Morocco gives Syria ultimatum to restore diplomatic ties

On Apr 14, 2023

According to a Wall Street Journal story, a number of Arab League countries, including Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and Yemen, are allegedly against the idea of reintegrating Syria into the Arab community. The action is being taken amid geostrategic changes that are pressuring Arab nations to mend their years-long break with Syria over the Arab Spring.

Before normalizing relations between the two nations, Morocco, in particular, demands that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad renounce his backing for the Polisario Front and acknowledge the complete geographical integrity of the Kingdom.

In 2012, the Kingdom of Morocco severed diplomatic ties with the Assad government and expelled the Syrian ambassador from Rabat, claiming that the situation in that country was untenable. Many Arab nations, led by Saudi Arabia, are now opening their arms to al-Assad after 12 years of diplomatic isolation imposed on Damascus as recognition of his win in an interminable conflict.

Faisal al-Miqdad, the Syrian foreign minister, recently visited Saudi Arabia for the first time since the conflict began. According to Arab officials who talked to US newspapers, attempts led by Saudi Arabia to reintegrate Syria into the Arab world are apparently encountering opposition from some of its friends.

Syria is supported by Iran and Russia, but many Middle Eastern nations have abandoned President Bashar al-Assad’s administration, making it an outcast in the West. But Saudi Arabia and Iran have promised to cooperate on the matter after the Syrian foreign minister paid an unexpected visit.

Considering breaking Syria’s isolation after its civil conflict began in 2011, Saudi Arabia is planning to hold an Arab regional gathering. Discussions over Syria’s suspension from the Arab League will take place at the summit, which is attended by ministers and senior government representatives from six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.