conflict have been largely unsuccessful.
In February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and northern Syria, prompting many Arab countries to restore ties with President Assad. This event served as a catalyst for diplomatic realignment in the region.
Furthermore, in March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations following talks in Beijing. This agreement represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough aimed at reducing tensions between the two countries. Iran has been a key ally of the Assad government in Syria and the Lebanese Hezbollah group.
In Yemen, Saudi Arabia has led a coalition against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since 2015 in an effort to support the internationally-recognized government. The conflict in Yemen has evolved into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Recently, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss a wide-ranging security agreement. The agreement reportedly includes provisions for ending Israel's conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, providing aid to the region, and supporting a two-state solution for the Palestinian people.
