In brief
In a notable turn of events, Syria has agreed to join the US-led coalition aimed at defeating the Islamic State group, following a historic meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This move is seen as a substantial shift in US foreign policy regarding the Middle East and is coupled with the easing of diplomatic tensions that have persisted since 2012. While uncertainty remains regarding the future of this partnership, Trump has expressed his confidence in al-Sharaa's ability to lead Syria towards stability.
Syria will join the international coalition to combat the Islamic State group, marking a shift in US foreign policy in the Middle East, a senior Trump administration official confirmed to CBS, the BBC's US media partner.
The announcement came as President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House - the first such visit from a Syrian leader in the country's history.
Diplomatic relations between Syria and the US have been suspended since 2012, although Trump has moved to restore them after the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Trump has expressed his support for al-Sharaa, who until recently was designated a terrorist by the US government.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said that 'we want to see Syria become a country that's very successful.' He stated, 'And I think this leader can do it.' More announcements are forthcoming, although he did not provide details.
This meeting was their third, following previous encounters at the Gulf Cooperation Council in May and a dinner during the UN General Assembly in September.
Al-Sharaa's visit represents a remarkable rebranding for a leader who previously led a faction of Al-Qaeda before distancing himself from the group. His leadership has previously been marred by violence against minorities and internal strife.
Despite a controversial past, including a $10 million bounty placed on him, al-Sharaa has been working to reposition himself and rebuild Syria after years of conflict. Trump has noted al-Sharaa's prior struggles, implying they are part of a broader narrative of resilience.
In a pivotal move, Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions against Syria, aimed at fostering a more peaceful and stable nation. The administration has pledged to monitor al-Sharaa's governance, particularly concerning human rights and ties with Israel.
