Skip to main content

Iran media on Bashir trip to Syria: Arab states have accepted reality of Assad

Iranian media believe that the Sudanese president's meeting with Bashar al-Assad is a sign that Arab countries are beginning to accept the reality on the ground in Syria.
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir walks with officials as he leaves the African Union (AU) summit in Nouakchott, Mauritania, July 2, 2018.  Ludovic Marin/Pool via Reuters - RC1D50433000

On Dec. 16, Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir became the first Arab leader to visit Syria since the civil war began seven years ago. From Syrian President Bashar al-Assad greeting Bashir at the airport to Bashir’s comments in support of Syria retaking its important place in the region, the meeting was heavily publicized by Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA. Officials said the purpose of the meeting, which lasted for one day at the presidential palace without the presence of journalists, was to discuss bilateral ties. However, such a meeting will have ramifications for Syria and Arab relations as well as for Syria’s long-time ally, Iran.

Iranian analyst Hassan Rostami wrote in Tasnim News Agency, “Under today’s situation, Omar al-Bashir’s trip to Damascus is of great importance.” The article noted that just eight months into Syria’s civil war, the Arab League suspended Syria, applied economic and political sanctions against Syria, and asked the Syrian army to lay down their arms against the opposition. Rostami says that after seven years, Bashir’s visit is taking place at a time when many Arab leaders are now “reconsidering their position of wanting the overthrow of the Syrian government.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.