Syria will join the international coalition to combat the Islamic State group, marking a significant shift in US foreign policy in the Middle East, a senior Trump administration official has confirmed.
The announcement came as President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking the first visit from a Syrian leader in the country's history.
In an interview with Special Report on Fox News, al-Sharaa stated that the visit is part of a 'new era' in which Syria will cooperate more fully with the US.
Trump has extended his support for al-Sharaa, who only recently was designated a terrorist by the US government, underscoring a dramatic turnaround in diplomatic relations.
Syria will now be the 90th country to join the global coalition aimed at eliminating remaining elements of the Islamic State and halting the flow of foreign militants to the region.
As part of the new engagement, the US Treasury Department is expected to announce measures to lift economic restrictions on Syria, including an 180-day suspension of the Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on the former Syrian government.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump emphasized, 'We want to see Syria become a country that's very successful.' He expressed confidence in al-Sharaa's leadership, stating, 'I really do.'
Diplomatic ties between Syria and the US have been frozen since 2012; however, the Biden administration appears poised to facilitate the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Washington.
Al-Sharaa's visit culminates a remarkable rebranding for the former jihadist, who led a faction of al-Qaeda before parting ways and later commanding Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group previously considered a terrorist organization by the US.
Despite his past, al-Sharaa aims to reshape Syria’s image, focusing on cooperation with international partners as the country seeks support in rebuilding after years of war.
Trump remarked on al-Sharaa’s difficult past, suggesting that overcoming challenges could position Syria towards a brighter future. 'He has had a rough past,' Trump said, 'And if you didn't have a rough past, you wouldn't have a chance.'
In the televised interview, al-Sharaa indicated that discussions had been forward-looking, centered on the 'present and future' of Syria as a geopolitical and economic partner.
Al-Sharaa's leadership is also haunted by allegations of violence against Syria's Alawite minority and intermittent clashes with Sunni Bedouin fighters and Druze militias, necessitating assurance to rectify human rights violations within his security forces.
Trump has showcased ongoing support for al-Sharaa, describing him in favorable terms while expressing his hopes for a stabilized and prosperous Syria.
This change in US policy signifies a potential new chapter in Syrian-American relations amid the ongoing global fight against terrorism.
