In a dramatic diplomatic turn, US President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday and announced plans to lift all sanctions on Syria, signaling a possible reset in US-Syria relations. The move marks a sweeping shift in Washington’s foreign policy toward Damascus.
Historic Meeting in Riyadh
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a US-Gulf summit, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman present. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan also joined virtually. Photographs of the event showed Trump shaking hands with Sharaa under the watchful eye of MbS.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that Trump encouraged Sharaa to normalize ties with Israel, despite longstanding tensions and suspicions from the Israeli government regarding Sharaa’s past.
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Sanctions Lifted Despite Controversy
The announcement came one day after Trump, during a speech in Riyadh, stated his intention to lift sanctions on the Islamist-led Syrian government. This decision has sparked debate in Washington, given Sharaa’s previous affiliation with Al Qaeda, a connection he severed in 2016.
Israeli officials, skeptical of Sharaa’s leadership, have not yet issued a formal response. However, Trump emphasized that both MbS and Erdogan supported his decision to remove sanctions.
Sharaa’s Rise After Assad’s Fall
Sharaa, once the leader of al Qaeda’s branch in Syria, emerged as the country’s interim leader following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December. His government has since struggled to assert full control over the country.
In March, Syria experienced renewed instability as Assad loyalists clashed with Sharaa’s forces, followed by retaliatory attacks that left hundreds of civilians dead. These events drew sharp criticism from Washington.
US-Syria Relations Reboot
Trump’s move represents a strategic recalibration. It also aligns with broader US interests in the Gulf, where he’s currently on a four-day tour. Saudi Arabia pledged $600 billion in US investments, while arms deals worth $142 billion were also signed.
Later today, Trump will continue his tour in Qatar, where additional economic agreements are expected. Meanwhile, his engagement with Syria’s leadership is likely to shape regional alliances for years to come.
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