Trump to Meet Syrian President al-Sharaa in Bid for Regional Peace and Counterterrorism
President Donald Trump is set to host Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in a historic meeting aimed at fostering stability, economic development, and regional peace. The meeting is expected to focus on counterterrorism cooperation, economic development, and advancing regional security. This visit marks a significant shift in U.S.-Syria relations after over a decade of hostility.
Syria will formally join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS during the visit, becoming the 90th member of the D-ISIS Coalition. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to eliminate ISIS remnants and prevent foreign fighter flows. The decision to join the coalition underscores Syria’s commitment to counterterrorism, a key U.S. interest in the region.
The meeting follows a series of major policy shifts, including the U.N. Security Council’s vote to lift sanctions on al-Sharaa and his interior minister, Anas Khattab. This move has been widely seen as a recognition of Syria’s potential role in regional security and economic development. The Trump administration is also set to announce a 180-day suspension of the Caesar Act, which has imposed severe economic sanctions on Syria, and is urging Congress to permanently repeal the law to unlock economic growth.
According to a senior administration official, the visit comes as part of an effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria and restore economic ties with the international community. The U.S. plans to allow Syria to resume operations at its Embassy in Washington, further enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, security, and economic coordination.
Syrian officials are seeking a reassessment of the Caesar Act sanctions, which have imposed significant economic restrictions on Damascus. The Trump administration’s decision to suspend these sanctions is seen as a strategic move to foster economic growth and international cooperation. The move also aims to provide clarity for investors and encourage regional countries to engage with Syria.
The visit is also expected to address the issue of missing Americans and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, a Republican from Arizona, has expressed hope that the meeting will provide an opportunity to end years of bloodshed and bring closure to the issue of missing Americans like Kayla Mueller. He has also called for the expansion of the Abraham Accords and the protection of minority rights in Syria.
In addition, a coalition of influential Christian leaders has urged Trump to address the issue of minority rights and protection with al-Sharaa. They have called for the establishment of a secure humanitarian corridor in southern Syria to enable aid delivery and civilian evacuation, signaling the new government’s commitment to minority rights and stability.
Ahmad Sharawi of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has highlighted the U.S. interest in ensuring that Syria’s new government is willing to combat ISIS and contain Iran’s influence. He has also raised concerns about al-Sharaa’s domestic record, noting that his political system is not inclusive and that he has a pattern of power centralization. Despite these concerns, many Syrians view al-Sharaa as the only figure capable of holding the country together.
Al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin has raised questions about his pragmatism and potential risks. Sharawi has noted that this move indicates al-Sharaa’s focus on securing his interests and seeking political backing from other countries. The U.S. has expressed its hope that this outreach signals a commitment to cooperation with the West.
Syrian-American activist Hicham Alnchawati has emphasized the importance of eliminating Iran’s and Hezbollah’s influence in Syria for long-term stability in the Middle East. He has argued that the U.S. must ensure that these groups are dismantled to prevent the resurgence of conflict.
The U.N. and U.S. sanctions decisions have sparked debate in Washington and Europe. Some lawmakers and rights groups have raised concerns about legitimizing a former jihadist commander, arguing that this could undermine accountability for past abuses. However, supporters contend that the relief offers Damascus an incentive to cooperate on counterterrorism and drug control.
Overall, this meeting represents a significant turning point in U.S.-Syria relations, with the potential to shape the future of regional security and stability. The Trump administration’s efforts to engage with Syria reflect its broader strategic goals in the Middle East and the global fight against terrorism.