Jordan Calls for Syria's Return to Arab League at Algeria Summit

Christmas decoration seen in Damascus, Syria. (AFP)
Christmas decoration seen in Damascus, Syria. (AFP)
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Jordan Calls for Syria's Return to Arab League at Algeria Summit

Christmas decoration seen in Damascus, Syria. (AFP)
Christmas decoration seen in Damascus, Syria. (AFP)

Jordan's parliament Speaker Abdul Karim al-Daghmi called for Syria to be fully reinstated to the Arab League during the upcoming summit in Algeria.

"We, as the Arab Parliament, must put pressure on our governments and ask our leaders to green-light Syria's return to the Arab League when next summit convenes in Algeria, and to allow its delegation to participate in the Arab Parliament sessions as well," Daghmi said during a press conference on the sidelines of a session of the Arab Parliament in Amman on Thursday.

The next Arab summit is scheduled to be hel in Algeria in March.

"It is now high time for Syria to return to its Arab origins and rejoin the Arab League," said Daghmi, adding: "We must build on victories achieved by our brethren in Syria and Iraq over terrorist groups, step up our efforts in support of the unity, and security and stability of our nations as well as the territorial integrity of our countries."

In October, Jordan's King Abdullah II received a call from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the first conversation between the two leaders since the war erupted in Syria.

Observers believe the phone call signals the beginning of the end of Damascus' diplomatic isolation with Arab states.

Jordanian authorities recently reopened the Jaber-Nassib border crossing with Syria for travelers and cargo after about two months of its closure due to a limited military escalation in Syria's southern Daraa governorate.

Arab countries have been slowly restoring relations with Syria in recent years years.

The UAE has been at the forefront of efforts by some Arab states to normalize ties with Damascus and earlier this year called for Syria to be readmitted to the Arab League. After seven years of diplomatic estrangement, it reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018.

The UAE's foreign minister confirmed months ago that Syria's return to the Arab League is in its interest and the interest of other countries in the region.

The Arab League suspended Syria's membership after the outbreak of the war in 2011. Several Arab states cut ties with Damascus, including the UAE, while others, including Jordan, maintained limited relations, except Oman.

Syria has denounced the move as "illegal and a violation of the organization's charter."



Senior Israeli Official: Al-Sharaa Is Clearly Our Enemy

Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
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Senior Israeli Official: Al-Sharaa Is Clearly Our Enemy

Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)

A senior Israeli official warned on Tuesday that the growing understandings between Syria and Türkiye could restrict Israel's operational freedom in Syria.

Regarding Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Haaretz newspaper quoted the senior official as saying, “He is a classic Islamist and clearly our enemy – without a doubt.”

The official added, "This is a strategic asset we must preserve. Türkiye’s goal is to limit Israeli activity in Syria. We have no interest in confrontation, but we won't give up our positions either."

The senior official also addressed the Israeli Army operations in Syria, stating, “We have full backing from the US president.”

Regarding the possibility of Türkiye establishing a base in Syria, he said, “We don't believe Erdogan will be the one to provide the funding.”

Lately, Israeli officials have voiced concerns over reports that Türkiye is considering establishing a military base in Syria.

Israeli security sources said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations to discuss concerns over Turkish influence in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime, and is trying to portray a confrontation with Ankara as inevitable.

The Hebrew website Walla, citing security sources, said Syria is holding contacts with Türkiye regarding the transfer of areas near Palmyra (central Syria) to the Turkish army in exchange for economic and military support for Damascus. This development sparked significant Israeli concerns, the sources said.
They noted that the new Syrian regime is working to restore military bases and enhance missile and defense capabilities in the south, near Israel.

Last Thursday, a Turkish Ministry of Defense source confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat reports about plans to establish a military base in Syria.

The source, who requested anonymity, said Türkiye is evaluating, in line with the new Syrian government's requests, the possibility of setting up a training base to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian military.

This statement was made in response to questions during a weekly press briefing by the Turkish Ministry of Defense, addressing recent reports regarding the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Palmyra, Homs province, and an airbase at the Menagh Military Airport in Aleppo province.

“All our activities in Syria are coordinated in advance with the relevant parties, and all necessary security measures are taken,” the source added.

Earlier last month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will defend itself against any threat from Syria, while vowing the military will continue working to keep southern Syria demilitarized.

“We will ensure that southern Syria remains demilitarized and free of threats, and we will protect the local Druze population - anyone who does harm to them will face out response,” he wrote on his X page.