Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to make history with an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader to the presidential residence since the nation’s independence in 1946. This unprecedented encounter comes shortly after Sharaa’s recent removal from a US terrorism blacklist, a move that underscores the shifting dynamics in Syrian leadership after the ousting of former ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Sharaa, whose faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was previously linked to Al-Qaeda, was delisted as a terrorist group earlier this July. His administration is keen to distance itself from the violent past associated with HTS, aiming to cultivate a more moderate image to appeal to both the Syrian populace and the international community.
Michael Hanna, the US program director at the International Crisis Group, described the significance of Sharaa’s White House visit as a “hugely symbolic moment” for the new Syrian leader, highlighting his evolution from a militant figure to a potential global statesman. This pivotal meeting follows Sharaa’s initial encounter with Trump during the US leader’s tour of Saudi Arabia in May.
In the days leading up to this significant meeting, Sharaa engaged with key figures, including Kristalina Georgieva, the head of the International Monetary Fund, to discuss potential aid for war-torn Syria. Additionally, he met with representatives from various Syrian organizations to garner support and outline the country’s future.
Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, indicated that Sharaa might sign an agreement aimed at joining the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) during his visit. Sources revealed plans for the United States to establish a military base near Damascus, primarily to coordinate humanitarian efforts and monitor developments in the relationship between Syria and Israel.
The US government’s decision to remove Sharaa from the terrorism blacklist was anticipated. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott noted that Sharaa’s administration has complied with several US conditions, particularly concerning the search for missing Americans and the eradication of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. “These actions are being taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar al-Assad,” Pigott stated.
In a proactive measure against IS, the Syrian interior ministry reported that it had conducted 61 raids over the weekend, resulting in 71 arrests targeting remaining IS sleeper cells in key locations across the country, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Damascus.
Sharaa’s Washington visit follows his recent attendance at the United Nations, where he became the first Syrian president in decades to address the UN General Assembly. Just last week, the Security Council voted to lift sanctions against him, further legitimizing his role as the leader of Syria.
During his visit, Sharaa is anticipated to advocate for financial support from the United States to aid in Syria’s recovery efforts, as the country faces the daunting task of reconstruction after 13 years of civil war. The World Bank has estimated the cost of rebuilding Syria could reach at least $216 billion, highlighting the immense challenges that lie ahead for the new leadership.
