In a remarkable diplomatic turn, US President Donald Trump has hosted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House, welcoming the once-pariah state into a US-led global coalition against ISIS.
Historic Meeting Between Former Enemies
This visit marks the first time a Syrian head of state has entered the White House since the Middle Eastern country gained independence from France in 1946. Al-Sharaa, also known by his former nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, arrived mid-morning and proceeded directly to Oval Office discussions with President Trump.
The Syrian leader, who led rebel forces that toppled President Bashar Assad last December, received unexpected praise from Trump, who described him as a 'young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past, very strong past. Fighter.'
From al-Qaeda to International Recognition
Al-Sharaa's journey to the White House represents one of the most extraordinary political transformations in recent Middle Eastern history. Born in Saudi Arabia to a middle-class family, he returned to Syria and studied at Damascus University before disappearing to Iraq in 2003 without informing his family.
There, he joined al-Qaeda's Iraqi branch and was subsequently captured by US forces. Following his release in 2011, he was dispatched back to Syria to establish al-Qaeda's presence in the country.
For years, al-Sharaa rallied support for extremist causes, but gradually began displaying more moderate political tendencies, distancing himself from hardline viewpoints. His leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (Organisation for the Liberation of Syria) emerged from the popular uprising against the Assad regime that began in 2011.
In a significant gesture toward religious tolerance, al-Sharaa permitted the first Christian mass in years to be held in Idlib in 2023. As his forces achieved victory, he pledged protection for Syria's Christian communities.
New Era in US-Syria Relations
The White House meeting represents the first official encounter between US and Syrian leadership since 2000, when President Bill Clinton met Hafez Assad, father of the deposed leader.
President Trump has expressed satisfaction with al-Sharaa's performance, stating he's 'doing a very good job so far' and noting significant progress since the US eased sanctions. One administration official revealed that Syria's inclusion in the global coalition will enable closer cooperation with US forces against ISIS, though Syrian military units and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have already been combating the terrorist group.
This diplomatic breakthrough comes despite al-Sharaa's controversial background, which once saw a £7.6million bounty placed on his head by Western intelligence agencies.
