Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) presided at the Arab League's readmission of Syria, seen as Saudi Arabia's symbolic gesture towards Washington, showcasing the country's vital role in the region.
Despite US rejection of Syria's reintegration, Bin Salman's cordial reception of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Arab summit marked a turning point in the prince's political fortunes.
In a bid to regain its status as a dominant force in the region, MbS is reportedly focused on utilizing Saudi Arabia's significant energy resources, particularly in light of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and the world's reliance on oil, per Reuters.
MbS is aggressively developing connections with other world powers because of reservations about US security pledges and dissatisfaction with its critical posture. He is changing Saudi Arabia's ties with common foes despite Washington's worries.
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After the 2018 murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi by a Saudi assassination team, the prince has become a major actor that the US cannot dismiss, demanding a transactional strategy to dialogue.
Bin Salman's assured position on the international stage was clear in his warm welcome of Bashar al-Assad and his willingness to arbitrate between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Moscow, displaying his rising power beyond regional dynamics.
US Slams Arab League's Move
The recent decision of the Arab League to accept President Assad back after over 10 years has stirred up a lot of controversy. The Syrian leader, acting as an older statesman, called for a worldwide political transition and less Western meddling, according to CNN.
However, the Biden administration and senior White House officials have vehemently opposed the measure, vowing to continue Syria's international isolation and hold Bashar al-Assad responsible for the massive human suffering caused by the continuing civil conflict, per Fox News.
The Arab League's unanimity on the issue has disheartened Syrians who have been dislocated by the Assad administration's bombardment and Russian assaults, with over 14 million fleeing and about 7 million people internally displaced.
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