In a historic meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Bashar al Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, marking the first face-to-face encounter between American and Syrian leaders in 25 years. The last meeting of this kind was between former President Bill Clinton and Hafez al Assad in 2000, just months before Assad’s death.
This 33-minute discussion is significant, as it reflects a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards reconciliation and new opportunities in the Middle East. A year ago, al Sharaa was known as a jihadi military leader, leading a group previously associated with al Qaeda and ISIS. The U.S. government even had a $10 million bounty on his head.
The meeting symbolizes a dramatic change in the geopolitical landscape. Trump’s approach seems to favor dialogue over confrontation, suggesting a willingness to engage with leaders previously deemed adversaries. This encounter could pave the way for future negotiations and a different kind of relationship between the U.S. and Syria.
As the Middle East continues to face challenges, this meeting could signal a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations, emphasizing reconciliation and the potential for collaboration.