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¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ has emerged as a central player in efforts to address some of the most pressing regional issues affecting the Middle East, which signals a profound shift in its foreign policy approach.
Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is no longer content to operate in the shadows of American diplomacy or maintain a reactive posture. Instead, it is taking proactive steps to redefine its role as a much-needed stabilizing force in the region.
This new approach is particularly evident in recent engagements with Lebanon and post-Assad Syria, with Riyadh positioning itself as a key guarantor of peace and normalization, and as a broker for regional stability.
One of the clearest examples of an evolving Saudi foreign policy is its leadership in Gulf states' rapprochement with Syria. After more than a decade of civil war, the country remains fractured and unstable. The fall of Bashar Assad’s regime has given way to a new government led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa, which is now in full control and playing its cards very carefully.
Recognizing the need for pragmatic engagement with the new authorities, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ has spearheaded efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab League fold, a move that reflects a strategic pivot from isolation to integration.
This shift is not without controversy. Critics argue that reengagement with Syria risks legitimization of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of conflict and external influence. However, the Saudi calculus is clear: The continued isolation of Syria will do little to alleviate the suffering of its people.

Riyadh offers a promising framework for addressing complex crises that have long plagued the Middle East.

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

By leading the Gulf states in the process of normalizing ties with Damascus, Riyadh aims to bring the reconstruction of Syria under the purview of Arab states rather than of external powers.
The Kingdom’s leadership role in this underscores its commitment to fostering a new regional order in which Arab states take the lead in efforts to resolve their own crises.
In Lebanon, too, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ has reemerged as a significant player in the country’s political dynamics. For years, Riyadh distanced itself, frustrated by the outsized influence of Hezbollah.
However, Lebanon’s deepening political and economic crises — exacerbated by a prolonged presidential vacuum that was finally resolved this month — prompted the Saudis to reengage. This renewed interaction has been instrumental in shaping the political landscape as Lebanon elects a new president and hopes to implement much-needed reforms.
The Saudi involvement has been particularly evident in the form of behind-the-scenes diplomacy intended to help build consensus among Lebanon’s fractured political factions. Riyadh’s influence was also felt through its support for a French initiative to resolve the political deadlock in the country, signaling a willingness to work collaboratively with international partners.
While ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s renewed engagement in Lebanon is still unfolding, its proactive role is already helping to reshape the political calculus in Beirut. By reasserting its influence, Riyadh hopes to foster a more balanced political environment that is conducive to stability and economic recovery.
The Kingdom’s active roles in Syria and Lebanon are emblematic of a broader shift in its regional strategy. Under King Salman and the crown prince, the nation has moved away from its historically cautious and reactive foreign policy to embrace a more assertive and dynamic approach.
This shift reflects both recognition of changing geopolitical realities and a desire to position ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ as a leader in the Arab world.
One of the key drivers of this transformation is the Saudi Vision 2030 project, which represents an ambitious blueprint for economic diversification and modernization. A stable and prosperous Middle East is crucial for the success of this vision, because regional instability poses significant risks to ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s economic ambitions. By taking a leading role in efforts to resolve regional conflicts, Riyadh seeks to create a more conducive environment for economic growth and investment.
Another factor in these developments is the recalibration of US policy regarding the Middle East. As Washington’s focus pivots toward Asia and it adopts a more hands-off approach to the region, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ has recognized the need to fill the vacuum of regional leadership. This has led the Kingdom to adopt a more independent and self-reliant foreign policy, characterized by pragmatic engagement with former adversaries and greater willingness to take calculated risks.
While such a proactive regional role offers significant opportunities, it also comes with challenges. In Syria, the path to normalization is fraught with complexities, including the return of refugees and the reconstruction of a war-torn country.
In Lebanon, Riyadh’s efforts to counter the influence of Hezbollah is likely to face resistance, given the entrenched position of the group within Lebanese politics.
Balancing these competing priorities will require careful and skillful diplomacy, as well as a willingness to adapt to evolving circumstances.
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s increasing leadership role in efforts to address pressing regional issues marks a significant turning point in its foreign policy. By taking proactive roles in Syria and Lebanon, the Kingdom is demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional stability and charting a new course for the Arab world.
While challenges remain, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s bold approach offers a promising framework for addressing the complex and interrelated crises that have long plagued the Middle East. If successful, the Saudi leadership could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous region, with Riyadh firmly at its helm.
• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC. X: @AzeemIbrahim