For a long time, Syria was Iran's best friend in the Arab world while rich Gulf countries competed with Tehran. But with dictator Bashar al-Assad suddenly gone, Iran's out, and the Gulf states see a chance to step in. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being careful, though. The biggest rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is linked to Al Qaeda. These Gulf nations have fought hard against political Islam, including groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. They don't want to get mixed up with the wrong crowd.

The Gulf states have a history of trying to block political Islam. They've opposed groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, too. Now, with Syria in flux, they're watching closely. They want to build ties with the new government in Damascus, but they don't want to jerk Iran's chain either. It's a delicate balance.

You might wonder why they're hesitating. After all, they've supported rebels in Syria before. But this new group has a tainted past. They used to be part of Al Qaeda. That's a big red flag for Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They don't want to back a government that could turn on them—or worse, turn into something they can't control.

The Gulf states are experts at playing politics. They know how to make friends and enemies. But in Syria, things are different. They're treading lightly, trying to find the right moment to make their move. They want Syria to open up, to be a place they can do business with. But they don't want to rush in and get burned.

It's a tricky game. The Gulf states want to gain influence in Syria, but not at the cost of their own safety. They're looking at the bigger picture. They don't want to create more problems than they solve. It's all about timing and strategy.

So, they wait. They watch. And they plan their next move. It's a careful dance, full of twists and turns. But that's politics in the Middle East. Things aren't always as simple as they seem.

Syria's Shift: Gulf Nations Watch Warily

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