So it is true that Syria suffers from instability and a terrible economic situation, but no matter how you look at it, the Assad regime is slowly making its way back to the Middle East discourse. After a decade in which most countries in the region (and the world) have ignored it, there is a reality that needs to be addressed.

In the Arab world, there is a trend of rapprochement or at least explorations of rapprochement with the Assad regime. Saudi Arabia and the Emirates have been in contact with Assad and his representatives for some time. Jordan is expected to reopen the border crossing between the countries this week and with Cairo there are pretty good relations overall.

Even Turkey, Syria's biggest rival in the last decade, is looking for channels of dialogue. There are reports that intelligence chiefs from the two countries are expected to hold a summit meeting between them in the coming days in Baghdad. Judging by the rate of denials about such a meeting from Damascus and Ankara, it seems that it is indeed on the agenda…

Beyond that, of course, we must remember the American tendency to approve the transfer of gas and electricity from Egypt and Jordan to Lebanon via Syria. In such a case, the Biden administration would grant an exemption from the sanctions on Syria (Caesar's law) and all in order to curb Iranian influence. This precedent could open the door to further relief in the future.