Red carpet for Assad in Bahrain raises eyebrows internationally

In a move that has drawn international attention and criticism, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was welcomed with open arms at the Arab League summit held in Manama, Bahrain.

This marks a significant moment as Assad, often referred to pejoratively as the 'butcher of Damascus' due to his role in the Syrian civil war, takes part in high-level discussions despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in his country.

The thirty-third session of the Arab League, which convened on Thursday in Bahrain's capital, Manama, saw the participation of various Arab leaders, including President Assad. The summit's agenda primarily focuses on regional issues, with a predictable emphasis on the role of Israel in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Remarkably absent from the summit's agenda are discussions on the Syrian civil war's devastating impact, which has resulted in approximately half a million deaths and displaced millions of people.

These omissions highlight a contentious aspect of the summit, as many international observers criticize the Arab League for overlooking the atrocities committed by Assad's regime.

The survival of Assad's Alawite-led government is largely attributed to the substantial support it receives from Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. This backing has enabled Assad to maintain his grip on power despite widespread condemnation and sanctions from the global community.

The warm reception afforded to Assad at the summit has sparked outrage among human rights groups and governments alike. Critics argue that rolling out the red carpet for Assad not only undermines the international efforts to hold him accountable for his actions but also sends a disconcerting message about the priorities of the Arab League.