Trump Meets Syrian President Al-Sharaa First US-Syria Summit in 25 Years

President Donald Trump met with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, marking the first meeting between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years and signaling a potential shift in American policy toward Syria. Trump praised al-Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past," despite his militant history and previous U.S. detention, and announced plans to lift crippling U.S. sanctions on Syria to help stabilize the war-torn country. The meeting, facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, included discussions on combating ISIS, removing foreign terrorists, and normalizing relations with Israel, with al-Sharaa reportedly agreeing to join the Abraham Accords, though Syria has not confirmed this. Al-Sharaa, who once led forces linked to al-Qaeda and overthrew Bashar al-Assad, has rapidly transitioned from insurgent leader to recognized head of state, symbolizing a major development in the Middle East and the closing chapter of the Global War on Terror. The announcement sparked celebrations in Damascus, reflecting hope for peace and prosperity after years of conflict. This historic engagement highlights a new geopolitical dynamic involving the U.S., Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.