Will Assad be brought back into the Arab fold?

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad looks set to remain in office for a fourth seven-year term in elections yesterday that have been widely criticized by US and European observers, Bloombergreports. But a broader regional realignment centered on tempering regional conflict and countering Iran’s influence could see Arab leaders warm up to Assad — with some saying Syria may even soon be invited to rejoin the Arab League.

Also worth knowing this morning: The EU is at least partially responsible for migrant deaths in the Mediterranean after several European governments deliberately hindered humanitarian groups’ efforts at sea and scaled back their own search and rescue operations, according to a new UN OHCHR report (pdf).