In a move that was considered improbable just months prior, President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking a potential turning point in US-Syria relations. The meeting, lasting 37 minutes, was held in a lavish Saudi royal palace and was characterized by initial awkwardness, as the two leaders communicated through a translator. The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who joined via telephone, played pivotal roles in facilitating this dialogue.
The encounter signifies a possible shift in US policy towards normalizing relations with Syria, following Sharaa’s ascent to power after overthrowing the Assad family’s long-standing regime. Sharaa, once associated with the al-Qaeda-linked group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been attempting to rebrand himself as a leader for all Syrians, donning Western business suits and advocating for the lifting of US sanctions on Syria.
The US’s decision to explore lifting sanctions, which have heavily impacted Syria’s economy, was met with celebration across a war-torn nation where poverty is widespread. Removing these restrictions could revitalize Syria’s economy by enabling international aid and investment. However, dismantling the complex sanctions regime will require significant effort and commitment from the Trump administration.
The meeting also highlighted the strategic interests of regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, who are keen to influence Syria’s future. President Trump made it clear that in exchange for normalized relations, he expects Syria to join the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
Reports suggest that Sharaa is open to this proposition, despite Israel’s ongoing military actions against targets in Syria, which it claims are linked to terrorism. The normalization of ties with Israel remains a contentious issue, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly advising against lifting sanctions due to concerns over Sharaa’s past affiliations and the presence of foreign fighters in Syria.
President Trump described the meeting as a “chance at greatness,” underscoring the potential positive impact on millions of Syrians who have endured years of hardship. As the US and Syria navigate this tentative rapprochement, the global community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that could improve the lives of many.
