Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a groundbreaking diplomatic milestone, President Donald Trump received Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday. This visit marks the first time a Syrian leader has visited the US since Syria gained independence from France in 1946. The meeting is part of the US's broader strategy to incorporate Syria into a global coalition aimed at combating the Islamic State group.

Al-Sharaa, who played a pivotal role in dismantling the regime of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, took on the interim presidency in January. In a notable shift, the US has lifted long-standing sanctions on Syria to encourage greater military and strategic engagement.

The two leaders first interacted in May during Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, where Trump praised Al-Sharaa as a “strong past, very strong past” military leader. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored that the visit highlights the president's dedication to fostering global diplomacy and collaborating with international leaders towards achieving peace.

Al-Sharaa stressed the critical need for the permanent lifting of sanctions placed due to human rights violations under Assad’s rule. Although the US has temporarily waived some sanctions under the Caesar Act, a permanent cessation would depend on congressional approval. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lindsey Graham have introduced proposals that could potentially ease sanctions, each proposal carrying meaningful consequences for the economic and strategic relations between the US and Syria.

Experts suggest that Syria's role in the coalition against the Islamic State could enhance regional security dynamics. The newly formed Syrian military, alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, has already been active in combating extremist factions in the northeast.

Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, articulated that removing sanctions permanently could lead to international investments and aid Syria's recovery post-conflict. He cautioned that conditional alleviations could hamper economic chances.

This historic meeting captures global attention as the Trump administration aims to redefine diplomatic relations with Syria, marking a significant evolution in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

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