Historic Visit Marks a Turning Point in US–Syria Relations
In a significant diplomatic development, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has arrived in Washington, D.C., for an official state visit, marking the first such trip by a Syrian leader to the United States since the country gained independence in 1946.
According to Syrian state media, President al-Sharaa’s visit comes amid reports that Washington seeks to include Damascus in a broader international coalition against ISIL (ISIS). The trip underscores a new chapter in US–Syria relations, following years of conflict and strained diplomatic ties.
Al-Sharaa’s arrival late Saturday coincided with a major announcement from Syria’s Ministry of Interior, which confirmed the launch of a “large-scale security operation” targeting ISIL cells across multiple provinces, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, and Damascus.
Meetings with US President Donald Trump Expected
President al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, where discussions are expected to focus on regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and postwar reconstruction efforts in Syria.
The two leaders first met briefly during a Gulf summit in Riyadh earlier this year. Since then, the Biden administration—wait, actually per the text it’s still Trump per your source, so I’ll keep that—Trump administration has moved to reengage diplomatically with Damascus, lifting sanctions against al-Sharaa on Friday as a sign of goodwill.
“We are hopeful that Syria will play a constructive role in eradicating ISIL and stabilizing the region,” said US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, hinting that Washington hopes to see Syria join the US-led coalition against ISIL.
Syria Launches Sweeping Anti-ISIL Operation
As al-Sharaa touched down in the US, Syrian state media reported that security forces had launched 61 coordinated raids nationwide, arresting at least 71 individuals suspected of ISIL affiliation. The operation reportedly led to the seizure of explosives, weapons, and communications equipment.
A spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry described the campaign as part of “ongoing national efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.”
The timing of the operation — just as al-Sharaa arrived in Washington — appears to underscore his administration’s desire to present Syria as a credible partner in the global fight against extremist groups.
From Rebel Leader to President: Al-Sharaa’s Remarkable Political Rise
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led rebel forces that toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last year, has undergone a dramatic political transformation. Once affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — a faction that broke away from al-Qaeda and later clashed with ISIL — al-Sharaa’s leadership has shifted from insurgency to state reconstruction.
Earlier this year, Washington removed HTS from its terrorist list, acknowledging the group’s reformation and distancing from global jihadist movements. Al-Sharaa himself was delisted from a US terrorism sanctions roster just days before this visit, clearing the path for official diplomatic talks.
Reconstruction and Economic Revival High on the Agenda
Another key objective of al-Sharaa’s visit is to secure international funding for Syria’s post-war reconstruction. After more than 13 years of devastating conflict, the nation faces monumental rebuilding challenges.
The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at $216 billion, calling it a “conservative best estimate.” The al-Sharaa administration hopes that renewed international engagement will help unlock aid, investments, and infrastructure partnerships to rebuild cities and restore public services.
Speculation Over US–Syria Security Cooperation
International media outlets including Reuters and AFP have reported that Washington may be considering the establishment of a joint airbase near Damascus to support a US-brokered security pact between Syria and Israel.
However, Syria’s Foreign Ministry has publicly denied these reports, calling them “baseless speculation.” Officials in Damascus maintain that Syria’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable but welcome “constructive dialogue” with regional partners under international law.
A Symbolic Visit Following UN Speech
This visit follows al-Sharaa’s historic appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in September — his first on US soil — where he addressed the global community on reconstruction, counterterrorism, and regional diplomacy.
Al-Sharaa’s UN speech was widely seen as a symbolic moment marking Syria’s gradual reintegration into international politics. It also came just before a UN Security Council vote, led by the US, to lift long-standing sanctions against Damascus.
A New Era in Syrian Diplomacy
For Syria, this visit signals a potential diplomatic breakthrough after more than a decade of isolation. For the United States, it offers an opportunity to reshape its Middle East strategy by engaging a former adversary in collective efforts against ISIL and promoting regional stability.
As both leaders prepare for their meeting, observers note that the outcome could redefine Syria’s geopolitical role and possibly open the door to broader normalization with Western nations.
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