First Syrian President to Visit US: A Shift in Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump is set to host Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Scharaa at the White House on November 10, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian president to the US. This meeting represents a significant diplomatic development and is seen as a step toward integrating Syria into the US-led coalition against ISIS.

Despite ISIS being considered militarily defeated, approximately 2,500 fighters remain active, prompting the need for continued international efforts. Al-Scharaa is expected to sign a declaration during his visit, formalizing Syria’s participation in the coalition.

This move reflects Syria's efforts to align more closely with Western interests following the toppling of Assad's regime by the HTS militia. The meeting also underscores a broader strategy to establish peace in the Middle East, especially after recent ceasefires in the region.

The visit follows Trump's prior meeting with al-Scharaa in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing a major shift in US-Syria relations after decades of tension. Al-Scharaa's complex history, including a past bounty by the US, adds layers to this diplomatic engagement, highlighting the potential for renewed collaboration.