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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (right) greets his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al Assad during a welcoming ceremony in Tehran. Image Credit: AFP

It is unquestionable that Syria has a role to play in the region as it is a power that can have a positive input on major issues. If a constructive proactive approach is adopted, then progress can be made on a number of problems that the region is attempting to resolve.

A recent summit in Tehran between Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad looked into strengthening ties between the two nations. The two sides also discussed the means for improving the bloc of anti-Israeli resistance movement as well as regional developments in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

There are many fronts on which Syria could play an influential role given its position within the Arab world. In fact, it perhaps holds the key to enabling resolutions on many issues including the situation in Iraq, Lebanon, as well with regards to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is being said not only because of the country's involvement historically in all these issues but also because of its close relations with Iran.

Unquestionably, there has to be a balancing act which needs to be played out between various camps. Yet in any rapprochement, the Arab agenda should always take preference and precedence.