In Syria outreach, Saudi Arabia eyes regional realignment against Iran
By taking the lead in hosting Syria's new foreign minister, Riyadh is eyeing strategic opportunity to fill the US void, counter Iran’s waning influence and stabilize ties with Damascus through aid, partnerships and engagement with Islamist factions.
DUBAI — It is no coincidence that Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, chose Riyadh for his first foreign trip after his movement toppled Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8. Saudi Arabia's regional political gravitas and its strategy to counter Iran's diminishing so-called axis of resistance proxies through Damascus made the visit mutually beneficial for both parties.
Riyadh is looking to play an increasingly important role in shaping the political nature of Syria following the downfall of Assad in December.
On Thursday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Defense Minister Khaled bin Salman, along with other senior officials, welcomed the Syrian delegation.
"In many ways, Saudi Arabia constitutes the new center of gravity in the Middle East in terms of influence, resources and power projection," said Mona Yacoubian, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa center at the United States Institute of Peace.
