Trump Praises Syria's New Leader, Urges Him to Mend Ties with Israel

What Happened?

President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim president on Wednesday to fully normalize relations with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump's meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa became the first time in 25 years that a U.S. president met a Syrian leader, according to AFP News.

Al-Sharaa, a former Islamist militant with ties to al Qaeda, sat down with Trump in Riyadh before the U.S. President headed to Doha as part of a high-stakes negotiations tour.

The Syrian leader had been on a U.S. wanted list for years and led the overthrow of former president and dictator Bashar al-Assad in December.

Before boarding Air Force One en route to Qatar, Trump praised al-Sharaa, telling reporters the meeting went 'great.'

When asked if al-Sharaa's strong past as a fighter worries the U.S., Trump replied, 'He's got a real shot of pulling it together.'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also joined the discussions as a key supporter of the new government in Damascus.

It highlights a stunning reversal for Syria, as al-Sharaa has stated that the new government is presenting itself to the world as inclusive and democratic.

Why it Matters

Turkey and Saudi Arabia had both reportedly advocated reconciliation with Syria.

But these moves are the latest Trump actions that make things more strained with ally Israel.

Israel has expressed deep skepticism of al-Sharaa and even ramped up its military forces to degrade its longtime adversary's capabilities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump had told al-Sharaa that 'he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country.'

She added that Trump urged him to join Saudi Arabia in signing onto the U.S.-backed Abraham Accords, to normalize ties with Israel.

It recognizes the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East through mutual understanding and coexistence.

Syria currently doesn’t recognize Israel’s statehood, as the Trump administration looks to reverse that.

Trump recently announced a historic $600 billion commitment between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. for what he called the 'new golden era.'

The transformative partnership is just one avenue to mark a 'new start' for U.S. foreign relations in the Middle East.

How it Affects You

Syrian officials stated they're 'turning a new page toward a future worthy of the Syrian people and their history.'

It's a mutual effort for the U.S. in exchange for vital access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.

But more importantly, Trump is expected to discuss steps toward ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Hamas recently ended an ordeal to free an American-held prisoner to resume humanitarian aid flow, part of U.S. discussions for a ceasefire.

But many grow worried that Trump's push could slowly divide Israeli relations amid Israel’s desire to 'conquer' Gaza and relocate its population.