Syria’s al-Sharaa visits the United States for official discussions.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s official visit to the United States marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations, coinciding with a robust military initiative against ISIL within Syria. As al-Sharaa seeks to rebuild his nation following years of conflict, the potential for enhanced cooperation between Syria and the U.S. against terrorism underscores a transformative chapter in a region long plagued by instability.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has arrived in the United States for an official visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and enlisting Damascus in the global coalition against ISIL, commonly known as ISIS. Al-Sharaa’s late Saturday arrival was announced by Syrian state media, coinciding with the country’s announcement of a “large-scale security operation” targeting ISIL cells throughout Syria.
Al-Sharaa, whose forces removed longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad from power late last year, is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. This visit represents the first by a sitting Syrian president since Syria gained independence in 1946, marking a significant step in U.S.-Syrian relations. Analysts note that al-Sharaa’s removal from the U.S. “terrorist” sanctions list just before his visit further emphasizes the shifting dynamics in regional politics.
U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, expressed hopes that al-Sharaa would sign an agreement to bolster the international coalition against ISIL. Additionally, reports indicate plans to establish a U.S. military presence at an airbase in Damascus, facilitating a security pact that Washington is negotiating between Syria and Israel.
During this visit, al-Sharaa is expected to seek financial assistance for Syria, which faces daunting reconstruction challenges following 13 years of civil war. The World Bank has estimated that rebuilding efforts will require at least 6 billion, described as a “conservative best estimate.”
Notably, al-Sharaa once led an al-Qaeda offshoot, separating from the group a decade ago and subsequently clashing with ISIL. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was delisted as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government in July, aligning with his current diplomatic efforts.
Al-Sharaa’s trip follows his significant address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, where he became the first Syrian president to speak at the UN in decades. Furthermore, a recent vote by the UN Security Council to lift sanctions against him reflects a broader acceptance of his leadership on the global stage.
In conjunction with al-Sharaa’s diplomatic endeavors, Syrian security forces reported conducting 61 raids across various regions, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, and the outskirts of Damascus, resulting in at least 71 arrests and the seizure of explosives and weapons. This operation, described by the Syrian Interior Ministry as part of ongoing national efforts to combat terrorism, showcases Syria’s commitment to ensuring public safety.
As the region navigates these transformative changes, the potential for tranquility and collaboration appears more tangible than in recent years, opening pathways for both economic and security advancements in Syria and beyond.
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