The Algeria Summit and Conditions for Syria’s Participation

The Algeria Summit and Conditions for Syria’s Participation

Boys look out the window of a building damaged by an Israeli air strike near Damascus airport, in Damascus, Syria, November 20, 2019. (Reuters)

The momentum of Arab normalization of ties with Damascus that had started two months ago has slowed down and collided with several new factors and led to the introduction of new conditions.

Arab countries that have signaled rapprochement with Damascus are now waiting for Damascus to take its own steps related to interior and geopolitical issues before making any further moves towards normalizing ties.

In other words, the door leading towards Syria's return to the Arab League and attending the upcoming group summit in Algeria hinges on various conditions, at least for the time-being.

Two month ago, Syrian President Bashar Assad telephoned Jordan's King Abdullah II; their countries exchanged security, economy and military visits; the United Arab Emirates' foreign minister visited Damascus and met Assad; Assad received telephone calls from Arab leaders after Syria's presidential "elections" and Syria has joined various international organizations, such as Interpol and OAPEC.

Added to the above is Syria falling on the list of the Biden administration's priorities. Washington has limited its interest in Syria to providing humanitarian aid and fighting ISIS and has abandoned Donald