Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for a historic meeting with President Donald Trump, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the White House since Syria’s independence from French rule in 1946.

The visit is significant for both Syria and the United States, with discussions expected to cover sanctions, reconstruction, regional security, and Syria’s role in global anti-ISIL efforts.

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Why Is Syria Making This Trip?

For Syria, the visit is primarily aimed at repealing US sanctions, including the Caesar Act imposed in 2019 under former President Bashar al-Assad.

• While the Trump administration issued an executive order to lift sanctions, the US Congress must approve the formal repeal of the Caesar Act.
• Syrian officials hope that removing sanctions will allow Syria to re-enter the global financial system, attract foreign investment, and rebuild infrastructure and the healthcare system devastated by a 13-year civil war.
• The World Bank estimates Syria requires at least $216 billion for reconstruction.

President al-Sharaa reportedly held a “positive and constructive” meeting with Republican Congressman Brian Mast, who had previously blocked the repeal of sanctions.

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What Is on the Agenda?

Economic Recovery

• Rebuilding infrastructure and healthcare systems destroyed during the war.
• Attracting international investment and securing funds for post-war reconstruction.

Security Cooperation

• The US aims to bring Syria into its coalition against ISIL (ISIS), which currently includes 89 countries.
• Syria has already demonstrated intent, launching a large-scale operation against ISIL cells in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, and Damascus, targeting 61 cells in total.

Regional Diplomacy

• The US hopes Syria may join the Abraham Accords, expanding normalisation deals between Israel and Arab states.
• Discussions may include nonaggression pacts with Israel, though Syrian officials have denied immediate plans for formal agreements.

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Why Is This Visit Historic?

• First White House visit by a Syrian president since the country gained independence in 1946.
• Al-Sharaa previously fought US forces in Iraq and was captured, spending 2006–2011 in US prison camps, making this a significant diplomatic turnaround.
• The visit signals a potential warming of US-Syria relations after decades of isolation and conflict.
• The US is reportedly establishing a military presence at Mezzeh airbase in Damascus, which may support peace-brokering efforts in the region.

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What Are the Likely Outcomes?

• Syria may formally join the US-led anti-ISIL coalition, reinforcing regional security.
• Repeal of sanctions could enable Syria to attract foreign investment and accelerate reconstruction efforts.
• Discussions around regional integration and peace agreements with Israel may continue, though formal steps may take time.

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Key Takeaways

1. Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit is a diplomatic milestone for Syria and the US.
2. The Caesar Act repeal and reconstruction funding are top priorities for Damascus.
3. Syria’s anti-ISIL operations suggest cooperation with Washington on security matters.
4. This visit could pave the way for future regional agreements and normalisation initiatives.