Syria’s Return to Arab League

May 8, 2023

The Arab League has recently made a decision to readmit Syria after more than a decade. Syria was thrown out of the organization for its brutal repression of pro-democracy protests that led to the ongoing civil war. This move has been considered as a significant development that signals a thaw in relations between Damascus and other Arab governments. The Arab League Summit is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia later this month, and President Bashar al-Assad may attend.

The Decision

Foreign ministers from 13 of the 22-nation group’s members were present at the meeting in Cairo where the decision to readmit Syria was taken. The members emphasized the necessity of putting an end to the civil war in Syria and the problems that followed, such as refugee and drug smuggling crises. A committee involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq will be set up to help Syria achieve those goals.

Civil War in Syria

During the civil war, more than 300,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed, and roughly half of the pre-war population of 21 million has been displaced either within Syria or as refugees abroad, according to UN estimates. Displaced Syrians in the northwest rebel-held area of Idlib have expressed shock at the Arab League’s decision.

Future Plans

The Arab League’s decision to readmit Syria is expected to aid in resolving the ongoing conflict in the country gradually. However, it is important to note that the move does not imply a resumption of relationships between Arab states and Syria, and individual countries have the right to decide on this matter. Western countries such as the US and UK have already declared that they will not restore relations with the government of President Assad.

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