President Donald Trump recently hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for an unprecedented meeting at the White House on November 10. During the meeting, Trump presented al-Sharaa with a bottle of perfume, which he jokingly sprayed on the politician and referred to as “the best fragrance.” In a moment of awkward humour, Trump then asked al-Sharaa how many wives he has, to which the Syrian leader replied, “One.” Trump quipped, “With you guys, I never know.”
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This encounter marked the third meeting between the two presidents, with their previous interactions occurring alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council in May and at a September UN General Assembly dinner. Al-Sharaa has been on a global tour after overthrowing former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and transitioning away from his past as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” with a $10 million bounty on his head.
The White House meeting was a historic event, being the first of its kind between leaders of Syria and the U.S. since Syria gained independence from France in 1946. The timing of the meeting coincided with the U.S. Treasury Department’s suspension of the Caesar Act, which had previously sanctioned the former Syrian government under al-Assad’s regime. Despite this move, only Congress holds the authority to completely lift the sanctions.
Through diplomatic channels and efforts to combat terrorism in the region, al-Sharaa has made strides towards reconciliation with the U.S., even agreeing to join the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State militant group in the Middle East. As a result, Syria is now permitted to reopen its embassy in Washington, signifying a significant step towards improved relations between the two nations.
President Trump acknowledged al-Sharaa’s tumultuous past, recognising the challenges he has faced and highlighting the importance of overcoming adversity. In light of al-Sharaa’s commitment to rebuilding and unifying Syria, both leaders expressed optimism for the future of their countries’ relationship and cooperation in addressing regional security concerns.
Overall, the meeting between President Trump and Syrian President al-Sharaa underscored the complexities of international relations and the importance of dialogue in fostering understanding and collaboration between nations with historically strained ties. As both leaders navigate the intricate dynamics of global politics, their engagement signals a potential shift towards shared goals and mutual cooperation in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.