In defiance of the US, Arab countries want to rehabilitate Syria's pariah ruler.

Arab nations are set to re-admit Syria into the Arab League despite repeated objections from the United States. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi believes there are enough votes among Arab League members for Syria to return, adding that Jordan has kept the US informed in its efforts to rebuild ties with the regime. Officials and analysts have said that Syria’s re-admission into the Arab League could pave the way for President Bashar Al Assad’s rehabilitation internationally and potentially the removal of crippling sanctions against his regime. However, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel has made it clear that Washington is not on board with such plans. The US has made it clear to its partners that a political solution outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254 is the only viable solution to the conflict in Syria.

Arab states have argued that the status quo in Syria is untenable and has caused them a headache at home. In the absence of progress from the international community, Arab states have insisted on finding a regional solution, even if that means making peace with a leader whose regime has been accused of egregious war crimes. Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki said that the May 19 summit is a step on the road towards finding and activating Arab solutions to Arab problems and crises.