Trump hosts Syrian president in historic first White House visit | DW News

Key Concepts

• Ahmed al-Shar: Former jihadist, now Syrian leader, welcomed by the US.
• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): Rebel group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, now delisted as a terror group by Washington.
• Bashar al-Assad: Former Syrian dictator, toppled by al-Shar's rebel forces.
• US-Syria Relations Shift: From designation as a terrorist to official visit and potential cooperation.
• Geopolitical Realignment: US seeking to stabilize Syria and counter Iranian and Russian influence.
• Sanctions: US sanctions on Syria, partially suspended but not permanently repealed by Congress.
• Global Coalition to Fight ISIS: Syria expected to join.
• Assassination Plots: Foiled plots against al-Shar by ISIS.

Shift in US-Syrian Relations: From Terrorist Designation to White House Welcome

The transcript details a dramatic shift in the perception and treatment of Ahmed al-Shar, a figure who was once designated as a terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head. He is now being welcomed to the White House by US President Donald Trump and is seen as a key figure in stabilizing Syria. This marks the first official visit by a Syrian leader to the US since Syria's independence in 1946. This change in fortune follows the US removing al-Shar from their designated global terrorist list and the UN Security Council lifting sanctions against him.

Al-Shar's Rise to Power and HTS Delisting

The transcript explains that al-Shar ended Syria's 14-year civil war by leading rebel forces, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, in a surprise offensive that toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad. Crucially, HTS was previously affiliated with al-Qaeda. Washington officially delisted HTS as a terror group in July, a significant step that paved the way for improved relations.

US Sanctions and Diplomatic Engagement

President Donald Trump met with al-Shar in Saudi Arabia in May, where he announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. While Congress has not yet permanently repealed these sanctions, al-Shar has successfully secured a suspension of them. This diplomatic engagement highlights the US's evolving strategy in the region.

US Strategic Interests in Syria

Washington now views al-Shar as the "best hope to stabilize Syria and curb Iranian and Russian influence in the region." This strategic re-evaluation is a primary driver behind the US's willingness to engage with him. The transcript notes that al-Shar has reportedly agreed to allow a US military presence at an air base in Damascus, and Syria is expected to formally join the US-led global coalition to fight the Islamic State group (ISIS).

Opposition to the New Alliance

The transcript points out that this "extraordinary turnaround" is not being well-received by Syria's former allies. It is reported that Syria has foiled two separate ISIS plots to assassinate al-Shar, indicating the volatile geopolitical landscape and the potential for continued conflict.

Conclusion

The summary highlights a significant geopolitical shift where a former designated terrorist, Ahmed al-Shar, is now a key US ally in Syria. This transformation is driven by the US's strategic goals of regional stabilization and countering Iranian and Russian influence. The delisting of HTS, the suspension of US sanctions, and the potential for military cooperation underscore this new dynamic, despite the ongoing threats from groups like ISIS and the disapproval of former allies.