2025-05-14T08:34:28Z

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The leader of Syria's Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, made a significant address to a crowd gathered at the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 8, 2024. This gathering marked a pivotal moment as HTS had recently led a rapid rebel offensive that resulted in the seizure of the Syrian capital from government control. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, signaling a potential new chapter for a nation long ravaged by civil strife.

In a notable diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump convened with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia just before heading to Qatar on Wednesday, as stated by the White House. This meeting comes on the heels of an announcement revealing the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria, a country that has suffered immense devastation.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman facilitated this discussion, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined the conversation via phone, highlighting the collaborative efforts of regional powers in shaping the future of Syria. The White House released a readout from the meeting where Trump expressed gratitude to both the Crown Prince and Erdogan for their support and friendship. He presented President al-Sharaa with what he referred to as a “tremendous opportunity” to chart a historic course for Syria.

In the White House summary, Trump encouraged al-Sharaa to undertake significant reforms for the betterment of the Syrian populace. The directives issued by the U.S. president included several critical actions: signing onto the Abraham Accords with Israel, urging foreign terrorists to vacate Syria, deporting Palestinian terrorists, collaborating with the U.S. to thwart the resurgence of the Islamic State group, and assuming responsibility for the detention centers housing Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria.

Syria has been labeled a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S. government since 1979, faced with U.S. sanctions that were implemented first in 2004 and subsequently in 2011 following a violent crackdown on anti-government protests by the regime of then-President Bashar Assad. Over the past fourteen years, Syria has endured the ravages of civil war, sectarian strife, and heinous terrorist attacks, leaving the country in a state of despair.

The unexpected overthrow of the Assad regime during a shocking offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December 2023 sent ripples across the globe and raised hopes for a renewed beginning for the battered nation. Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda member who claims to have reformed, is now at the helm of Syria's transitional government.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey played instrumental roles in persuading the Trump administration to lift sanctions on Syria and facilitate the meeting with Al-Sharaa, according to White House officials. In recent times, a growing number of Arab and Muslim nations have advocated for Syria's re-integration into the Arab community, even prior to Assad's ousting.

During his appearance at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump announced plans to lift sanctions against Syria, asserting it was time to grant the nation a chance to strive for greatness. He expressed his desire for stability and peace in a country that has experienced unparalleled suffering, stating, “In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace. That's what we want to see.” His remarks were met with applause from the audience, underscoring the optimistic outlook for Syria's future.