For the first time, Syria’s head of state, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, was welcomed to the White House. The visit was previously described as “historic”. A year ago, al-Sharaa was considered a wanted terrorist in the US – and Syria was in the final weeks of a bloody civil war.
The US government now says: President Donald Trump wants to keep his promise and give Syria “a chance to achieve greatness”. Therefore, the government extended the suspension of certain sanctions for six months. However, the regulations were not completely repealed, as shown in the Ministry of Finance document. This easing is intended to encourage Syria’s reconstruction and stability.
An expected announcement by al-Sharaa that his country would take part in the US-led coalition to fight the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist militia was not initially officially confirmed. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who was also received at the White House, described the meeting as constructive. The preparations have been going on for months.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that both parties had agreed to implement a cooperation roadmap. The aim is to restore diplomatic relations at the embassy level, reopen joint institutions and strengthen political and economic cooperation.
From jihadists to presidents
Part of Al-Sharaa’s career looks like something out of a dramatic television series script: he once fought as a jihadist against US forces in Iraq and was held captive by them for years. Today he will be received with a warm handshake by the US President himself at the White House. He has led Syria as interim president since the beginning of this year. As head of the Islamist group Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), he ended the Assad family’s decades-long rule in December 2024 with the help of a rebel alliance.
Since taking office, he has flown around the world to reconnect Syria with the international community. Under the ousted government of Bashar al-Assad, the country was recently isolated internationally due to a brutal civil war.
Removed from terrorist list
In the influential Gulf states, al-Sharaa promotes international investment in Syria. He was the first Syrian president in nearly 60 years to give a speech at a UN general debate. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has helped Assad militarily for years in his struggle against the current ruler, even received him in Moscow. And now a visit to the White House. Trump and al-Sharaa have previously met twice, once in Saudi Arabia in May and again on the sidelines of the UN general debate.
Shortly before al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House, Washington removed the interim president from the administration’s list of sanctioned terrorists. A similar thing also happened to Syrian Interior Minister Anas Hasan Chattab. One of United States of America The $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa’s head was revoked shortly after Assad’s fall.
Another milestone in Washington
Al-Sharaas trip to Washington seen as another milestone in Syria’s history after Assad. Observers talk about a turning point in relations between Syria and America. The US also wants to curb Iran’s influence in Syria. The Islamic Republic and its militias have been one of Assad’s most important allies.
Internationally, the actions and directives of the transitional government in Syria are being closely monitored. Experts see a desire for democratic change, but have also been critical of the first months of the new leadership. The focus is primarily on protecting minority groups in divided Syria.
Since Assad’s fall, violence has repeatedly occurred, some of which has killed hundreds of people. Security forces from the interim government were also involved.
What can Syrians expect from their visit to Washington?
Many Syrians remain skeptical of their new head of state. Many people are still unsure where the country is headed, a resident of the capital Damascus told the German Press Agency. Another woman said: “We remain optimistic that Syria continues to go in the right direction.”
Some hope Trump’s visit will bring improvements to a badly damaged and economically weak Syria. “This al-Sharaas trip can take us more than previous trips to other countries,” said another resident in Damascus. There are high hopes that further easing of sanctions will pave the way for new investment.
Much of Syria remains devastated after nearly 14 years of civil war involving international involvement. The economy is in ruins. According to the UN, an estimated seven million internally displaced persons still live in Syria. About 16 million people out of Syria’s estimated 23 million population still depend on humanitarian aid.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251110-930-271104/4
