Trump's Bold Move: Normalizing Relations with Syria's New Leadership

A New Chapter for Syria

Riyadh: On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to establish normal relations and lift sanctions on Syria's newly formed government, aiming to provide the nation with an opportunity for peace.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. Al-Sharaa, who previously led the insurgency that resulted in the ousting of former leader Bashar Assad, is at the center of this diplomatic shift.

This initiative was reportedly encouraged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"A new government is in place, and I hope it will thrive," Trump remarked regarding Syria, expressing optimism with, "Good luck, Syria. Show us something remarkable."

This development represents a significant advancement for al-Sharaa, who had previously faced imprisonment in Iraq due to his involvement in the insurgency following the 2003 US-led invasion.

Al-Sharaa was appointed president of Syria in January, shortly after a surprising offensive by insurgent factions, led by his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which culminated in the end of the Assad family's 54-year rule.

The United States has been deliberating its approach to al-Sharaa since he assumed power in December. Gulf leaders have shown support for the new Damascus government, urging Trump to align with them, as they view it as a countermeasure against Iran's influence in Syria, which had previously bolstered Assad's regime during the decade-long civil conflict.

Former President Joe Biden left the decision regarding recognition of the new Syrian government to Trump, whose administration has yet to officially acknowledge it. Sanctions imposed on Damascus during Assad's tenure remain active.

"The President agreed to greet the Syrian President during his visit to Saudi Arabia tomorrow," stated the White House prior to Trump's comments.

This shift in Trump's rhetoric marks a notable departure from his previous skepticism towards Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, was once a member of al-Qaida insurgents fighting against US forces in Iraq after the 2003 invasion and still has an outstanding warrant for terrorism charges in Iraq.

The US had previously offered a reward of USD 10 million for information leading to his capture due to his al-Qaida connections. He returned to Syria after the conflict erupted in 2011, where he led the group previously known as the Nusra Front.

He later rebranded his faction as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and severed ties with al-Qaida.

Al-Sharaa is poised to be the first Syrian leader to engage with a sitting American president since the late Hafez Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva back in 2000.