Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Invited to UAE Climate Summit Amidst Western Opposition
In a move that has raised eyebrows and stirred controversy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the upcoming COP28 climate summit scheduled to be held at the end of the year. This invitation puts Assad in a potentially uncomfortable position, as he may find himself in the same venue as Western leaders who have long opposed and sanctioned his regime.
The invitation was personally extended by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, as reported by the Syrian state news agency SANA. The UAE embassy in Damascus also confirmed the invitation through a tweet.
A spokesperson for COP28 emphasized the summit’s commitment to inclusivity and the aim to generate transformative solutions. They stated, “COP28 is committed to an inclusive COP process that produces transformational solutions. This can only happen if we have everyone in the room.” The event, set to take place in Dubai in December, is expected to host thousands of world leaders, diplomats, and dignitaries.
Interestingly, several Arab states, after isolating Assad for over a decade following his violent crackdown on street protests that escalated into a brutal civil war, are now showing signs of warming up to Syria once again. Bilateral diplomatic relations gained momentum in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey on February 6. Furthermore, the Arab League recently readmitted Syria, and Saudi Arabia extended an invitation to Assad to attend the League summit in Jeddah last week.
While Arab countries, including the UAE, actively seek to rebuild ties with Damascus, the United States remains skeptical and has voiced its opposition to Assad’s readmission to the Arab League. The US government has made it clear that it does not see the merit in allowing Assad back into the fold. The differing stances among regional and international powers regarding Syria’s reintegration continue to underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.