Arab nations welcome Syria back into fold after years of isolation.

Arab countries are gradually welcoming Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime back into the fold, legitimizing his rule over the war-wrecked country. Despite not yet controlling all of Syria, Assad's victory in the civil war has led to Arab acceptance. The rehabilitation sends a message to the opposition that Assad will triumph in the end and that their foreign backers will betray them. Assad hopes normalization with wealthy Gulf states could bring economic relief and money for reconstruction, but US sanctions will continue to deter investment.