In a historic turn of events, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, once labeled a terrorist by the United States, is set to visit the White House. This visit underscores a significant realignment in U.S.-Syria relations, as Sharaa prepares to join a U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). The move comes amid Syria’s complex challenges, including Israeli occupation in the south, tensions with Kurdish factions in the north, and a struggling economy under sanctions. While these issues are unlikely to be resolved during the visit, the symbolic image of Sharaa in the Oval Office carries profound implications. Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford noted the unprecedented nature of the meeting, likening it to past visits by leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Yasser Arafat. Sharaa’s ability to navigate international skepticism about his past has been a key achievement, even as Syria grapples with internal corruption and sectarian violence. Ahead of the visit, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Sharaa and his interior minister, signaling a thaw in relations. Sharaa’s government is also strengthening ties with NATO-member Turkey and seeking financial support from Gulf states like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. However, Israel remains a significant threat, with its occupation of southern Syria and strategic moves on Mount Hermon. Experts suggest that while a security agreement between Syria and Israel is possible, a broader peace deal remains unlikely. The visit also highlights the U.S.’s shifting role in the Middle East, as it seeks to reduce its military footprint while deepening security cooperation with Syria. Sharaa’s alignment with the U.S. could marginalize the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), long a U.S. ally in the fight against IS. As Sharaa’s visit unfolds, it is being closely watched by Syrians seeking reintegration into the region and by international stakeholders wary of the geopolitical shifts it may trigger.
‘Meeting is the message’: On US visit, Syria’s Sharaa eyes boost against Israel, SDF and sanctions
