U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, marking a milestone year for the rebel-turned-leader who overthrew a long-standing autocratic regime and has worked to end Syria’s decades-long international isolation.
This visit represented the first-ever White House appearance by a Syrian president, following Sharaa’s initial meeting with Trump six months ago in Saudi Arabia. During that meeting, the U.S. had announced plans to lift sanctions, and just days before the Washington visit, the U.S. declared that Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander, was no longer classified as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist.”
Sharaa, 43, rose to power last year after his Islamist forces launched a swift campaign from northwest Syria, toppling former President Bashar al-Assad in early December.
Unlike typical foreign dignitaries, Sharaa entered the White House through a side entrance, avoiding the main doors and press cameras.
Since taking power, Syria has undergone rapid regional realignment, moving away from Assad’s traditional allies, Iran and Russia, toward closer ties with Turkey, Gulf states, and Washington.
Security issues were expected to dominate discussions between Sharaa and Trump, reflecting the U.S.’s significant policy shift to support Syria’s fragile transition and stabilize the country after years of conflict.
