US President Donald Trump, in a dramatic turnover of foreign policy, announced plans to normalize relations and increase sanctions on the new government of Syria and offered support to the administration of Ahmad Al-Sharaa, a former insurmer who was overthrown by Bashar Al-Assad.
“There is a new government that will succeed,” Trump said about Syria, adding, “I say good luck, Syria. Show us something special.”
“I will order the sanctions against Syria to give them a chance,” Trump said applause in a speech in Riyadh.
“It’s time to shine.
Trump is scheduled to meet Al-Sharaa on Wednesday (May 14) in Saudi Arabia, which means the first direct meeting between the US President and the Syrian leader for more than two decades.
Regional pressure for Trump’s convergence
Trump said that diplomatic reach came at the insistence of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who both supported the political transition of Syria and perceived the new government as a bumper against Iranian influence in the region.
“The President agreed to greet the Syrian president, while tomorrow in Saudi Arabia,” the White House told Trump’s notes.
The rise of al-sharaa from the insurgents to the president
Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was once known for his nom de Guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golana, was a key militant figure during the Iraq rebellion and led him al-Qaew Syrian front, Front Nusra, before it was rebuilt as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).
At the end of 2024 he led the offensive that overthrowed the Assad regime, and in January 2025 he took over the Presidency and ended the 54 -year Assad family rule.
Al-Sharaa was previously imprisoned in Iraq and once was the aim of a $ 10 million reward for information about his stay.
American allies divided, Israel warns
While the Persian Gulf nations have gathered for al-Sharaa, Israel remains skeptical and points to its extremist past and persistent arrest warning orders in Iraq for terrorism.
Trump’s decision could conflict with long -standing allies and arouse concerns about the legitimization of a former militant leader, despite the political shift he now represents.
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Sanctions still in place, recognition awaits
The US formally acknowledged the government of Al-Sharaa and sanctions deposited during the Assad government remain in place.
Trump’s administration was considering its approach since former President Joe Biden left the open decision, in the middle of the growing international dynamics for re -involvement with Damascus.
Historical meeting on the horizon
If the meeting continues, Al-Sharaa will become the first Syrian leader to meet the US President because Hafez Al-Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.
The meeting could transform relations between US-Syria and influence regional alignment in the era on Assad.
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