Syria

The Arab world now has a chance to remake itself on a deeper level, writes Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, who was involved in the process as a deputy UN envoy to Syria, which is now back in the Arab fold.

Last month, the Arab League readmitted Syria after 12 years of regional isolation. But how did it get here? Al Majalla lays out the chronology of significant events that unfolded since 2011.

The recent sale of the famous Codex Sassoon at Sotheby's Auction House sheds light on other important Hebrew manuscripts. Interestingly, most of these texts settled in Syria but were stolen.

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