Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday marks a remarkable milestone in both his personal and political journey. The former rebel, who rose to power after toppling Bashar al-Assad last year, is now seeking to rebuild Syria’s global ties after years of isolation.
From Rebel Leader to World Diplomat
Sharaa’s visit is the first ever by a Syrian president to the White House. It comes just six months after his first encounter with Trump in Saudi Arabia and days after Washington removed him from its “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” list.
At just 42, Sharaa’s path to power has been extraordinary. His Islamist forces launched a swift offensive from northwestern Syria, overthrowing Assad on December 8 last year. Since then, his government has pivoted away from Assad’s longtime allies Iran and Russia, moving closer to Turkey, the Gulf states, and now Washington.
Security issues are expected to dominate the discussions on Monday. The US is mediating talks between Syria and Israel on a possible security deal and, according to reports, may establish a military presence at a Damascus airbase. Syria is also expected to formally join the US-led coalition against Islamic State, a move that could be announced during the visit.
Push to Lift Remaining Sanctions
Ahead of the meeting, Trump praised Sharaa’s leadership, saying, “He’s doing a very good job. It’s a tough neighbourhood, and he’s a tough guy.”
Following their first meeting in Riyadh, Trump pledged to lift sanctions on Syria. However, the toughest measures — the Caesar Sanctions Act — can only be repealed by Congress. Both the White House and State Department have supported their removal before the end of 2025, though a government shutdown could delay progress.
Sharaa is expected to urge lawmakers to repeal the sanctions, arguing that such a step would attract international investors to rebuild a war-torn country the World Bank estimates needs over $200 billion for reconstruction.
Despite progress, Syria’s internal divisions remain deep. Fresh sectarian violence since Assad’s fall has claimed more than 2,500 lives, testing the new government’s ability to unite the country.
From Militant to Political Partner
Sharaa’s personal transformation mirrors Syria’s political shift. Once an al Qaeda member during the Iraq War, he was detained by US forces before returning to Syria to lead the insurgency against Assad. In 2013, Washington designated him a terrorist under the name Abu Mohammad al-Golani. After severing ties with al Qaeda in 2016, he consolidated control in Syria’s northwest.
In December, the US removed a $10 million bounty on his head, followed by the United Nations lifting sanctions against him and Interior Minister Anas Khattab. Britain and the US soon followed, erasing their terror designations.
According to Firas Maksad of the Eurasia Group, “Sharaa’s visit to Washington reflects Syria’s dramatic transformation—from an Iranian client state to a potential US partner. While challenges remain, this moment signals real hope for Syria’s future.”
(with inputs from Reuters)
