Press Hails “US Policy Change”

PRESS REVIEW BY BBC MONITORING ON 5 APRIL

The Middle East press hails the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi as marking a shift in Washington’s policy, following talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Two Syrian papers stress what they say is Damascus’ commitment to dialogue, while the wider Arab press says the US has at last realised that its policies may not bear fruit.

Another paper urges Arabs to take a step further and form a national alliance to boost its position in the face of Israel and the US administration.

AHMAD HAMADAH IN SYRIA’S GOVERNMENT-OWNED AL-THAWRAH

Pelosi realised that a change in the USA’s political approach to the issues of the region was needed in the interests of her people… In fact the visit made Pelosi feel keenly Syria’s true desire for serious dialogue with any international party to achieve security and stability in the region.

IZZ-AL-DIN AL-DARWISH IN SYRIA’S GOVERNMENT-OWNED TISHRIN

It is natural for Syria to tell the honourable US guest that dialogue is the common language of understanding among peoples and peace is the quickest way of solving problems … For Syria, dialogue with the American side is a means, not an end.

EGYPT’S PRO-GOVERNMENT AL-AKHBAR

The visit … underlines a realisation, however late, that the policy of imposing blockade and isolation on the active sides that are involved in the region will not bear fruit but may on the contrary have negative effects.

SAUDI ARABIA’S ARAB NATIONALIST AL-JAZIRAH

Pelosi’s visit to Damascus is an important indication of the opposition to the US Administration’s policy in dealing with some regional and international issues, including Syria.

IBRAHIM NAFI IN EGYPT’S PRO-GOVERNMENT AL-AHRAM

I see the US House of Representatives speaker’s visit to Syrian as an important step as it puts an end to the state of boycott imposed by the US Administration on Syria.

JORDAN’S INDEPENDENT AL-DUSTUR

In the light of [Pelosi's] important visit, the Arab initiative should take the shape of a strong national alliance, not just a political offer that can be accepted or rejected by Israel and the current US Administration.

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