Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa Expected to Visit Washington in November for Historic White House Meeting

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit Washington, D.C., on November 10, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian leader to the White House, where he is expected to meet President Trump. This historic visit follows significant shifts in U.S. policy, including the lifting of most sanctions under the Caesar Act and an executive order by President Trump ending the sanctions program to support Syria's path toward stability. Al-Sharaa, formerly linked to an al-Qaeda affiliate and once designated a terrorist, has led Syria since overthrowing Bashar al-Assad in 2024 and has sought to present a more moderate image, steering Syria towards reconciliation with the West. During the visit, al-Sharaa is anticipated to sign a declaration joining the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, highlighting cooperation against remaining IS fighters in the region. The U.S. has collaborated with Kurdish-led forces against Daesh in Syria, and the visit symbolizes a potential new chapter in U.S.-Syrian relations after years of isolation. Both Washington and Damascus have yet to officially confirm the trip, but it reflects a significant diplomatic development amid ongoing regional security concerns.