Matthew Miller, the newly appointed spokesperson for the US State Department, restated the Biden administration's opposition to the normalization of relations with the Syrian regime, following Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's attendance at the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia. The Arab League had suspended Syria's membership for 12 years due to the regime's brutal repression and use of chemical weapons.

Miller reiterated the United States' disapproval of Syria's readmission into the Arab League and emphasized that this stance was conveyed to regional partners. However, he clarified that this disagreement did not disrupt the relationship between the US and its Arab allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, which hosted the summit and played a significant role in Syria's reinstatement.

The US State Department spokesperson underscored the importance of demanding progress on key issues of concern, such as the trafficking of Captagon and humanitarian concerns, if Arab countries engage or resume engagement with the Syrian regime. Captagon, an addictive stimulant, is widely produced in Syria and smuggled to Gulf states, posing significant challenges in the region.

Despite differences over the Syrian regime's readmission, the United States and Saudi Arabia maintain a cooperative relationship that extends beyond the Syria issue. This collaboration encompasses various areas, including efforts to address Ukraine's conflict with Russia and endeavors to mitigate the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Miller emphasized that the US and Saudi Arabia share a recognition of the necessity to collaborate in advancing common goals in the Middle East and beyond. While expressing their opposition to the normalization of relations with the Syrian regime, the two countries understand the importance of working together to tackle regional challenges and promote stability.

The Biden administration remains steadfast in its stance against the Syrian regime and its ongoing human rights violations. By conveying their disapproval of Syria's readmission to the Arab League, the United States reaffirms its commitment to holding the regime accountable for its actions and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict.

The cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia extends to multiple areas of mutual interest and concern, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability and progress. Despite differences on specific issues, the ongoing partnership underscores the broader strategic alliance between the two countries.

As the US State Department continues to engage with regional partners, it remains dedicated to promoting human rights, addressing humanitarian concerns, and working towards a peaceful and stable Middle East. The Biden administration's opposition to the normalization of relations with the Syrian regime serves as a clear message of their commitment to these principles.

By Kobin Ferhad