The story: In a landmark visit, Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (AbZ) has traveled to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has in recent years taken a series of steps to normalize relations with Syria. Egypt and Jordan have also signaled an intention to revive ties with Damascus—prompting objections from the United States.

The coverage: The Emirates News Agency (WAM) and the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) both published official statements on the meeting between AbZ and Assad...