Syria’s back in the Arab League after a 12-year suspension and brutal civil war. What does it mean for the country and beyond?

The armed conflict in Syria broke out in 2011, and rapidly escalated into a full-scale war, leading to Syria’s suspension by the Arab League. Having endured 12 years of conflict and humanitarian crisis, the country faces the worst year yet, with 15.3 million people – nearly 70% of Syria’s population – in need of humanitarian assistance. 

In May of this year, Saudi Arabia, once a staunch supporter of the Syrian opposition, used its influence to reinstate Assad and Syria. So, what’s changed? And what does it all mean for the region and embattled country?

Joining the discussion: 

• Ali Akbar Dareini is a researcher and writer with Tehran’s Center for Strategic Studies. 
• Salman Al-Ansari is a Saudi political researcher.
• Edmund Ghareeb is an academic and Middle East analyst.
• Bassam Abu Abdallah is a political analyst and director of the Baath Party Central School of Syria.

Arab governments have voted to return Syria to the Arab League. It was suspended 12 years ago, early in the uprising-turned-conflict that has killed nearly 500,000 people. The decision includes a commitment to ongoing dialogue to seek a political solution. https://t.co/KfgPmRuSyw

— The Associated Press (@AP) May 7, 2023

Arab League readmits Syria as relations with Assad normalise https://t.co/2IUJIeorSg pic.twitter.com/EQV5v9qHaJ

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 7, 2023