In a historic diplomatic shift, Syria has agreed to join the international coalition to combat the Islamic State group, marking a major turning point in US foreign policy in the Middle East. The announcement came as President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House — the first-ever visit by a Syrian leader to the United States.
Following the landmark meeting, President Trump vowed to do everything possible to help Syria succeed, calling the talks “a new chapter in regional cooperation.” The visit represents a dramatic rise for al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who overthrew Syria’s longtime autocratic ruler and has since sought to reintegrate his country into the international community.
One of al-Sharaa’s primary goals during the visit was to advocate for the lifting of US sanctions that have crippled Syria’s economy for years. While discussions were held behind closed doors, the US Treasury Department announced a 180-day extension of its suspension of enforcement of the Caesar sanctions, though only Congress holds the authority to remove them entirely.
The developments underscore both the geopolitical recalibration in the Middle East and the complex legacy of US sanctions policy, as Washington cautiously re-engages with a government it had once designated as a sponsor of terrorism.
Image source: France 24
