In a move unprecedented in modern Middle Eastern diplomacy, former US President Donald Trump met Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, marking the first such encounter between the two nations’ leaders in over 25 years. The meeting occurred during Trump’s ongoing four-day tour of the Gulf region, specifically on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh.

This engagement not only underscores a significant shift in Washington’s Syria strategy, but also reflects wider regional recalibration in the wake of the Assad regime’s sudden collapse and the emergence of a new political leadership in Damascus.

A Historic Break in Diplomatic Ice

The last high-level meeting between the United States and Syria dates back to the year 2000, when Hafez al-Assad met President Bill Clinton in Geneva. Since then, relations have remained frozen, marred by accusations of state-sponsored terrorism, US-led sanctions, and the devastating Syrian civil war.

That changed on Tuesday.

Trump made the surprise announcement of the meeting earlier in the day, indicating not only a willingness to engage with the new Syrian leadership but also a wider diplomatic reset. According to his statement, the United States plans to lift its long-standing sanctions on Syria, imposed in 1979 and reinforced over the years, especially after the civil war that erupted in 2011.

Who is Ahmad al-Sharaa?

Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known by his insurgent alias Abu Mohammed al-Golani, was a former al-Qaida affiliate who gained prominence during the Syrian civil war. He led the powerful Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that played a pivotal role in toppling the Assad regime.

In December, his coalition launched a lightning assault on Damascus, effectively ending 54 years of Assad family rule. By January, he was declared interim president of a transitional Syrian government that promised stability, accountability, and reconstruction.

His history, however, remains controversial, particularly among Western and Israeli intelligence agencies who cite his extremist past and combat involvement against US forces in Iraq.

Trump’s Strategic Calculus and Regional Pressure

The meeting, described by the White House as brief and closed-door, was strongly influenced by lobbying from Gulf Arab leaders, especially Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudis, along with several other GCC states, see al-Sharaa’s government as a Sunni counterweight to Iran, which heavily backed Bashar al-Assad during the civil war.

Trump’s team has been weighing options since the regime change in Syria, with many officials reluctant to engage al-Sharaa due to his militant ties. But ultimately, geopolitical considerations and regional consensus appear to have driven Trump’s decision to meet with the new leader.

A Nation Celebrates and a Region Watches

Back in Syria, the announcement triggered jubilation on the streets of Damascus. The state-run SANA news agency aired footage of crowds gathering in Umayyad Square, waving flags, honking horns, and lighting fireworks in celebration of the lifting of US sanctions.

A statement from Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the moment as a “pivotal turning point”, acknowledging the painful legacy of war while expressing hope for national reconstruction and international cooperation. Notably, the ministry was careful to differentiate the new administration from the Assad regime, under whom the original sanctions were imposed.

Sanctions Relief and Economic Implications

The economic sanctions imposed by the United States had long crippled Syria’s economy, especially in the post-war era. The country struggled with:

• Hyperinflation

• Mass unemployment

• Food and fuel shortages

• Collapsed infrastructure

Trump’s announcement to lift these sanctions offers the interim government a vital opportunity to rebuild. It also opens the door for foreign investment, humanitarian aid, and global diplomatic recognition.

However, the removal of sanctions is expected to be gradual and conditional, depending on Syria’s human rights record, counter-terrorism cooperation, and efforts towards democratic transition.

International Reactions: Hope and Hesitation

Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, welcomed the move as a step toward regional stabilization. They have already begun normalizing relations with Syria’s new government, offering reconstruction aid and hosting diplomatic delegations.

Israel, however, remains deeply sceptical. Tel Aviv fears that al-Sharaa’s past affiliations with militant Islamist groups could undermine regional security, especially if Iranian influence remains intact in parts of Syria.

European Union leaders have so far remained cautious, calling for transparent reforms, protection of minorities, and inclusive governance before granting full diplomatic recognition.

A Calculated Gamble in Global Diplomacy

Trump’s meeting with al-Sharaa represents a calculated risk. On one hand, it offers the possibility of peace and recovery for a war-torn nation. On the other, it raises questions about the West’s standards for engagement with former militants turned politicians.

This bold move by Trump may ultimately reshape Middle Eastern alliances, push forward post-conflict reconciliation, and potentially signal the end of Syria’s pariah status in global politics.

But whether this engagement leads to real progress or just temporary diplomacy remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Trump’s engagement with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is a moment of historic consequence for both nations. After decades of hostility, the potential lifting of sanctions, diplomatic outreach, and support for national reconstruction open a new chapter for Syria, one defined not by war and isolation, but by stability and renewal.

The world now watches as the former battlefield becomes a diplomatic arena, testing whether peace can rise from the ashes of extremism and civil war.

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