Syria’s president returns to Arab League after years of spin and war crimes denial. Plus covering Ecuador’s narco trade.

Syria’s president returns to Arab League after years of spin and war crimes denial. Plus covering Ecuador’s narco trade.
The billions of dollars Syria’s al-Assad is believed to be making from Captagon have given him a financial lifeline.
Syrian president attends first regional bloc summit since suspension over crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011.
After 12 years of civil war and government crackdowns in Syria, the Arab League has reinstated the country.
There have been warm welcomes and scepticism, but most countries have opted for a muted response.
Ties with Damascus are being normalised, as the bloc hopes for an ‘Arab-led political path’ to solve the Syrian crisis.
Discussions among regional foreign ministers in Jeddah will include Syria’s suspension from the Arab League.
The trip – al-Assad’s second to the oil-rich country in as many years – comes after a visit to Oman last month.
The closing declaration of the Arab leaders’ summit reflects a regional divide on friendly relations with Israel.
Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman and UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed will however not attend the Algiers summit.
Saudi Arabia offered no immediate acknowledgment of Algeria’s comments about Prince Mohammed’s condition.
The first Arab summit since the pandemic began is being delayed again because of rising coronavirus cases.
Assistant Secretary-General Zaki says he is willing to go to Saudi Arabia to help resolve the diplomatic crisis.
The two groups and Saudi Arabia decry the diplomatic rift and ask the North African rivals to resolve the conflict.