Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to arrive on Monday for a visit that officials are calling a historic move. The visit aims to explore the potential for Damascus to re-engage in diplomatic efforts following an extended period of conflict and estrangement.
This prominent meeting signals a new phase in the relationship between the U.S. and Syria, coming after over ten years of animosity. According to a senior administration official who spoke to Digital, discussions during the visit will center on collaboration in counterterrorism, fostering economic growth, and enhancing stability and peace in the region.
The official also stated that during the visit, “Syria is expected to announce its entry into the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. This would make Syria the 90th member of the D-ISIS Coalition, working alongside the United States to eradicate remaining ISIS elements and stem the flow of foreign fighters.”
This visit comes after a week marked by significant policy changes. On Thursday, the U.N. Security Council unanimously voted 14-0, with China abstaining, to lift sanctions imposed on al-Sharaa and Syria’s interior minister. It was also noted that al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab were previously under financial sanctions aimed at al Qaeda and ISIS, having been designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the United States.
This encounter occurs approximately six weeks after al-Sharaa, previously the commander of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and once linked to al Qaeda, spoke before the U.N. General Assembly on September 24. This marked the first address by a Syrian head of state in sixty years. During his speech, he appealed to Western nations to remove sanctions and sought global assistance for the nation’s reconstruction.
The administration official indicated that these changes are imminent: “The Treasury, State, and Commerce departments are set to jointly reveal steps taken to alleviate economic restrictions and offer clarity on compliance for investors. The United States plans to permit Syria to restart operations at its Embassy in Washington, aiming to enhance coordination on counterterrorism, security, and economic matters.”
Syrian officials are advocating for a re-evaluation of the , which stands as the primary U.S. legislation still limiting commercial engagement with Damascus.
The senior administration official informed Digital that “The Administration is implementing a 180-day suspension of the Caesar Act and is pressing Congress for a permanent repeal of the Act to stimulate economic growth. The Trump Administration is in favor of fully repealing the Caesar Act. This aligns with the President’s earlier statement regarding the termination of sanctions. Its removal is crucial for U.S. businesses and regional nations to conduct operations in Syria.”
Representative Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz., who made a trip to Damascus this summer, conveyed to Digital his perspective that the visit presents an opportunity to bring an end to prolonged conflict.
The congressman remarked, “This represents Syria’s initial opportunity to recover from decades of severe oppression and over ten years of civil war.” He added, “My journey to Damascus was to ensure that missing Americans such as Kayla Mueller are remembered, to champion the expansion of the Abraham Accords, and to emphasize to Syria’s new leadership the necessity of integrating and safeguarding the rights of minorities including the Druze, Christians, and Kurds.”
On Friday, approximately 100 prominent Christian leaders him, urging him to discuss the protection and rights of minorities with the Syrian leader. Dede Laugesen, president of Save the Persecuted Christians, spearheaded the letter, which signatories included Ralph Reed, Tony Perkins, Samuel Rodriguez, Rob McCoy, and Alveda King.
Within the letter, they expressed gratitude to Trump for his actions in safeguarding Christians and additionally requested that he address the matter with al-Sharaa. The letter stated, “We implore you to directly confront the massacre of Christians, Kurds, Druze, and Alawites in Syria, particularly in the broader Suwayda region. These religious minority groups endure persistent violence, fatalities, displacement, famine, and shortages of water and medical supplies—while vulnerable women and children remain captive to ISIS terrorists.”
“Mr. President,” the letter articulated, “we humbly ask that you obtain President al-Sharaa’s pledge to establish a secure humanitarian route from Hader to Suwayda in southern Syria. This passage would facilitate safe and reliable aid distribution and civilian evacuations, thereby indicating the new government’s dedication to upholding minority rights and fostering stability.”
Ahmad Sharawi, from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, informed Digital that Washington’s objective for the meeting is to seek stability and restrict Iran’s influence.
“The U.S. aims for a government prepared to combat ISIS and prevent Iran’s resurgence,” he stated. “I believe the U.S. will endeavor to resolve the Kurdish situation in northeast Syria and establish a unified nation, free from decentralization or federalism.”
He warned that al-Sharaa’s domestic history indicates “a non-inclusive political system” and a tendency towards centralizing power. Nonetheless, he noted, numerous Syrians perceive him as “the sole individual capable of maintaining national unity.”
In October, al-Sharaa journeyed to Russia for a meeting with President , a step Sharawi remarked underscores both his pragmatic approach and inherent risks.
“One might assume that 11 months prior, while Russian forces were conducting airstrikes in Idlib against al-Sharaa’s troops, we would not witness al-Sharaa engaging with Putin in Moscow,” Sharawi observed. “However, it distinctly illustrates al-Sharaa’s operational style—prioritizing his own interests while maintaining pragmatism.”
He further elaborated that this outreach conveys a message to Western nations: “If my demands are not met, I possess alternative international allies to rely upon.” He suggested it represents an attempt to acquire weaponry and political endorsement after protracted conflict and equipment depletion.
“Consequently, I questioned CENTCOM’s Gen. Michael Kurilla during House Armed Services Committee hearings regarding these potential opportunities and associated risks, and drafted the NDAA section focused on evaluating the viability of defense collaborations with the emerging Syrian government,” Hamadeh explained. “It is imperative that ISIS and Iran are prevented from resurfacing, and that Russian and Chinese influence is restrained.”
Hicham Alnchawati, a Syrian-American activist from the Syria Freedom Path organization, informed Digital that the visit is generally well-received by Syrians.
“They are seeking a more promising future,” he stated. “They have endured the conflict—lacking water, food, economic stability, and security. He recognizes that his interests align with the U.S. He is visiting to pursue common objectives for both the U.S. and Syria.”
Alnchawati contended that sustainable stability necessitates the eradication of influence from Iran and Hezbollah.
“For genuine stability in the ,” he asserted, “it is essential to conclude efforts concerning Hezbollah and the Iranians. Their complete dismantling is required; otherwise, they risk reigniting the conflict.”
Decisions regarding and U.S. sanctions have ignited discussion across Washington and Europe. Both Reuters and the Associated Press have reported that while some lawmakers and human rights organizations suggest that legitimizing a former jihadist commander might diminish accountability for previous transgressions, proponents argue that such relief provides Damascus with an impetus to collaborate on counterterrorism and narcotics control.
Sharawi conveyed to Digital that the strategy involving al-Sharaa “offers Damascus a significant incentive but exposes Washington to vulnerabilities. The political repercussions of an unsuccessful outcome would be immense.”