Syria’s Sharaa Visits US After Terror Blacklist Removal

WASHINGTON: Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for a historic official visit, a day after Washington removed him from its terrorism blacklist, his country’s state news agency reported.

Sharaa, whose rebel forces overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last year, is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Analysts say this is the first visit by a Syrian president to the US since the country gained independence in 1946.

Sharaa previously met Trump in Riyadh during the US president’s regional tour in May. US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said Sharaa is expected to sign an agreement to join the US-led international alliance against Daesh.

A diplomatic source in Syria revealed that the US plans to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor developments between Syria and Israel.

Read more: PM Shehbaz backs Trump’s Peace Legacy in South Asia

The State Department confirmed that Sharaa was removed from the terrorism blacklist in recognition of progress made by his government, including efforts to locate missing Americans and eliminate remaining chemical weapons. Spokesman Tommy Pigott said the delisting would support regional security, stability, and a Syrian-led political process.

Sharaa’s visit follows his landmark address at the United Nations in September, where he became the first Syrian president in decades to speak at the UN General Assembly. In October, the World Bank estimated that rebuilding Syria after 13 years of civil war could cost $216 billion.

International observers view Sharaa’s Washington trip as a symbolic step in his transformation from militant leader to a recognized global statesman, as Syria seeks international support for reconstruction and stability.