Washington: President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa at the White House on Monday in what has become one of the most unexpected diplomatic developments in years. The visit marks the first time a Syrian leader has ever been officially welcomed to the White House and signals a major turnaround in relations between Washington and Damascus.

Ahmed al Sharaa, who came to power after the fall of Bashar al Assad in December last year, has moved quickly to reposition Syria on the world stage. Once seen as a rebel commander with links to extremist groups, he has since sought to distance his government from Iran and Russia and to build ties with Turkey, Gulf countries, and now the United States.

According to US officials, the two leaders discussed the possibility of security cooperation, including counterterrorism efforts and the potential for a limited American presence at a Syrian airbase. Talks also focused on Syria’s possible role in a US led coalition to combat Islamic State fighters still active in parts of the Middle East.

The meeting follows a series of diplomatic moves that paved the way for this new relationship. Earlier this month, the United Nations Security Council voted to lift sanctions on President al Sharaa and Syria’s interior minister, a move that had wide support among major powers. The United States also removed al Sharaa from its global terrorist list, clearing the path for Monday’s talks.

For Washington, the decision to engage directly with Syria represents an attempt to reshape the region’s balance of power. US officials see the new Syrian government as an opportunity to limit the influence of Iran and Russia, while offering support for rebuilding a country devastated by more than a decade of war.

Despite the positive tone surrounding the visit, challenges remain. Syria faces deep internal divisions, widespread poverty, and a long road to reconstruction, with rebuilding costs estimated at more than 200 billion dollars. Human rights groups continue to warn about the risk of new abuses and the slow pace of democratic reforms under the new leadership.

Regional reactions have been mixed. Israel has expressed caution about Syria’s new ties with Washington, while Turkey and several Gulf nations have quietly welcomed the move as a step toward regional stability. Iran and Russia, longtime allies of the Assad regime, are expected to view the development as a setback to their influence in Damascus.

The White House described the meeting as a sign of hope for a more stable and cooperative Middle East. However, many analysts say the success of this renewed relationship will depend on how Syria manages its domestic situation and whether al Sharaa can deliver on promises of peace and reform.

The visit of President Ahmed al Sharaa marks a symbolic break from Syria’s years of isolation and offers a glimpse of cautious optimism for a country trying to rebuild its place in the world after years of conflict and division.