Trump Meets Syria’s President a Day After Promise to Lift U.S. Sanctions

In a historic diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first high-level meeting between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years. This unprecedented encounter signifies a potential shift in U.S.-Syrian relations and the broader Middle East geopolitical landscape.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, born in Riyadh to a Syrian Sunni Muslim family, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially joining al-Qaeda in Iraq before the 2003 invasion, he later led the al-Nusra Front, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda. In 2016, al-Sharaa severed ties with al-Qaeda, rebranding himself as a revolutionary leader focused on Syria’s future. His leadership culminated in the 2024 offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to his assumption of power in December 2024. Since then, al-Sharaa has pledged to unify Syria, revive its economy, and establish an inclusive government, earning support from regional powers like Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. However, his past associations and the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn nation present significant obstacles. (reuters.com)

During the meeting, President Trump praised al-Sharaa’s leadership and announced the lifting of longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria. This decision is contingent upon Syria’s commitment to normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Trump emphasized the importance of Syria recognizing Israel, expelling foreign terrorists, and assuming control of Islamic State detention centers currently managed by Kurdish-led forces. These conditions aim to stabilize the region and integrate Syria into the international community. (apnews.com)

The U.S. administration’s decision to engage with al-Sharaa reflects a strategic shift in Middle East policy. Encouraged by Saudi and Turkish leaders, President Trump has taken steps to counterbalance Iranian influence in the region by supporting Syria’s new government. This approach aligns with broader efforts to reshape alliances and promote stability in the Middle East. (ft.com)

Despite these developments, challenges remain. Israel views al-Sharaa’s regime with suspicion due to his militant past, raising concerns about potential threats along its border. Additionally, the international community remains cautious, awaiting concrete actions from Syria to fulfill the conditions set forth by the United States. The success of this diplomatic engagement will depend on Syria’s ability to implement reforms, foster inclusivity, and rebuild its war-torn infrastructure. (ft.com)

In conclusion, the meeting between President Trump and President al-Sharaa represents a significant milestone in U.S.-Syrian relations. While it opens the door for potential cooperation and regional stability, the path forward will require careful diplomacy, mutual trust, and a commitment to peace and reconstruction in Syria.