Washington—President of the United States donald trump I received it this Monday white house To Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaain a visit that was unthinkable until very recently. Marking a historic shift in bilateral relations and ensuring Syria’s return to the international diplomatic scene. The Treasury Department announced the temporary lifting of trade restrictions on the sidelines of the meeting, clearing the way for U.S. and foreign investment in rebuilding Syria.
The policy change, detailed in an OFAC statement released Monday, maintains sanctions against former President Bashar al-Assad, human rights violators, and drug traffickers, while opening up a wide range of civilian and commercial channels.
The meeting between the two leaders took place behind closed doors in the Oval Hall after Damascus was incorporated into the European Union. US-led global coalition against Islamic State.
Mr. al-Sharaa was an Islamist fighter and ally of terrorist leaders several years ago. Abu Bakr Al Baghdadiarrived at the White House shortly before noon and entered through West Executive Avenue, an entrance reserved for special visitors. After two hours of talks, the Syrian president greeted the crowd before leaving. This is the first official visit to Washington by a Damascus leader since independence in 1946.
The meeting took place less than a year after rebels led by al-Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad, ending more than 50 years of family rule. Washington has lifted most of the sanctions imposed in recent months. During this period, the path to normalization of diplomatic relations was paved.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said the meeting was part of “the president’s diplomatic efforts to meet with anyone around the world who seeks peace.” President Trump, who had called al-Shara “a tough guy with a troubled past,” changed his mind at a summit in Saudi Arabia in May, insisting that “Syria is doing a very good job so far.”
The scene is especially symbolic when you remember that six years ago, President Trump celebrated the death of al-Baghdadi, who was killed by U.S. forces in a night operation in the Syrian village of Barisha. “He died like a dog,” the president said at the time, a phrase that spread around the world. The man once accused of being a collaborator of the Islamic State leader and who adopted the name Abu Mohammed al-Jolani was today welcomed to Washington as a political partner.
Al-Shalah, which broke with al-Qaeda in 2013 and led the uprising against al-Assad in Idlib province, has sought to project a moderate and realistic image. Under his leadership, the United States and the United Nations lifted sanctions imposed during the Assad family’s decades-long dictatorship, and Damascus was invited back to international forums.
According to US officials, Syria officially joins anti-IS coalition, allowing for closer military cooperationHowever, the Syrian army was already operating alongside Kurdish militias and US forces in the northeast of the country. The United Nations Security Council voted last week to lift international sanctions, a move that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Walz also considered. “It’s a sign that Syria is entering a new era.”
During the meeting, Mr. Al-Sharah called for the definitive removal of U.S. sanctions.specifically the Caesar Act, which punishes commercial relations with the Syrian government. President Trump temporarily suspended the application, but it’s up to Congress to completely repeal it.
Two proposals are being debated on Capitol Hill. One, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, would end the sanctions without conditions, and the other, sponsored by Republican Lindsey Graham, would provide for biannual reviews before being fully lifted. Analysts have warned that continued sanctions, even partial ones, will hinder investment needed to rebuild the country, which has been devastated by 14 years of war.
The American president was optimistic. “A lot of progress has been made. Syria deserves a second chance.”. But analysts warn that rebuilding the country, devastated by 14 years of war, will require more than $200 billion and a still fragile stable environment.
In Idlib, where the white flag of the former al-Shalah militia still flies, many Syrians do not want to think about the past. After more than a decade of destruction, the streets are filled with merchants, workers, and schoolchildren. “Humor is coming back to Syria,” Kashir said with a laugh, recalling the night in 2019 when an American helicopter flew over his home just meters away.
Associated Press, Reuters News Agency and Newspapers new york times
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