Day: November 11, 2025

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trump and al-sharaa

Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently held a historic meeting at the White House on November 10, 2025, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state since 1946. The meeting signals a major shift in U.S.-Syria relations, moving toward normalizing ties after years of isolation for Syria under the Assad regime.President
Key Developments
Sanctions Relief: Following an initial meeting in Riyadh in May 2025, the Trump administration began a process of lifting sanctions on Syria. During al-Sharaa’s White House visit, the U.S. announced it was waiving the “Caesar Act” sanctions for 180 days to support Syria’s stability, though a permanent repeal requires congressional approval.
Sharaa’s Past: Ahmed al-Sharaa (previously known as Muhammad al-Jawlani) was once the leader of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. The U.S. recently lifted its terrorist designation on him, and he has presented himself as the leader of a moderate government seeking to rebuild Syria.
Counterterrorism Cooperation: A primary outcome of the talks is that Syria is expected to join the U.S.-led global coalition to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS).
Trump’s Stance: President Trump praised al-Sharaa as a “young, attractive guy” and a “strong leader,” expressing confidence in Syria’s future and vowing U.S. support for the country’s success.
The goal of these diplomatic efforts is to stabilize Syria, encourage economic recovery, and potentially draw Syria into the Abraham Accords and reduce Iran’s influence in the region. However, some experts express caution, given al-Sharaa’s past and the complex challenges of national reconciliation and reconstruction after years of civil war.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 11, 2025