In a development that has stunned international observers, United States President Donald Trump on Monday welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—a former al-Qaeda commander—to the White House. The visit marks the first official appearance of a Syrian head of state at the American seat of power, symbolizing a remarkable shift in Washington's Middle East diplomacy.

The meeting was held behind closed doors, with no media access, in what insiders described as an "extraordinary departure from normal White House protocol." Reports suggest that discussions focused on regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and prospects for peace in Syria after more than a decade of civil conflict.

Al-Sharaa's journey to political legitimacy has been controversial. Once one of the world's most wanted fugitives, he led al-Qaeda, the organization responsible for multiple global terror attacks. He reportedly carried a $10 million U.S. bounty until late 2024, when his name was quietly removed from Washington's wanted list. Before rising to power, he was detained for years in Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, where several high-profile insurgents were held.

The Syrian leader's recent appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York laid the groundwork for this visit, signaling his growing international rehabilitation. Following the meeting, President Trump hinted at "major announcements regarding Syria," suggesting an evolving partnership between the two nations.

"We want to see Syria become a strong and successful country," Trump stated. "President al-Sharaa has the potential to bring lasting stability and regional cooperation." He also cited ongoing discussions with Turkey and Israel, emphasizing a broader diplomatic realignment in the Middle East.

According to Syria's Foreign Ministry, the talks included plans to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army and to strengthen security coordination between Syria, the U.S., and Israel—a move described as a step toward national unification and regional peace.

Source: