Washington–Damascus Relations Take a Surprising Turn
Syrian President Al-Sharaa to Meet Trump: In a development that has surprised analysts worldwide, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump today at the White House. This marks the second meeting between the two leaders in 2025, following their earlier encounter in May 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
The visit, which comes after years of tension between Washington and Damascus, is being described as a “turning point” in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Observers believe it could pave the way for a gradual normalization of U.S.–Syria ties after more than a decade of hostility.
A Once-Wanted Man Now Welcomed to Washington
The story of Al-Sharaa’s rise to power and his path to Washington is both complex and controversial. Once accused of having ties with Al-Qaeda, Ahmad Al-Sharaa was designated a global terrorist by the United States in 2013, with a $10-million bounty on his head.
In December 2024, after the collapse of the Assad regime, Al-Sharaa emerged as Syria’s interim president. Within months, his new government began cooperating with Western nations, focusing on the search for missing Americans and the destruction of illegal weapons stockpiles.
Citing this cooperation, the U.S. State Department formally removed Al-Sharaa from its terrorist list on November 7, 2025, with spokesperson Tommy Pigott stating that “Syria’s new leadership has demonstrated measurable progress toward peace, reconstruction, and counter-terrorism.”
Just a day later, the United Nations followed suit, delisting Al-Sharaa from its sanctions regime and officially recognizing his government.
Agenda of the Trump–Al-Sharaa Meeting
According to sources close to the U.S. administration, the meeting between Syrian President Al-Sharaa and Donald Trump will primarily focus on:
- Counter-ISIS Cooperation:
The U.S. and Syria are expected to sign a counter-terrorism agreement under which Syria would join the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and border control operations. - Post-War Reconstruction:
Syria’s 13-year civil war has devastated its infrastructure. Al-Sharaa’s government has requested $216 billion in international reconstruction aid, with American firms potentially taking part in projects involving energy, transport, and housing. - Easing of U.S. Sanctions:
The Trump administration is reportedly considering gradually lifting sanctions, including parts of the Caesar Act, in response to Syria’s political reforms and cooperation against terrorism. - Israel–Syria Border Security Talks:
Washington is expected to mediate an initial framework for an Israel–Syria border security agreement, which could become the basis for a future peace dialogue later in 2025.
From Enemy to Partner: How the Shift Happened
The turnaround in U.S.–Syrian relations seemed unimaginable a few years ago. For decades, Syria was considered one of America’s most hostile states. But the rise of Ahmad Al-Sharaa changed the political equation.
After taking power in early 2025, Al-Sharaa declared a “national reconciliation plan” aimed at rebuilding Syria’s war-torn society and ending isolation. He signaled willingness to engage with Western powers, promising transparency and regional cooperation.
In his first interview with international media earlier this year, Al-Sharaa said:
“Syria must be part of the world again. Our people deserve peace, not punishment.”
This statement resonated with policymakers in Washington, particularly as the U.S. sought to stabilize the Middle East following years of regional unrest.
White House Diplomacy and Strategic Goals
Officials inside the Trump administration describe the meeting as part of a broader diplomatic strategy to re-establish U.S. influence in the Middle East.
A senior White House official told reporters:
“President Trump believes engagement is more powerful than isolation. The meeting with President Al-Sharaa is an opportunity to encourage reforms and ensure that Syria no longer becomes a breeding ground for terrorism.”
The United States may also announce plans to establish a humanitarian and observation base near Damascus, aimed at distributing aid and monitoring ceasefire agreements.
Economic Interests and Energy Cooperation
Beyond diplomacy, business and reconstruction are at the heart of this new chapter. Several U.S. energy and construction firms are reportedly competing for major infrastructure contracts in Syria, including highway networks, housing complexes, and power generation facilities.
American companies may play a key role in executing Syria’s National Energy Master Plan, which focuses on restoring oil production, investing in renewable energy, and rebuilding the national grid.
Such cooperation would also create thousands of jobs for both American and Syrian workers, while giving U.S. investors early access to one of the region’s most underdeveloped markets.
Humanitarian Efforts and Security Commitments
During the summit, humanitarian issues are expected to take center stage. The U.S. and Syria are likely to announce a joint humanitarian initiative to assist war victims, internally displaced persons, and orphans.
Reports suggest that Al-Sharaa’s delegation will include ministers of health, energy, and foreign affairs, signaling a broad-based approach toward national reconstruction and social rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the two leaders may sign a security memorandum that would enable limited U.S. oversight on Syria’s weapons disarmament efforts — a move widely seen as a step toward restoring trust.
Global Reaction: Mixed but Hopeful
The international community has reacted cautiously but positively to the news of Syrian President Al-Sharaa meeting Donald Trump.
While some critics warn that the United States must not overlook Syria’s controversial past, others view the engagement as a pragmatic move toward peace and regional stability.
European diplomats have welcomed the development. The French foreign ministry called it “a necessary step toward reintegration,” while Russia and Iran, Syria’s long-time allies, have expressed support for any dialogue that brings stability to the region.
China, too, has praised the U.S. for “choosing diplomacy over division.”
Historical Significance: First U.S.–Syria Summit in 25 Years
This week’s meeting marks the first direct encounter between a Syrian and an American president in a quarter of a century.
The last such meeting took place in 2000, when President Bill Clinton met Hafez al-Assad, the late father of Bashar al-Assad, in Geneva. That summit failed to produce a peace deal, but it laid the groundwork for future dialogue.
Today, the Trump–Al-Sharaa meeting is seen as a historic reset that could redefine Syria’s position in international politics.
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The Journey of Ahmad Al-Sharaa: From Rebel to Reformer
Born in Aleppo, Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s early life was far from presidential. He once studied medicine before abandoning it in 2003 to join anti-government movements during the early 2000s.
After being detained by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2005, Al-Sharaa spent years in prison, where he reportedly developed his ideology centered on national unity, secular governance, and anti-corruption.
Following his release, he formed Jabhat al-Nusra, later known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). By 2016, he split from extremist factions, advocating a “Syrian-first” agenda focused on reconstruction and reconciliation.
When the Assad regime fell in December 2024, Al-Sharaa emerged as the transitional leader, backed by a coalition of political, tribal, and military groups.
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Trump’s Calculated Gamble
For President Trump, meeting Al-Sharaa represents both a strategic and political risk. Supporters argue it could strengthen America’s hand in the region and undercut extremist influence. Critics, however, warn that legitimizing a controversial figure may draw backlash from human rights groups.
Yet Trump remains confident. At a rally earlier this week, he said:
“Peace is made by talking to those we once called enemies. If Syria wants peace, we will help them find it.”
This message has resonated with Trump’s base, which views his foreign policy as bold and results-driven.
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Possible Outcomes of the Summit
Experts predict several tangible outcomes from the Trump–Al-Sharaa talks:
- Announcement of a U.S.–Syria Joint Reconstruction Fund
- Partial lifting of sanctions under the Caesar Act
- Formal inclusion of Syria in anti-ISIS coordination mechanisms
- Commitment to humanitarian monitoring by international organizations
- Framework agreement for border security with Israel
If even half of these objectives are achieved, it would mark one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in recent Middle Eastern history.
