In an important diplomatic development, United States President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House on Monday, marking the first official visit by a Syrian head of state since the country's independence in 1946. The landmark meeting coincided with the U.S. Treasury Department's announcement to extend sanctions relief for Syria for an additional six months.
The 43-year-old al-Sharaa, who assumed power after toppling Bashar al-Assad last December, represents a dramatic transformation in Syrian leadership. Once a commander affiliated with al-Qaeda and previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, al-Sharaa has reinvented himself as a reformist leader seeking to unify his war-torn nation and end decades of international isolation.
During the 90-minute closed-door meeting, the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability. According to Syria's Foreign Ministry, the talks covered "ways to strengthen and develop" U.S.-Syria ties, with Trump expressing readiness to support Syria's reconstruction and development efforts.
Critical Agreement on SDF Integration
A centerpiece of the discussions was the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria's central government structure. According to diplomatic sources, both leaders reached a crucial agreement on continuing the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, which outlines the framework for incorporating SDF fighters into the new Syrian national army. This integration is seen as essential for strengthening national security through institutional unification and represents a major step toward consolidating Syria's fractured military landscape.
The SDF, which has been a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS in northeastern Syria, has controlled significant territory with American backing. The agreed-upon integration process aims to unite these forces under the Damascus government's authority, potentially paving the way for eventual U.S. troop withdrawal from Syrian territory.
"He comes from a very tough place, and he's a tough guy. I like him," Trump told reporters after the meeting. "We'll do everything we can to make Syria successful. We have peace now in the Middle East – the first time that anyone can remember."
The sanctions relief, suspending measures under the Caesar Act, aims to support Syria's economic rebuilding efforts. "Removing U.S. sanctions will support Syria's efforts to rebuild its economy, provide prosperity for all its citizens, including its ethnic and religious minorities, and combat terrorism," the Treasury Department stated.
Trilateral Mechanism for Implementation
Following the presidential meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hassan al-Shaybani held crucial trilateral talks to establish concrete mechanisms for implementing the agreements reached between Trump and al-Sharaa. The involvement of Turkey in these discussions is particularly significant given Ankara's concerns about the SDF, which it views as linked to Kurdish separatist groups.
The three foreign ministers focused on creating practical frameworks for the SDF integration process and ensuring the continuity of the March 10 Agreement's implementation. This trilateral format suggests a coordinated regional approach to Syria's stabilization, with Turkey playing a key mediating role.
Syria's formal confirmation to join the global coalition against ISIS as its 90th member further underscores the strategic realignment taking place. The SDF integration plan is expected to enhance counterterrorism cooperation while addressing long-standing tensions over autonomous Kurdish control in northeastern Syria.
The visit wasn't without controversy, given al-Sharaa's past. Less than a year ago, the U.S. had offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. However, al-Sharaa emphasized to Fox News that his association with al-Qaeda was "a matter of the past" and that Syria is now viewed as a geopolitical ally of Washington.
Security concerns remain paramount, with reports emerging of two foiled ISIS assassination plots against al-Sharaa in recent months. Syria's Interior Ministry has launched a nationwide campaign targeting ISIS cells, arresting over 70 suspects.
The meeting also addressed Syria-Israel relations, with Trump indicating he was "working with Israel on getting along with Syria." Al-Sharaa has expressed interest in a security agreement with Israel to secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from areas occupied over the past year. The U.S. has confirmed its support for facilitating such a security arrangement between Syria and Israel.
Despite receiving a somewhat muted welcome – entering through a side door without the typical ceremonial greeting – al-Sharaa's visit represents a potential turning point in Syria's international standing. As he departed, Syrian supporters gathered outside the White House, waving flags in celebration.
Syrian officials characterized the visit as a "historic turning point" in bilateral relations, symbolizing the beginning of a new era based on "mutual respect and common interests." Trump announced plans for continued engagement, posting on Truth Social that he intends to meet and speak with al-Sharaa again, signaling an ongoing commitment to Syria's transformation and the complex process of national reconciliation through military integration.
Photo: Al Jazeera