Morocco gives Syria ultimatum to restore diplomatic ties

Several members of the Arab League, including Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and Yemen, have reportedly opposed the idea of reintegrating Syria back into the Arab group, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The move comes amid geo-strategic shifts that are forcing Arab countries to restore diplomatic relations with Syria after years of rupture due to the Arab Spring.

Morocco, in particular, requires Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to end his support for the Polisario Front and recognize the full territorial integrity of the Kingdom before restoring normal relations between the two countries.

In 2012, the Kingdom of Morocco cut off its diplomatic relations with the Assad regime and expelled the Syrian ambassador from Rabat, calling the situation in Syria unsustainable. After 12 years of diplomatic isolation imposed on Damascus, many Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia, are now opening their arms to al-Assad, indicating an acknowledgment of his victory in an endless war.

Recently, Saudi Arabia received Faisal al-Miqdad, the Syrian foreign minister, on his first official visit since the start of the conflict. However, Saudi-led efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab fold are reportedly facing resistance from some of its allies, according to Arab officials who spoke to US newspapers.

While Syria is backed by Iran and Russia, many Middle Eastern countries have shunned President Bashar al-Assad’s government, leading to its pariah status in the West. However, following a previously unannounced visit by Syria’s foreign minister, Saudi Arabia and Iran have pledged to work together on the issue.

Saudi Arabia is set to host an Arab regional meeting to discuss ending Syria’s isolation, following its civil war since 2011. The meeting, which includes ministers and top officials from six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, will discuss Syria’s suspension from the Arab League.