President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia for the first stop of his multi-nation trip, aiming to secure major trade deals and diplomatic progress across the Middle East. His strategic focus on Syria, where the new government has expressed a desire to restore relations with the United States, highlights the potential for significant diplomatic breakthroughs. The interim president of Syria is keen to engage with the U.S. and has shown willingness to address issues of mutual concern such as security, intelligence cooperation, and regional stability.
Analysts suggest that this meeting presents a historic opportunity for the United States to reengage with Syria, which could benefit from the lifting of sanctions and the potential for renewed economic cooperation. The White House is open to exploring the possibility of lifting these sanctions, as Syria’s new government is no longer reliant on Iran for survival and is instead openly hostile to the country. This shift in Syria’s diplomatic posture is seen as an opportunity for the U.S. to engage with a country that is emerging from a devastating 13-year civil war and is seeking to establish its own government.
However, there are concerns regarding the strength and legitimacy of the new Syrian government, with critics warning that while there have been some promising developments, the U.S. may need to maintain realistic expectations. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought to demonstrate cooperation with the U.S. by engaging with American intelligence agencies and taking steps to curb the threat posed by ISIS. The potential for a U.S.-Syria partnership is further supported by Syria’s expressed desire to become an active and influential ally to Washington on regional issues, especially regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The new Syrian government has also shown a willingness to engage with the U.S. on several key issues, including intelligence cooperation and economic investment. However, the U.S. must remain cautious due to the persistent threat of Islamist groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which, although showing some moderate elements, remains a designated foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. is also concerned about the continued presence of Iranian-backed militias along the Syrian border, which could pose a potential threat to regional stability.
Despite these concerns, the potential for a strategic alliance between the U.S. and Syria remains a topic of discussion, especially as the new Syrian leader is perceived as a crucial figure who can help achieve regional peace. There is a sense of optimism among some Syrians regarding their country’s future, although challenges related to civil peace and security still remain. The U.S. is considering this as a potential opportunity to reengage with Syria and to make significant strides in the region, emphasizing strategic cooperation and the potential for a new era of bilateral relations.