Trump to Host Syrian Interim Leader at White House in First Visit in Over 80 Years

Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa will make history on November 10 as the first Syrian president to visit the US capital in over eight decades. The visit, announced by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, aims to open a new chapter in Syria-US relations, with key issues on the table including lifting sanctions and forging a strong partnership between the two countries. During his visit, al-Sharaa is expected to sign an agreement to join an international US-led alliance against ISIL (ISIS), marking a significant shift in Syria's relations with global powers.

Key Takeaways:

• The visit will be a historic moment, marking the first time a Syrian president has visited the White House in over 80 years.
• Key issues on the table include lifting sanctions and forging a strong partnership between the US and Syria.
• Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to sign an agreement to join an international US-led alliance against ISIL (ISIS).
• Al-Sharaa has been working to re-establish Syria's relations with global powers, having previously been isolated under Bashar al-Assad's rule.
• The visit comes as the US seeks to build lasting peace in the Middle East following recent ceasefires and captives exchanges.
• Syria and Israel are in talks to secure a halt to Israeli airstrikes in Syrian territory and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Syria.

Statistics:

• The last US-led coalition victory against ISIL in Syria occurred in 2019.
• Ahmed al-Sharaa was imprisoned by US forces in Iraq before joining the Syrian war.
• The US has offered a $10 million reward for al-Sharaa's capture.
• Al-Sharaa previously led a Syrian offshoot of al-Qaeda, which later broke away and fought ISIL.
• The visit aims to open a new chapter in Syria-US relations, which have not been positive in recent years.

Sources:

• "US media reports: Syrian president to visit White House", The New Nation, November 2.
• Axios, cited in The New Nation article.