Syria too Collaborate with U.S. on Counter-ISIS Efforts Following White House Meeting
WASHINGTON – Syria has signaled its intent to join teh international coalition to defeat ISIS following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian Interim President Al-Sharaa at the White House Monday, marking a meaningful shift in U.S. policy toward the war-torn nation. The move comes after the U.S. Treasury Department removed Al-Sharaa from its “specially designated global terrorist list” last week and lifted sanctions against Syria in June, actions the White House stated were intended to support Syria’s “path to stability and peace.”
This is the third meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa, following encounters in May during the Gulf Cooperation Council and in September at the UN General Assembly. Al-Sharaa’s visit represents a dramatic transformation for the leader, who formerly headed a branch of Al-Qaeda and, until earlier this year, led Hayat tahrir al-Sham, a group the U.S. previously designated as a terrorist organization and placed a $10 million bounty on his head.
“We want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting. “And I think this leader can do it. I really do.” He added that further “announcements” are forthcoming, without providing specifics.
The governance has stated it will monitor the Syrian government’s actions, including “taking steps toward normalizing ties with israel” and addressing “foreign terrorists” and militant groups operating within the country.
Despite the shift in U.S.policy, Al-Sharaa’s leadership has faced criticism due to reported killings of members of Syria’s Alawite minority and violence between Sunni Bedouin fighters and Druze militias. Al-Sharaa has pledged to address human rights violations committed by his security forces.
Trump has repeatedly voiced support for Al-Sharaa, describing him as a “young, attractive guy” and a “fighter” with a “strong past.” The executive order lifting sanctions was framed as a means to aid Syria’s reconstruction after 13 years of civil war.
