Russia Mediates Potential Saudi-Syria Detente, Sidelining US in West Asia

West Asian nations Saudi Arabia and Syria could sign an agreement that will restore diplomatic ties and help reach détente between both nations whose ties have been strained since 2011 when Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Syria due to the Syrian civil war. Saudi Arabia and Syria have been on the opposite sides of the conflict with the former supporting anti-Assad factions, leading to downgrading of ties since 2011. The recent negotiations have been mediated by Russia, news agencies reported citing Saudi and Syrian officials familiar with the developments. This development comes shortly after China brokered a peace deal…