With eye on ally Iran’s turmoil, Syria looks for better ties with US and moderate Arabs

BEIRUT — Syria’s leader sent a July 4 message full of praise to President Barack Obama on Friday and invited him to visit Syria — the latest signs Damascus is hedging its bets in Mideast politics, warming up to its rival the United States at a time when its longtime ally Iran is in turmoil.

Syrian president praises Obama’s outreach for dialogue, invites him to Damascus

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria’s leader praised President Barack Obama’s outreach for dialogue and invited him to visit Damascus in remarks released Friday just days after the United States said it plans to return its ambassador to Syria after a four year absence.

Syria criticizes renewal of US sanctions, urges Washington to abandon ‘foolish policies’

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria rejected the Obama administration’s decision to renew economic and diplomatic sanctions against Damascus and urged Washington to abandon “foolish policies,” a state-run newspaper reported Sunday.

Report: Syria criticizes renewal of US sanctions, urges US to abandoned ‘foolish polices’

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria rejected the Obama administration’s decision to renew economic and diplomatic sanctions against Damascus and urged Washington to abandon “foolish polices,” a state-run newspaper reported Sunday.