• Trump met Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, marking the first leader-to-leader meeting in 25 years.
• The U.S. lifted long-standing sanctions on Syria, aiming to reintegrate it into international relations.
• Trump urged al-Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords.
• Celebrations erupted in Syria following the lifting of sanctions, highlighting hopes for economic recovery.
• Concerns persist regarding al-Sharaa’s past affiliations with jihadist groups and Israel's skepticism towards the new leadership.

In a historic meeting on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump engaged with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking the first such meeting in 25 years. This significant encounter follows Trump’s announcement to lift US sanctions that had been in place since 1979, which is seen as a major policy shift aimed at reintegrating Syria into the international community. Al-Sharaa, who led the rebel coalition that toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has been trying to shed Syria’s pariah status and strengthen ties with the United States' allies in the region, according to South China Morning Post and Africanews.

During the meeting, Trump described al-Sharaa as a "young, attractive guy" with a "very strong past," referring to his previous affiliations as an extremist. Trump indicated optimism for Syria's future under al-Sharaa's leadership, stating, "He's got a real shot at pulling it together," reflecting a significant endorsement that contrasts with past U.S. policy towards the Syrian leadership. Critics, however, remain wary given al-Sharaa's former ties to al-Qaeda, which heightens concerns about the stability of his government, as reported by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

Following the sanctions relief, celebrations erupted across Syria, with citizens expressing hope for economic recovery and increased investment opportunities after years of civil war and isolation. Trump's announcement at a Saudi investment forum received a standing ovation, signaling regional support for this proactive approach towards Syria's rehabilitation. This renewed optimism contrasts sharply with the previous sentiment in Syria, where enduring sanctions contributed to widespread poverty and instability, according to BBC and TRT Global.

In the broader context, Trump also urged al-Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel, encouraging him to join the Abraham Accords initiated during Trump's first administration. This invitation aligns with Trump's broader strategy to encourage Arab states to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, despite ongoing concerns from Israeli officials regarding the implications of al-Sharaa’s leadership on regional security. Israel’s apprehensions persist in light of past associations and the sensitive geopolitical environment, as detailed by Newsweek and Channel News Asia.

Despite the cautious optimism surrounding the normalization of relations and lifting of sanctions, significant challenges remain for al-Sharaa’s administration. The need to address the fears of minority communities, the presence of foreign fighters, and the economic restructuring of war-affected Syria are paramount. As al-Sharaa navigates these obstacles, the eyes of both regional allies and global stakeholders will remain focused on the evolving political landscape in Syria, which could redefine power dynamics in the Middle East, according to India Times and Independent.