Trump Praises Syrian Leader in Historic Meeting
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – On May 14, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump called Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa a “great” and “real leader” after their meeting in Riyadh.
The comments came during Trump’s Middle East tour, marking the first U.S.-Syrian presidential meeting in 25 years. The talks signal a shift in U.S. policy toward Syria, raising questions about al-Sharaa’s controversial past and the region’s future.
Historic Riyadh Meeting
The 33-minute closed-door meeting took place in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined via video.
Trump described al-Sharaa as a “young, attractive guy” and a “tough fighter” with a “strong past.” He told reporters on Air Force One that al-Sharaa has “a real shot at holding it together” in Syria, a country recovering from decades of war.
The White House called the meeting “historic,” noting Trump’s push for Syria to join the Abraham Accords to normalize ties with Israel.
Lifting Sanctions on Syria
A day earlier, on May 13, Trump announced the U.S. would lift all sanctions on Syria, a major policy change. He credited Saudi Arabia and Turkey for urging the move, saying it gives Syria “a chance for greatness.”
The sanctions, imposed to pressure the former Assad regime, had crippled Syria’s economy. Trump’s decision, despite Israel’s objections, aims to support al-Sharaa’s rebuilding efforts. Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh called the move a boost for investment and essential services.
Al-Sharaa’s Controversial Background
Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to topple Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Once linked to al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head until February 2025.
He was imprisoned by U.S. forces in Iraq for years and fought against American troops. Since taking power, al-Sharaa has worked to soften his image, meeting leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and denying threats to the West. However, Israel remains skeptical, citing his jihadist ties and restricting Syrian forces in southern Syria.
Geopolitical Implications
Trump’s praise and the sanctions lift reflect a broader U.S. strategy to counter Iranian influence in Syria, which backed Assad during the civil war.
The meeting, attended by Saudi and Turkish leaders, suggests a regional push to integrate Syria into Gulf-led initiatives like the Abraham Accords. Al-Sharaa expressed interest in making Syria a trade hub between East and West, inviting U.S. investment in oil and gas.
However, his past and HTS’s terrorist designation raise concerns among U.S. officials and allies like Israel, who fear legitimizing a former militant. The United Nations, meanwhile, welcomed the sanctions relief as a step toward Syrian recovery.
The Trump-al-Sharaa meeting has sparked debate. Supporters see it as a bold move to stabilize Syria and reshape the Middle East. Critics warn of risks in embracing a leader with a terrorist past. As Trump continues his tour in Qatar and the UAE, the world watches how this new U.S.-Syrian relationship will unfold.
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