UAE calls Arab countries to readmit Syria into Arab League. Syria’s relations with other Arab states have been severely damaged due to civil war. Even UAE criticized US sanctions “making the matter difficult”. The coronavirus is far more widespread in the country than international community is informed and millions of Syrians also lack access to sufficient food.
Syria is left with little choice but to accept any humanitarian aids. Syria’s war-torn economy is in crisis and worsened by the pandemic. Moreover, the key partner Lebanon own economy is also collapsed. Thus, makes it even harder.
Therefore, it pushes Damascus to seek deeper and broader ties with UAE. UN estimates that $500 billion is required to reconstruct the war-torn country. It is clear that Iran or Russia cannot fill this gap alone. In that regard, Damascus intends to deepen the relations. That is what UAE wants. Through the humanitarian aid, UAE intends to increase its influence in Syria and offset Iranian aid projects designed to entrench Iranian power among Syrian elites.
All these effort and politics might prompt Iran to move direct interfere in Syrian internal politics. While UAE has the financial resources to improve its position by helping the fight against Covid as well as food assist, Iran might use its political position to strengthen its position in Syria. Iran also might use Shia Islam influence in the country to recruit militias.
