During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Donald Trump, the iconoclast US president, announced the lifting of American sanctions on Syria. Having been urged to do so by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump made this phenomenal decision for Syria.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has engaged in a dialogue with Hezbollah over its arms. The Lebanese state and the president face a challenge. They need to disarm Hezbollah without clashing with the group and they need to be able to drive Israel out of Lebanon using diplomatic means.

Israel last week bombed Syrian military bases, claiming that it was a warning for Turkiye to keep its assets away. However, Tel Aviv does not understand that its belligerence only increases Syria’s need for Turkish protection.

While Damascus fell with minimal casualties in December, the last few days have proven that Syria is still prone to violence.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is due to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday. As did Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the new president of Syria, Aoun is making the Kingdom his first foreign destination to send a message and make a show of commitment: Lebanon is back in the Arab fold.