Syria has officially joined the international coalition dedicated to defeating the Islamic State group, signaling a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. This significant development was confirmed by a senior official from the Trump administration following a historic meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House—the first visit by a Syrian leader to the United States.
A new era of U.S.-Syria relations
In a conversation with Fox News, President al-Sharaa described the visit as a catalyst for a “new era” in which Syria intends to collaborate closely with the United States. President Trump voiced his support for al-Sharaa, who was previously labeled a terrorist by the U.S. government until recently.
With Syria’s accession, the coalition now comprises 90 countries, all united in their efforts to dismantle the remaining factions of the Islamic State and to halt the influx of foreign fighters into the region. Following the meeting, it was revealed that the U.S. Treasury Department, along with the State and Commerce Departments, plans to unveil new measures aimed at easing economic restrictions on Syria, thereby offering “compliance clarity for investors.”
Shifting policies and lifting sanctions
As part of these new measures, the administration announced an 180-day suspension of the Caesar Act, which had imposed sanctions on the previous Syrian government since 2019. President Trump commented in the Oval Office hours later, stating, “we want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful,” and expressed confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership capabilities.
Moreover, diplomatic relations between Syria and the United States have been dormant since 2012; however, the current administration will permit Syria to reopen its embassy in Washington. This meeting between the two leaders marks the third such encounter, following discussions in May during the Gulf Cooperation Council and a dinner at the UN General Assembly in September.
President al-Sharaa’s visit signifies a remarkable transformation for the former jihadist leader. Previously the head of an Al-Qaeda branch responsible for the September 11 attacks, he later distanced himself from the group. Until recently, he led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist militia that the U.S. classified as a terrorist organization, with a $10 million bounty on his head. Just last week, the Treasury Department removed him from its “specially designated global terrorist list.”
Since assuming the position of interim president, al-Sharaa has been working to reshape his public persona as he seeks to rebuild Syria after 13 years of conflict. He acknowledged in his interview that discussions with Trump did not dwell on his past but rather concentrated on the future and present of Syria as a geopolitical and economic partner of the U.S.
Despite this progress, al-Sharaa’s administration has faced criticism over violent actions against members of Syria’s Alawite minority and conflict between Sunni Bedouins and Druze militias. He has pledged to eliminate members of his security forces responsible for human rights violations. President Trump has shown unwavering support for al-Sharaa, referring to him as a “young, attractive guy” and a “fighter.” In June, Trump signed an executive order that lifted various sanctions against Syria, which the White House stated would aid in the country’s “path to stability and peace.” The administration also mentioned that it would keep a close watch on the new Syrian government’s actions, including efforts to normalize ties with Israel and address issues with foreign militants operating in Syria.