Russia Acts as Mediator for Possible Saudi-Syria Reconciliation, Excluding US in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia and Syria are in talks to restore diplomatic ties and reach détente, with negotiations being mediated by Russia. The two nations have been on opposing sides of the Syrian civil war, with Saudi Arabia supporting anti-Assad factions. The talks come shortly after China brokered a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which were also on opposing sides of the Syrian conflict. If an agreement is reached, it would be a significant move towards reintegrating Syria and its leader Bashar al-Assad into the wider region following the decade-long civil war. The US would be on the sidelines amid another politically significant development in West Asia. Officials from both nations wish to conclude the deal when Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister visits Damascus after Eid al-Fitr in late April. Syria is talking to several partners in the region aiming to end a decade of isolation. It should be noted that Russia is cementing its position in the Arab world and challenging Western influence in the region.