Syrian Interim President Visits US for Landmark Talks with Trump

Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has arrived in the United States for a historic diplomatic visit, marking a significant development in US-Syrian relations. Al-Sharaa's arrival follows a series of policy shifts, including the removal of US terrorism sanctions, and sets the stage for a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

This visit represents the first official engagement by a Syrian head of state in Washington since Syria's independence in 1946. It comes less than a year after the overthrow of former leader Bashar al-Assad and during a period of major political transition in Syria.

The United States government, in coordination with the United Nations Security Council, recently lifted sanctions against al-Sharaa and his administration. Previously, al-Sharaa was the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda and designated as a terrorist organization. Following Assad's removal in December 2024, the US rescinded a $10 million reward for al-Sharaa's capture, indicating a reassessment of its stance toward Syria's new leadership.

In May, President Trump issued an executive order to terminate American sanctions on Syria, aiming to facilitate economic recovery in the war-torn country. The two leaders first met in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, initiating a dialogue after decades of minimal official contact between their nations. Al-Sharaa also addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, becoming the first Syrian president to do so in several decades.

The primary focus of al-Sharaa's visit is to engage in direct talks with President Trump at the White House. US officials have indicated that discussions will center on regional security, with the possibility of Syria joining the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group. Sources in Syria have suggested that Washington is considering the establishment of a military base near Damascus, intended to coordinate humanitarian assistance and monitor developments in the region, particularly regarding Syria's interactions with neighboring Israel.

Another key agenda item is Syria's post-conflict reconstruction. Al-Sharaa is expected to seek financial support from the United States to aid in rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the economy. The World Bank has estimated the cost of reconstruction in Syria at $216 billion, describing this figure as a conservative assessment. Securing international funding is seen as vital to address the widespread devastation caused by over a decade of civil conflict.

Since the transition of power in December 2024, Syria's interim administration has emphasized a commitment to moderating its policies and fostering inclusivity among the nation's diverse communities. Al-Sharaa's government has expressed intentions to move away from its previous militant affiliations and strengthen ties with Western countries. However, the country continues to face challenges, including incidents of sectarian violence among minority groups and reports of targeted attacks in recent months. These ongoing issues highlight the difficulties Syria faces in achieving lasting peace and stability following years of internal conflict.

International observers are watching closely as Syria attempts to rejoin the global community and reshape its foreign relations. The outcome of al-Sharaa's meeting with Trump may have far-reaching implications for Syria's future diplomatic and economic prospects, as well as the broader stability of the Middle East.