Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for a landmark official visit, marking the first time a Syrian president has been hosted at the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946.

The visit comes just a day after the U.S. removed al-Sharaa from its global terrorism blacklist, reflecting his government’s efforts to break with its violent past and meet international demands.

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Historic Diplomatic Engagement

Al-Sharaa, whose rebel forces overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Analysts say the visit signals a historic turning point in U.S.-Syria relations, potentially restoring Syria’s international status after decades of isolation.

This visit follows al-Sharaa’s previous diplomatic milestone in September 2025, when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, becoming the first Syrian president in decades to speak at the UN on U.S. soil.

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U.S. Delisting and Sanctions Relief

The State Department’s decision to remove al-Sharaa from the terrorism blacklist was widely expected. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott emphasized that the move recognizes Syria’s progress since Assad’s fall and over 50 years of repression under the former regime.

Pigott highlighted that the delisting would:

• Promote regional security and stability
• Support an inclusive, Syrian-led political process
• Encourage Syria to comply with humanitarian and chemical weapons obligations

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council also voted to lift sanctions on al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab in a 14-0 vote, with China abstaining. The vote further signals the international community’s recognition of Syria’s new leadership.

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From Ex-Jihadist to Global Statesman

Al-Sharaa’s rise from former al-Qaida-affiliated rebel leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to interim president has been widely described as an extraordinary transformation. HTS was delisted as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in July 2025.

Michael Hanna, director of the International Crisis Group’s U.S. program, said:

“This White House visit is a hugely symbolic moment, marking another step in al-Sharaa’s astonishing transformation from militant leader to global statesman.”

Since taking power, al-Sharaa has sought to present a moderate image, distancing his administration from past violence, while engaging in international diplomacy to secure Syria’s reconstruction and political rehabilitation.

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Strategic and Military Developments

Al-Sharaa is expected to pursue several strategic priorities during his visit:

• Signing an agreement for Syria to formally join the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition, which involves approximately 80 countries working to prevent IS resurgence.
• Coordination on regional security via a proposed U.S. military base near Damascus, which would oversee humanitarian aid and monitor interactions between Syria and Israel.
• Securing funding and investment for Syria’s post-war rebuilding. The World Bank estimates reconstruction costs at roughly $216 billion, reflecting 13 years of civil war and destruction.

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International Reactions and Symbolism

The visit has been hailed as a symbol of U.S. commitment to a new Syria. It demonstrates international confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership and provides an opportunity to:

• Normalize Syria’s diplomatic relations with the West and Arab countries
• Encourage foreign investment for reconstruction
• Promote Syrian-led political and humanitarian initiatives

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Key Takeaways

• Ahmad al-Sharaa has arrived in the U.S. for the first Syrian presidential visit to the White House since 1946.
• He was recently removed from the U.S. terrorism blacklist, reflecting Syria’s new leadership.
• The UN Security Council lifted sanctions against al-Sharaa and his interior minister, with 14 votes in favor.
• Al-Sharaa is expected to join the U.S.-led anti-IS coalition and seek funding for Syria’s post-war reconstruction.
• The visit highlights his remarkable transformation from former militant leader to internationally recognized statesman.