Syria’s regional policy ought to be grounded in respecting the national and security interests of other Arab states, particularly the Gulf states. It is in Syria’s interest if its foreign policy is based on pursuing diplomacy, dialogue and common interests to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships with the countries of the region.  

Gulf states can play a critical role in helping to resolve Syria’s crisis. Several recent developments show that the Syrian people could also begin to experience more stability, security and economic development. 

For example, the Arab League recently readmitted Syria, which ended a more than decade-long suspension. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the Arab League foreign ministers “consulted and exchanged views on the efforts made to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that ends its repercussions and preserves Syria’s unity, security, stability, and Arab identity; returns it to its Arab surroundings, to achieve the good of its brotherly people.”  

Other important developments include the phone call between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Syrian President Bashar Assad on bilateral ties between the two nations. In addition, Saudi Arabia has made an important decision to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria. 

Syria’s readmission to the Arab League, in addition to the latest diplomatic rapprochements between Damascus and the Gulf states, is most likely going to be just the start of a long process that will hopefully help to resolve the crisis in the country. This goal was also acknowledged by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. 

The Arab League, a 22-member organization founded in 1945, can play a critical role in discussing and resolving Syria’s underlying problems, as the organization is one of the most influential and powerful intergovernmental bodies in the world.  

It was established with the purpose of strengthening relations between Arab states, safeguarding their sovereignty and addressing general concerns about the affairs and interests of member nations.  

The Arab League’s primary role is to coordinate the political, cultural, economic and social programs of its members, as well as to mediate disputes between them. 

In addition, the Arab League is a key international player that has the capability to pave the way for tremendous social, economic and political changes. It can also push for specific measures and policies to be considered by other international organizations. For instance, the Arab League has successfully urged the UN to adopt resolutions that have had significant positive impacts on regional peace and security.  

However, it is critical to note that Syria’s crisis is multifaceted and complex. The economy is crippled after years of conflict, which has inflicted an unimaginable degree of devastation. Syria’s gross domestic product has more than halved and its currency has lost a significant portion of its value, leading the World Bank to rank it as a low-income country.  

Damascus needs to make it a priority to improve its economy and, more importantly, the living standards of its people. 

Prior to 2011, when Syria’s economic and political relationships with the Gulf states were amicable, its economy was improving thanks to these bilateral ties and tourism. 

But after the civil war began, sanctions on the regime changed the situation and left Syria with “a limited national budget to subsidize commodities such as bread and fuel … Displaced families and other vulnerable households are caught in the middle of a financial crisis caused by a rapidly depreciating currency and lack of available jobs. This means it is incredibly hard for Syrian families to provide for themselves, particularly amid growing food insecurity. Reports … describe families waiting for hours in bread lines, causing children to miss school or caregivers to miss work in order to find loaves of bread,” according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 

The second issue is related to enhancing the security of the country in a way that ensures safety and stability for the Syrian people, protecting them from the threats posed by militia and terror groups. 

The Gulf states are skilled in adopting modern counterterrorism strategies and in establishing institutions that promote an alternative and moderate ideology, while educating and raising awareness about extremist ideologies online. Examples include Saudi Arabia’s setting up of the Ideological Warfare Center, the Digital Extremism Observatory, the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue and the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology. The Kingdom aims to challenge the messages of extremist groups through these initiatives. 

If Syria’s economic crisis is adequately addressed, security will likely be enhanced in the country as well.

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

If Syria’s economic crisis is adequately addressed, security will likely be enhanced in the country as well, due to the fact that poverty and conflict-stricken states can often be ripe places for terror and militia groups to grow, gain power and inflict damage on the country and broader region.  

Finally, the largest refugee crisis in the world belongs to Syria. This has impacted neighboring countries economically and politically. By addressing the nation’s security and economic issues, the refugee crisis will gradually see signs of improvement as well.  

Syria’s crisis is deep and complex, but the region can play a key role in resolving it. The latest diplomatic initiatives between Damascus and the Gulf states have the potential to bring more stability, safety, security and economic development to the Syrian people. This requires that the Syrian government seize the opportunity by respecting the national and security interests of the Gulf states, while grounding its foreign policy in diplomacy, dialogue and shared interests.  

By  Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist. Twitter: @Dr_Rafizadeh 

L’article Analysis. Syria needs Gulf states for stability and security est apparu en premier sur زوايا ميادين | Mayadin Columns.

Riyadh: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council and a number of countries praised Saudi Arabia for the Kingdom’s role in evacuating foreign nationals from Sudan.

Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha praised the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to evacuate nationals of OIC member states, non-member states, as well as diplomats and workers from Sudan, stressing that the Kingdom’s initiative came at the right time.

He extended his thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the evacuation.

Taha renewed his appeal for a cease-fire in Sudan and dialogue to preserve the security and safety of the Sudanese people and state.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the diplomatic and logistical role played by the Kingdom.

He expressed thanks and appreciation to the Saudi leadership, underlining his gratitude for their instructions and direct follow-up on the evacuation process, which went smoothly for the evacuees who safely arrived in Jeddah and had all their needs met ahead of leaving for their home countries.

Albudaiwi also expressed appreciation for the great diplomatic efforts made by the Kingdom and GCC members in resolving the Sudanese crisis by opening channels of communication with the conflicting parties to reach a comprehensive and peaceful solution.

The GCC secretary-general reiterated the call for the conflicting parties in Sudan to stop military operations at the earliest opportunity, exercise maximum restraint, avoid escalation, prioritise the interests of the Sudanese people, and ensure their security and stability.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said in a letter to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan: “I am immensely pleased to convey our sincere thanks and profound gratitude for the kind gesture by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in evacuating 66 foreign nationals including three Bangladeshis on April 22.”

He continued in the letter, a copy of which was provided to Arab News by the Bangladesh Embassy: “We deeply appreciate the great efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia in rescuing these people from Sudan to Jeddah port.”

The UAE’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan also thanked his Saudi counterpart on Monday for the Kingdom’s role in evacuating Emirati nationals from Sudan, WAM, the official news agency, reported.

He thanked Prince Faisal for “helping to evacuate the UAE’s citizens from Sudan and praised the outstanding efforts made by Riyadh in carrying out evacuations in cooperation with various countries.”

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has resulted in ferocious battles that have caused the deaths of hundreds of people.

Several foreign countries have conducted evacuation operations to rescue their citizens and embassy staff.      

Saudi Arabia led the first successful evacuation operation with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces evacuating people, including foreign nationals, diplomats and officials from Port Sudan on Saturday.

The Kingdom has confirmed the safe arrival of 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 other countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada, and Burkina Faso.

Moreover, a Saudi ship transporting 199 evacuees of different nationalities from Sudan arrived at the King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah on Monday.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for evacuating Lebanese citizens from Sudan and for receiving them as guests in Jeddah ahead of their return to their homeland.

World Bank Group President David Malpass also expressed thanks and appreciation to King Salman for the Kingdom’s contribution and support in evacuating the World Bank staff from Sudan to Saudi Arabia.

‎In a letter sent to the king, the World Bank Group president said: “We express our gratitude and appreciation for the generous support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to our staff in Sudan. Saudi Arabia’s swift action and unwavering support have been truly remarkable.”

He also expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s embassy and its staff in Khartoum for caring for the World Bank staff and their dependents, which, he said, is greatly appreciated in this time of great need.

World Opinions – Arab News

L’article Saudi Arabia’s efforts in evacuating citizens, foreign nationals from Sudan praised est apparu en premier sur زوايا ميادين | Mayadin Columns.