While trying to resolve conflict in Sudan, League's readmission of Assad regime marks controversial turning point in war-torn nation's diplomatic status

Damascus partakes in preparatory session for Arab League summit, a significant step toward regional reintegration following its suspension from body at start of 2011 civil war

Analysts suggest Damascus's former allies have recognized that 12 years of shutting Assad out had little practical effect on conflict

Top Republican and Democrat on key congressional panel call for sanctions to be slapped on countries that normalize with Assad, but State Department plays down rift

Several members, including Qatar, do not attend Cairo meeting; decision also includes commitment to dialogue aimed at reaching political solution to conflict

Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi believes there are enough votes for Damascus to return to body; talks will also focus on Sudan and 'recent events' in Israel, West Bank, Gaza

FM Safadi says Arab envoys discussed Syria's humanitarian needs, especially post-earthquake, plus drug smuggling and refugee crisis; won't comment on possible return to Arab League

Monday talks part of ongoing diplomatic activity seeking solution to Syrian Civil War, ending Damascus's pariah status in Arab world

After Saudi Arabia summit, top diplomats vow to pursue deal to end Syrian Civil War, slam Israeli police raids at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Closed meeting will take place Thursday at request of UAE, the Arab League's representative on the top UN panel; US expresses 'extreme concern' over Israeli-Palestinian tensions