Syria is eight years into its civil conflict, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and displaced, its infrastructure in ruins, and yet President Bashar al-Assad still clings onto power. Now that President Trump has decided to withdraw all US military from Syria, there’s an opportunity for influence in the region. So why are countries trying to renormalize relations with the besieged Assad government, and what’s the bigger picture? Phil and Cooper break it down for you. Also, Erdogan’s green new deal.

• Jordan, Syria make headway in resuming normal ties (Osama al Sharif)
• Iran media on Bashir trip to Syria: Arab states have accepted reality of Assad
• EU says it’s premature for Syria to rejoin Arab League (Ahmed Aleem)
• Tunisia joins Arab efforts to mend ties with Syria’s Assad (Amel al-Hilali)
  
• If US backtracks in Syria, Iraq hopes to fill its shoes (Mustafa Saadoun)
• Gulf states slowly warm to Damascus (Giorgio Cafiero)
• US-Gulf tensions mount over restrictions on Syria reconstruction (Giorgio Cafiero)
• Assad’s reconciliation with Arab world could upend Turkey’s plans (Semih Idiz)
• Erdogan's newfound love for cannabis (Pinar Tremblay)
  

Music: Assala Nasri - "Ya Magnon" (Spotify | iTunes)