The story: The Arab League has decided to reinstate Syria, some 12 years after suspending its membership over a crackdown on protests and the ensuing civil war. Iran, a key ally of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, has welcomed the move. This comes amid a thaw in both Iranian and Syrian relations with Arab states—particularly Saudi Arabia, which has resumed operations at its Damascus embassy and is set to do the same in Tehran.

The coverage: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani on May 8 hailed the Arab League's decision to readmit Syria.

•  Kanani said "addressing differences among Muslim countries" contributes to regional peace and "reduces" foreign interference in the region.
  
  
• The decision to bring Syria back into the fold was made behind closed doors at a meeting of the Arab League in...