Meeting Between US President Donald Trump and Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa
According to recent reports, a significant diplomatic meeting is on the horizon as US President Donald Trump is set to welcome Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House. Scheduled for November 10, this meeting marks a pivotal moment in US-Syrian relations and is seen as a step towards greater cooperation in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Background on Ahmad al-Sharaa
Ahmad al-Sharaa, who came to prominence after leading the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist militia HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), has been steering Syria towards a potential rapprochement with the West. Since his appointment as interim president, al-Sharaa has focused on reversing Syria’s isolation and integrating the nation into international frameworks.
Planned Declaration Against IS
During his visit, al-Sharaa is expected to formally sign a declaration at the White House, endorsing Syria’s participation in the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. This announcement comes in light of the coalition’s ongoing battle against IS remnants believed to still be active in the region. The US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, has confirmed the planned meeting, although official confirmation from both Washington and Damascus is still pending.
The Islamic State Threat
Since its rise in 2014, IS has been responsible for extensive violence and chaos in both Syria and Iraq, having controlled significant territory at its peak—approximately a third of Syria and 40% of Iraq. While military campaigns involving US and allied airstrikes have largely dismantled IS’s territorial gains, estimates indicate that around 2,500 fighters remain operational, continuing to pose a threat through sporadic attacks.
Easing of Sanctions Against Syria
Significantly, many sanctions imposed on Syria are being reconsidered under al-Sharaa’s leadership. Following the overthrow of Assad, the new interim government is navigating a path toward improving diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations. This shift has made the upcoming meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa not just timely but essential for both parties.
Historical Context of US-Syrian Relations
Previously, relations between the Assad government and the US were strained due to numerous allegations, including chemical weapon attacks and human rights violations. Despite occasionally sharing a common enemy in IS, the US had deemed the Assad regime illegitimate and campaigned for a post-Assad Syria. The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa represents a significant policy shift that could redefine the US’s approach toward Syria.
Diplomatic Engagements
It’s worth noting that this will not be the first time Trump and al-Sharaa have met; they previously encountered each other in Saudi Arabia and on the sidelines of the UN General Debate in New York. These meetings underscore a growing interest in stabilizing the region and working collectively against extremist threats.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between US President Trump and Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is poised to be a landmark event in shaping future cooperation in the fight against terrorism and perhaps in redefining US-Syrian relations. As both leaders prepare for this pivotal encounter, the implications of their discussions may resonate far beyond their immediate geopolitical spheres.