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President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia for the first stop of his multi-nation trip, as Syria’s new leadership signals interest in talks to restore relations between the two countries.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will not attend the Arab League Summit in Baghdad this weekend, Syrian state media said on Monday, after Iraq's invitation spurred controversy over the rebel-turned-leader's potential return to a country where he fought and was jailed.

The new government has pledged to unify Syria after overthrowing the Assad dictatorship. One of its biggest challenges is persistent sectarian violence.

The sectarian violence involving Islamist factions, security forces and Druze gunmen is another sign of the fragile security situation.

The fall of the Assad regime late last year renewed hope that the journalist kidnapped more than a decade ago would be found alive.

Attacks on the Druze by Islamist gunmen backing the new Syrian government have pushed some in the community to welcome Israeli promises of protection.

Half Syria's population was forced to move during the civil war. How many will return home now? And what will they find?

Regional allies Turkey, Israel and Saudi Arabia offer conflicting advice.