Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa has arrived in the United States for high-level talks with President Donald Trump, following the recent lifting of sanctions against him. This visit marks a significant shift in US-Syria relations after years of conflict and isolation.
Sharaa’s arrival in Washington late on Saturday comes as Syria announced a large-scale security operation targeting Islamic State cells across the country. Syrian authorities reported arresting 71 suspects and seizing weapons and explosives in raids conducted in several provinces, including Aleppo and Idlib. These efforts are part of broader counterterrorism initiatives that are expected to be a key topic in discussions with US officials. The operations aim to bolster stability in regions still grappling with extremist threats, underscoring the government’s commitment to security.
The Syrian president is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Monday, in what analysts note is the first such visit by a Syrian leader since the country’s independence in 1946. This follows their initial meeting in Riyadh in May, where Trump described Sharaa as a “tough guy” with a “very strong past.” The visit underscores Washington’s interest in enlisting Damascus in its coalition against ISIL, reflecting a strategic pivot in Middle East diplomacy. It also signals a potential normalization of ties after decades of estrangement.
Just two days before Sharaa’s arrival, the US formally revoked his status as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the UN Security Council backed a resolution to lift sanctions against him. The Treasury Department stated that this decision recognized “the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership,” paving the way for renewed diplomatic engagement. This move reverses long-standing measures that had isolated Syria, highlighting a gradual easing of restrictions under Trump’s administration. The sanctions relief is seen as a reward for Sharaa’s efforts to distance himself from extremist affiliations.
Sharaa, who once led Syria’s offshoot of al-Qaeda under the alias Muhammad al-Jawlani, broke away from the network in 2016 and has since sought to position himself as a moderate leader. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was delisted as a terrorist organization by the US earlier this year, reflecting a reassessment of his role in post-Assad Syria. Previously subject to a $10 million American bounty, Sharaa’s transformation from Islamist militant to head of state illustrates the complex evolution of Syria’s political landscape. His background, including time imprisoned by US forces, adds layers to the current diplomatic overtures.
The talks are also expected to address Syria’s massive reconstruction needs, with the World Bank estimating costs at over $216 billion after 13 years of civil war. Sharaa has appealed for international support, emphasizing Syria’s efforts to “reclaim its rightful place among the nations of the world” during his UN General Assembly speech in September. Rebuilding infrastructure, economy, and social systems remains a daunting task, requiring substantial foreign investment and aid. The US and other nations may condition support on further reforms and stability measures.
Additionally, reports suggest that Washington is preparing to establish a military presence at a Damascus airbase to facilitate a security pact between Syria and Israel, though Syrian officials have denied these claims. Such moves highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as the US navigates its Middle East strategy, balancing counterterrorism goals with regional alliances. If realized, this could enhance coordination against common threats but also risks provoking tensions with other actors in the area.
Despite Sharaa’s assurances of leading an inclusive government, challenges remain, including ethnic tensions and ongoing violence between Sunni Bedouin and Druze militias. The success of his administration in stabilizing Syria will be crucial for securing long-term international backing and ensuring regional security. As Sharaa and Trump prepare to meet, the outcome of their discussions could shape not only bilateral relations but also the broader fight against terrorism and efforts to rebuild a war-torn nation. This visit represents a pivotal moment in Syria’s transition from conflict to potential reconciliation.
