Syrian President Visits US for Historic Talks with Trump

Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited the US for talks with President Trump — the first Syrian leader to do so since 1946. The visit follows lifted sanctions and signals warming ties after Assad’s ouster. Al-Sharaa seeks US support for Syria’s $216 billion reconstruction amid ongoing sectarian violence and recovery from years of war.

Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for an official visit that marks a major diplomatic milestone between Washington and Damascus. His trip, which includes a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump next week, represents a gesture of political normalization that would have been considered impossible only a few years ago. The visit highlights a significant shift in US-Syrian relations following years of hostility and international isolation during the long civil conflict that devastated Syria.

Al-Sharaa’s arrival came just one day after the United States formally removed him from its terrorism sanctions list. This move followed the United Nations Security Council’s decision to lift similar sanctions, signaling growing international acceptance of the new Syrian leadership. The timing of both announcements underscores the rapid pace of diplomatic efforts aimed at reintegrating Syria into the global community.

Before assuming his current role, Ahmad al-Sharaa was the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a militant organization that was once affiliated with al-Qaeda, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and several other countries. Under al-Sharaa’s command, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham spearheaded the military campaign that overthrew the long-standing regime of Bashar Assad in December 2024, bringing an end to one of the most repressive governments in the Middle East.

Shortly after Assad’s fall, the United States lifted a $10 million (€8.6 million) reward that had been offered for al-Sharaa’s capture. The removal of that bounty was widely interpreted as a sign of Washington’s willingness to engage with Syria’s new leadership despite its controversial origins in a militant movement.

In May, President Trump signed an executive order officially ending American sanctions on Syria. The move was aimed at boosting the country’s war-ravaged economy and encouraging international investment. It also opened the door for renewed diplomatic contact between the two countries. On the sidelines of a regional summit in Saudi Arabia that same month, Trump and al-Sharaa met face-to-face for the first time, a historic encounter that laid the groundwork for closer cooperation.

Al-Sharaa made another significant appearance in September when he became the first Syrian president in decades to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His speech emphasized reconciliation, rebuilding, and Syria’s desire to play a constructive role in international affairs after years of conflict.

His current visit to Washington, however, carries even greater symbolic weight. It is the first official visit by a Syrian head of state to the White House since Syria gained independence in 1946, according to analysts who spoke to AFP. The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa, scheduled for Monday, is expected to focus on security cooperation, economic recovery, and regional stability.

Earlier this month, the US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, suggested that al-Sharaa might sign an agreement during the visit to formally join the US-led alliance against the Islamic State militant group. Such a step would represent a dramatic reversal from Syria’s past, when parts of the country were seen as a breeding ground for extremist activity.

A diplomatic source in Syria told AFP that Washington is also planning to establish a new military base near the Syrian capital, Damascus. According to the source, the base’s purpose would be to “coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor developments between Syria and Israel.” If confirmed, this would mark a major strategic move by the US in a region still fraught with tension.

Al-Sharaa is also expected to lobby for financial support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts. The World Bank has estimated the cost of rebuilding the country at $216 billion, calling that figure a “conservative best estimate.” Large parts of Syria’s infrastructure — including hospitals, schools, and housing — were destroyed during the country’s 13-year civil war, and recovery has been slow.

Since taking power, Syria’s new administration has sought to present itself as a moderate, inclusive government eager to distance itself from its militant past. It has pursued new alliances with Western powers and regional actors, emphasizing national unity and respect for the country’s ethnic and religious diversity.

Nonetheless, Syria continues to face serious internal challenges. The past year has witnessed a resurgence of sectarian violence among different minority groups, threatening the fragile peace established after Assad’s downfall. Reports of targeted killings and revenge attacks have also surfaced, raising concerns among international observers about the country’s stability.

Experts warn that despite efforts at reform, Syria’s transition remains delicate. The government’s attempts to reconcile former adversaries and rebuild trust across deeply divided communities are ongoing. As the nation struggles to move beyond the scars of its long civil war, al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington is seen as a critical step toward redefining Syria’s place on the world stage and charting a new path for its future.