New geopolitical realities have highlighted the divide between European and Arab powers on the Syrian file. However, a common reference that can serve as a new starting point already exists.

Over the past century, several factors have contributed to the migration of Assyrians from their historic homeland. Rustum Mahmud highlights the five distinct stages of this displacement.

The de-escalation trend being driven by Arab states is undoubtedly an encouraging development for the region, but until the underlying root causes of instability are resolved, crises will continue.

The step-by-step approach to ending the crisis could possibly backfire, as happened in Lebanon with Hezbollah. Wider international support may help.

Both leaders used their platform in Jeddah to deliver subtle messages to their allies and enemies

Arab states will refrain from intervening in internal Arab conflicts but will help facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties as the sole means for conflict resolution

A notable feature of this year's Arab summit is that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be attending for the first time since 2011

Exploration of the options available to Arab nationalists pursuing their perceived best interests across the Gulf prior to the birth of the Syrian state

Syria may receive rehabilitation from regional actors, however, it still faces isolation and continued punitive measures from the West at large

Amid Arab normalisation with Syria and Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, regional stakeholders will be closely watching how the situation unfolds and how regional dynamics evolve