Every day of his four-day tour to the Middle East, Donald Trump provided media fodder. In particular, he attended and helped lead the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh. His presence at the forum was fortuitous, as it occurred at a critical moment for diplomacy. He even invited some leaders for direct negotiations, including new Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa. In many ways, this engagement is a radical departure from traditional U.S. policy. The whiplash decision to lift all US sanctions against Syria was one such Trump move easily influenced by Saudi Arabia and Turkey [pdf].
In a packed auditorium, Trump addressed attendees, stating, “In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace. That’s what we want to see.” This comment was immediately met by enthusiastic applause from the audience, revealing the underlying cautious optimism about the promising developments in Syria.
Former al-Qaeda foot soldier Ahmed al-Sharaa leads Syria’s new transitional government. He’d been embarrassed by the torture visit with Trump orchestrated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. White House readout on day of meeting Trump notably pushed al-Sharaa to “do a really great job for the Syrian people.” It acknowledged the irreplaceable role that Turkey and Saudi Arabia played in hosting this critical dialogue.
The U.S. has had comprehensive sanctions against Syria since 2004. Further background In 2011, these sanctions were expanded and made more punitive following Bashar Assad’s brutal suppression of pro-democracy protests. These anti-Assad militia groups then launched a surprise joint offensive last December of last year. This audacious gambit succeeded in bringing down the Assad regime. Trump’s new diplomatic overture is notable given that discussions about rebuilding Syria after its seven year long civil war barely subsided.
Trump’s remarks included a commitment to assist Syria’s transition. “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” he stated. This announcement would constitute a major change in U.S. engagement with the Pacific island nation. Since 1979, that country has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism.
Trump’s meeting with al-Sharaa goes far deeper than just expanding our immediate diplomatic relations. More than that, it signals a larger strategy deeply focused on stabilizing the region. Initially, the White House release made it sound as though President Trump was thanking Turkish President Erdogan. He similarly thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their mutual friendship and continued support of this process.
As Trump wrapped up his time in Saudi Arabia, he was making plans to depart to Qatar by Wednesday. The ongoing collaboration between the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Turkey represents a significant pivot in addressing the complex issues surrounding Syria’s future.