Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. Tread Cautiously With Syria’s New Leaders

For decades, Syria was Iran’s closest Arab ally in the Middle East, but with the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates see an opportunity to develop ties with the new government in Damascus. Concerns about Islamist factions in Syria, including their past affiliation with Al Qaeda, have led the Gulf nations to approach the situation cautiously, as they aim to support a government that is inclusive and tolerant of diverse sects to preserve stability in the region. Despite their past opposition to the Assad regime, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have shifted their attitudes, engaging with Assad’s administration as a means to counterbalance Iran’s influence in the Middle East.

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