Syrian Leader Al-Sharaa to Meet Trump at White House This Month
In a historic move, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit the White House on November 10. This meeting with President Donald Trump marks a significant moment as it will be the first official visit of a Syrian leader to the U.S. capital.
Key Details of the Upcoming Meeting
- Date: November 10
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Meeting Between: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and U.S. President Donald Trump
- Significance: First-ever visit by a Syrian president to the White House
Background on Ahmed al-Sharaa
Al-Sharaa, once associated with an affiliate of al-Qaeda, had previously been designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2013. His rise in Syria’s political landscape came after a surprise attack on Aleppo in November 2024, which culminated in the end of over half a century of the Assad family’s rule.
Appointed as president in January, al-Sharaa’s leadership has garnered attention due to the drastic transformation of his image. President Trump has referred to him as a “young, attractive guy, tough guy, strong past,” praising his potential. Their initial meeting occurred in Saudi Arabia in May, where Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria, aiming to promote a new beginning for the nation.
Challenges Ahead
The civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, displaced nearly half of the country’s population. As al-Sharaa approaches the pivotal task of governing, questions arise regarding his ability to unify, stabilize, and democratize Syria.
International Engagement
In September, al-Sharaa addressed the U.N. General Assembly, marking the first such appearance by a Syrian president in almost sixty years. He emphasized Syria’s resilience, stating, “Syria is reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world.”
During a recent interview, al-Sharaa expressed his determination to provide hope to the Syrian people for rebuilding their country. He believes in the strength of his nation and is optimistic about reconstruction efforts within his lifetime. “The Syrian people are strong,” he affirmed.
As the scheduled meeting at the White House approaches, the world watches closely. The outcomes of this meeting could influence the future trajectory of Syria and its relationships on the global stage.
