In a historic first, a Syrian leader has walked into the White House. President Donald Trump met Ahmed al‑Sharaa, Syria’s 43-year-old leader, prompting Washington to temporarily ease key sanctions on the country.
Al‑Sharaa, once a US-targeted rebel commander with a bounty on his head, rose to power after Bashar al‑Assad’s fall in December 2024. Known for his pragmatism and tough leadership style, he has pledged to rebuild Syria, integrate Kurdish forces into the army, and strengthen ties with the US.
The US will pause parts of the 2019 “Caesar Act” sanctions for 180 days, mainly affecting Syria’s energy sector, while restrictions involving Russia and Iran remain in place. Trump praised al‑Sharaa as a “tough guy from a tough place,” signaling willingness to support Syria’s economic recovery.
Analysts say the temporary relief could encourage foreign investment, but permanent changes would require Congressional approval. The meeting marks a potential turning point: after years of isolation, Syria is stepping back into international diplomacy, with Washington aiming to curb extremist threats and limit rival influence in the region.
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