Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has embarked on an official visit to the United States, as reported by state media, with the objective of reinforcing collaboration in the global fight against ISIL, commonly known as ISIS. His arrival in Washington comes amidst an announcement from Syria’s Ministry of Interior regarding the initiation of a comprehensive security operation designed to dismantle ISIL cells throughout the country.
Al-Sharaa, who recently assumed leadership following the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. This visit marks a significant milestone as it is the first official visit by a Syrian president since the country gained independence in 1946, highlighting a potential shift in diplomatic relations. Prior to this visit, al-Sharaa met Trump in Riyadh earlier this year, and he was recently removed from a U.S. terrorist sanctions list.
U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, has expressed optimism that al-Sharaa will formally agree to join the coalition led by the U.S. against ISIL. In addition to fostering this alliance, Washington is reportedly preparing to establish a strategic military presence at an airbase in Damascus, aimed at facilitating a security agreement between Syria and Israel, according to reports from Reuters and AFP.
In parallel with diplomatic engagements, al-Sharaa is expected to address the pressing economic needs of Syria, which is facing formidable challenges in reconstruction after a devastating civil war lasting over a decade. The World Bank has assessed that the cost of rebuilding the country could reach a staggering 6 billion, a figure they describe as a conservative projection.
Historically, al-Sharaa’s past affiliations included leading Syria’s offshoot of al-Qaeda, but his organization, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), diverged from al-Qaeda around ten years ago and has since engaged in conflicts against ISIL. The group was removed from the list of terrorist organizations by Washington last summer, reflecting an evolving recognition of their role in fighting extremist factions.
Al-Sharaa’s trip follows a momentous address at the United Nations General Assembly in September, marking a significant diplomatic outreach effort. Recently, the U.S. led an initiative in the UN Security Council to lift sanctions against him, further signaling a potential thaw in relations.
As part of comprehensive efforts to eliminate terror threats, Syrian authorities conducted extensive operations across the nation, resulting in significant arrests and the seizure of explosives and weapons. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that these measures are integral to ongoing national efforts to combat terrorism and enhance public safety.
This historic visit and the ensuing discussions may well serve as a catalyst for renewed collaboration in the Middle East, highlighting a commitment to combat extremism and promote stability in the region.
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