President Donald Trump is preparing to meet Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa this week in Saudi Arabia, following a major policy shift that saw the U.S. lift all sanctions on Syria.
Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, once led the al-Nusra Front, a group previously linked to al-Qaeda. He later broke ties with extremist networks and played a central role in toppling the Assad regime, ultimately emerging as the transitional head of Syria.
The meeting signals a dramatic recalibration in U.S. foreign policy, aimed at fostering new alliances and stabilizing war-torn regions. Supporters of the move argue that engaging with al-Sharaa could accelerate Syria’s reintegration into the international community and kickstart reconstruction efforts. Critics, however, have raised concerns about granting legitimacy to a former militant leader.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s administration has positioned the meeting as a step toward reshaping diplomacy in the Middle East, emphasizing pragmatic engagement over past hostilities. The summit in Riyadh is expected to focus on counterterrorism cooperation, humanitarian aid, and economic rebuilding.