In a groundbreaking diplomatic move, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday, marking the first official visit by a Syrian leader since the country’s independence in 1946. This historic trip follows the US State Department’s decision to remove Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist, signaling a significant shift in bilateral relations. Sharaa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, where discussions are expected to focus on Syria’s reconstruction efforts after 13 years of devastating civil war. The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding Syria at a staggering $216 billion, highlighting the immense challenges ahead. The visit also underscores Syria’s efforts to shed its violent past and present a more moderate image to the international community. US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, hinted at the possibility of Syria joining the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS), further cementing this new era of cooperation. The removal of UN sanctions against Sharaa earlier this week and the delisting of his former group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), from the US terrorism list in July, are seen as pivotal steps in this diplomatic thaw. Analysts view this visit as a symbolic moment for Sharaa, who has transitioned from a militant leader to a global statesman, and a testament to the US commitment to supporting Syria’s new leadership.
Syrian president arrives in US for landmark visit, to meet Trump at White House
