Bahrain names its first ambassador to Syria in over a decade

BEIRUT — Bahrain appointed connected Thursday its archetypal ambassador to Syria successful much than a decade, the land nation’s authorities quality bureau reported, the latest motion of a stepped-up outreach to Damascus by Gulf Arab countries.

The decree by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa came arsenic much Arab countries are improving relations with Damascus astir 11 years since the outbreak of Syria’s civilian warfare that has killed hundreds of thousands and destroyed ample parts of the country.

Early successful the conflict, Arab states similar Saudi Arabia and Qatar rushed to backmost Sunni fighters battling President Bashar Assad’s forces. Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League successful 2011. Arab countries sanctioned Damascus and condemned its usage of subject unit against civilians.

In caller years, however, the Syrian service has won a bid of cardinal subject victories with the assistance of Russia and Iran.

The Bahrain News Agency said the king appointed Waheed Mubarak Sayyar arsenic the kingdom’s “ambassador bonzer and plenipotentiary to Syria.” The embassy of Bahrain was reopened successful Damascus successful 2018.

The overseas curate of the United Arab Emirates visited Damascus past period and met with Assad, sending the clearest awesome yet that the Arab satellite is consenting to re-engage with Syria’s strongman.

Most Gulf countries, astatine likelihood with determination rival and Shiite powerhouse Iran, question warmer ties with Damascus, hoping to peel it distant from Tehran’s influence. Iran is simply a accepted state of Syria and has sent advisers and resources to backmost Assad during the struggle that broke retired successful March 2011.