- Syria’s reinstatement to the Arab League marks a significant turning point in its recuperation and diplomatic re-engagement with the world.
- Some see it as a crucial step towards ending the crisis and bringing calm back to the area, while others claim it sends an inaccurate message regarding violations of human rights and damages the Arab League’s authenticity.
The reinstatement of Syria to the Arab League, after twelve years of isolation on May 19, 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is seen as a big symbolic achievement of Damascus, a strong regional realignment and proof of the US ‘fading influence’.[1] This reflects the most recent development following the wave of peace that emerged as a result of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This marks the beginning of an appropriate approach towards achieving a political solution to the Syrian crisis.[2] According to a spokesman for the secretary general of the Arab League, Gamal Roshdy, the decision was made during a confidential meeting of Arab foreign ministers held on May 7 at the Arab League’s headquarters in Cairo.[3]
Syria’s Suspension from the Arab League
The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership 12 years ago at the beginning of the uprising-turned-conflict, which has claimed around 500,000 lives since March 2011 and driven half of the country’s 23 million inhabitants to evacuate their dwellings.[4] The failure of Syria to put an end to the bloodshed brought on by the government’s repression of pro-democracy protesters raised international pressure on President Bashar al-Assad. As a result, the league voted to exclude Syria until it carries out the provisions of an earlier agreed peace agreement to end the violence at an emergency meeting of its 22 member states in Cairo to discuss the crisis.[5]
The league also decided to put political and economic sanctions on Syria and urged its members to recall their ambassadors from Damascus. The prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr bin Muhammad Al Thani gave a statement “Syria is a dear country for all of us and it pains us to make this decision,” he said. “We hope there will be a brave move from Syria to stop the violence and begin a real dialogue toward real reform.”[6]
Reinstatement in the Arab League
On May 7, during an emergency session convened in Cairo, the Arab foreign ministers voted to reverse a 2011 decision and reinstate Damascus’ membership. This decision, which holds a lot of symbolic significance, is the most recent step in Arab efforts to make amends with Damascus.[7] The decision in Cairo happened shortly after senior Arab diplomats met in Jordan to talk about a strategy to reintegrate Syria into the Arab League as the conflict continues to de-escalate, and before Saudi Arabia hosts the next Arab League Summit on May 19.[8]
The decision was backed by 13 of the 22 member states present at the meeting. Additionally, In order to keep track of developments, the Arab League also resolved to establish a communications committee made up of Saudi Arabia and Syria’s neighbours Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq In addition to guaranteeing a gradual solution to the conflict, the decision gratified the Syrian government’s desire to cooperate with Arab states in order to address “humanitarian, security, and political” challenges that the crisis had brought about for Syria and the region. However, due to the decision, some nations opted out of the meeting.[9] On returning to the League Assad addressed the meeting by saying “I hope that it marks the beginning of a new phase of Arab action for solidarity among us, for peace in our region, development and prosperity instead of war and destruction.”[10] While some countries welcomed this decision, others have expressed open dissent to it.
Qatar has been a vocal opponent of Bashar Al-Assad’s government. According to the Qatari prime minister, talk of Syria reentering the Arab League is hypothetical because the causes for its exclusion remain. Therefore, Qatar accepts restoration rather than normalisation.[11] Meanwhile, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia took a more harmonious stance and commended the decision as a positive development. This demonstrates their intention to improve ties as part of a larger change in regional diplomacy.[12]
Syria’s Rejoining the Arab League: Global Reaction
Chinese officials appreciated the decision and welcomed it. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on May 15 and says the reinstatement of Syria to the Arab League will strengthen and unify the Arab states, accelerate the development and rejuvenation of the Arab world, and promote stability and peace in the Middle East.[13] He adds that China has consistently encouraged Arab countries to unite in their desire for strength and actively supported Syria’s reuniting with the Arab League. Additionally, he also said, “We believe this is conducive to the strength and unity of Arab states, the development and revitalization of the Arab world and peace and stability in the Middle East. This serves the long-term interests of Arab states.”[14]
Similarly, Russia is also appreciating the Arab League’s decision. According to a statement from a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, the decision symbolises the longing of the Arab countries to be free from external interference and underlines their “aspiration to bolster coordination of actions in the interest of settling pertinent regional and international issues.” Furthermore, he also emphasised that the decision “will facilitate a healthier atmosphere in the Middle East region and the swift overcoming of the consequences of the Syrian crisis.”[15]
U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel opposed Syria’s reinstatement to the Arab League and also stated that “We do not believe that Syria merits readmission to the AL at this time, and it’s a point that we’ve made clear with all of our partners.”[16] The US explicitly expressed its criticism and asserted that Syria “should not be readmitted.” It also illustrates how the US is losing ground in the Middle East. Washington seems to have a strong opposition to and disapproval of the level of autonomy and independence displayed in the Middle East.[17] Ambassador William Roebuck, an American diplomat who worked in several Arab countries, including Syria stated that “I don’t see normalization changing the basic situation of ordinary Syrians, at least not in the current stage.”[18]
However, the European Union is not looking at this decision advantageously, because they do not believe that Syria deserves to be readmitted. They have made it very clear that they have no intent on normalising relations with the Syrian government at this time, especially in light of Damascus’ refusal to take part in any current or potential political process based on UN resolution 2254. The regime will not comply with any of the “conditions” put forth by the Arab League, such as permitting a significant refugee return, the general release of political prisoners, or a political transition. As of now both European Union and the USA are apprehensive about the decision. For both Syria is likely to remain an economic no-go zone and will maintain sanctions.[19]
Conclusion
Syria’s reinstatement to the Arab League marks a significant turning point in its recuperation and diplomatic re-engagement with the world. Nonetheless, it is still ambiguous how Syria’s involvement will affect the current conflict and hopes for a settlement. These modifications will have a substantial effect on US power in the area and on global politics. However, the US still prevails in world politics, so it is important to monitor any changes in the region’s dynamics. In general, the decision to readmit Syria to the Arab League was divisive and is currently up for debate among the member states. Some see it as a crucial step towards ending the crisis and bringing calm back to the area, while others claim it sends an inaccurate message regarding violations of human rights and damages the Arab League’s authenticity.
References:
[1]KAREEM CHEHAYEB, & ABBY SEWELL. (2023, May 8). What’s behind Syria’s return to the Arab League? AP NEWS. https://apnews.com/article/syria-arab-league-cairo-saudi-arabia-qatar-7de1b30587560531dad1df4eb29f4ef3
[2] Global Times. (2023, May 8). Who is unhappy about Syria’s return to the Arab League?: Global Times editorial. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202305/1290361.shtml
[3] Middle East Briefing. (2023, May 10). Arab states agree on the return of Syria to the Arab League. https://www.middleeastbriefing.com/news/arab-states-agree-on-return-of-syria-to-arab-league/
[4] The Associated Press. (2023, May 7). After years of isolation, Bashar al-Assad’s Syria is allowed back into the Arab League. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/07/1174633266/syria-arab-league-bashar-al-assad
[5] David Batty, & Jack Shenker. (2011, November 12). Syria suspended from Arab League. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/12/syria-suspended-arab-league
[6] Ibid
[7] Francesco Salesio Schiavi, & Luigi Toninelli. (2023, May 11). Syria’s Arab League comeback: Regional breakthrough or premature decision? ISPI. https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/syrias-arab-league-comeback-regional-breakthrough-or-premature-decision-128416
[8] Mohamed Wagdy, & Kareem Chehayeb. (2023, May 7). Arab League votes to reinstate Syria’s membership after a 12-year suspension. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/arab-league-votes-to-reinstate-syrias-membership-after-12-year-suspension
[9] Ibid
[10] Patrick Wintour. (2023, May 19). Bashar al-Assad tells Arab League he hopes his return marks a new era of peace. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/19/syria-bashar-al-assad-receives-warm-welcome-on-arab-league-return
[11] Qatar’s PM says the original basis for Syria’s exclusion from the Arab League still stands. (2023, April 13). Al Arabiya English. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2023/04/13/Qatar-PM-says-original-basis-for-Syria-s-exclusion-from-the-Arab-League-still-stands
[12] How has the world reacted to Syria rejoining the Arab League? (2023, May 8). Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/8/how-has-the-world-reacted-to-syria-rejoining-the-arab-league
[13] Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s regular press conference on May 15, 2023. (2023, May 15). 中华人民共和国外交部. https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/202305/t20230515
[14] CGTN. (2023, May 9). How has the world reacted to Syria’s return to the Arab League? https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-09/How-has-the-world-reacted-to-Syria-s-return-to-the-Arab-League–1jF3Av58dtm/index.html
[15] Peoples Dispatch. (2023, May 8). Arab League votes to withdraw Syria’s 12-year-long suspension. https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/05/08/arab-league-votes-to-withdraw-syrias-12-year-long-suspension/
[16] CGTN. (2023, May 9). How has the world reacted to Syria’s return to the Arab League? https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-09/How-has-the-world-reacted-to-Syria-s-return-to-the-Arab-League–1jF3Av58dtm/index.html
[17] Global Times. (2023, May 8). Who is unhappy about Syria’s return to the Arab League?: Global Times editorial. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202305/1290361.shtml
[18] Kali Robinson. (2023, May 11). Syria is normalizing relations with Arab countries. Who will benefit? Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/syria-normalizing-relations-arab-countries-who-will-benefit
[19] Francesco Salesio Schiavi, & Luigi Toninelli. (2023, May 11). Syria’s Arab League comeback: Regional breakthrough or premature decision? ISPI. https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/syrias-arab-league-comeback-regional-breakthrough-or-premature-decision-128416
Balaji Subramanian 
Palak Dogra 
Aayush Pal