WASHINGTON/RIYADH, Nov 10 – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House represents one of the most dramatic shifts in Middle Eastern diplomacy in recent history. The encounter, set for Monday, is the first-ever visit by a Syrian leader to the U.S. capital and serves as a symbol of how far relations between Washington and Damascus have evolved over the past year.
Once known as a militant commander and rebel leader, Sharaa now stands as the man credited with ending decades of autocratic rule in Syria. His journey from insurgent to internationally recognized head of state underscores both Syria’s transformation and the reshaping of U.S. engagement in the region. Six months after their initial meeting in Saudi Arabia, the two leaders will now meet on American soil—an event that would have seemed unthinkable only a few years ago.
Security Cooperation and Strategic Goals
Security is expected to dominate discussions at the White House meeting. The United States has been working quietly to broker a potential security agreement between Syria and Israel, though skepticism remains in some quarters over Sharaa’s militant past. Reports suggest that Washington may soon establish a limited military presence at a Damascus airbase, a move designed to support counterterrorism cooperation and regional stabilization.
Syria’s potential entry into the U.S-led coalition against the Islamic State group is also on the agenda, signaling a possible new phase in the global fight against extremism. Officials familiar with the discussions indicated that a formal announcement of Syria’s inclusion in the coalition could come as early as Monday.
The urgency of this cooperation is underscored by recent developments inside Syria. According to senior Syrian and regional security officials, two separate assassination attempts against Sharaa by Islamic State operatives were recently foiled. These plots, they said, highlight the ongoing threat the Syrian leadership faces even as it seeks to bring stability to a nation still scarred by 14 years of civil conflict. In response, Syrian authorities have launched a nationwide campaign against remaining Islamic State cells, resulting in more than 70 arrests over the past week.
Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House ahead of the meeting, praised Sharaa’s leadership and determination. “He’s done a very good job under very tough circumstances,” Trump said. “It’s a difficult neighborhood, and he’s shown real strength. We’ve made a lot of progress with Syria.”
Lifting Sanctions and Rebuilding a War-Torn Nation
While diplomatic and security issues top the agenda, the future of U.S. sanctions on Syria will be a central focus. After the two leaders first met in May, Trump announced his intent to lift broad sanctions on Damascus, citing “significant progress” toward reform and stabilization. However, one major obstacle remains: the Caesar Sanctions Act. This legislation, which targets Syrian officials and entities associated with past human rights abuses, can only be repealed by Congress.
The administration has expressed support for removing these measures before the end of 2025, but ongoing political disputes and the partial government shutdown may delay the process. Sharaa is expected to use his visit to press for a repeal, arguing that lifting restrictions would accelerate reconstruction and attract foreign investment.
Syria’s economic recovery will be an enormous challenge. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding the nation could cost more than $200 billion. Beyond physical damage, the country continues to struggle with sectarian divisions and social fractures that have deepened since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. More than 2,500 people have died in recent outbreaks of sectarian violence, threatening to undermine efforts to create a unified government.
Despite the obstacles, both Trump and Sharaa appear committed to moving forward. The White House views the meeting as part of a broader regional strategy aimed at consolidating ceasefires, containing extremist groups, and supporting peace initiatives across the Middle East. The timing is also significant, coinciding with Washington’s efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
From Rebel to Ruler: Sharaa’s Remarkable Journey
Sharaa’s rise to power is as remarkable as Syria’s geopolitical realignment. Once known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, he was affiliated with al Qaeda in Iraq during the early years of the U.S-led invasion. Captured by American forces, he spent years in U.S. custody before returning to Syria to join the rebellion against Assad’s rule.
In 2013, Sharaa was designated a global terrorist due to his past militant associations. Over time, however, he distanced himself from extremist ideologies, eventually breaking ties with al Qaeda in 2016. His leadership of the opposition movement later evolved into a broader nationalist campaign, culminating in Assad’s overthrow in December of last year.
Since then, international attitudes toward Sharaa have shifted dramatically. The United Nations recently removed terror-related sanctions against him and his interior minister, Anas Khattab. Following that move, both the U.S. and the U.K. rescinded their designations of the two men as global terrorists. The U.S. also withdrew a $10 million bounty that had been placed on Sharaa’s head.
Analysts describe his visit to Washington as a defining moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. “Syria’s transformation from an isolated state under Iranian influence to a potential U.S. partner marks one of the most remarkable realignments in recent history,” said Firas Maksad, managing director for Middle East and North Africa at a prominent New York policy institute. “While challenges remain, the visit symbolizes a genuine opportunity for change and reconciliation.”