Syria becomes the 90th member of the global coalition against ISIS following historic White House meeting between President Trump and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
WASHINGTON: Syria has joined the global coalition against the Islamic State group following historic White House talks between President Donald Trump and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The senior US administration official confirmed Syria became the 90th member of the alliance during Sharaa’s landmark visit.
Syria will now partner with the United States to eliminate ISIS remnants and halt foreign fighter flows.
The official stated Syria will also be allowed to resume diplomatic relations with Washington to enhance counterterrorism, security, and economic coordination.
Trump expressed his desire for Syria to become “very successful” after more than a decade of civil war.
“He’s a very strong leader. He comes from a very tough place, and he’s a tough guy,” Trump told reporters after their closed-door meeting.
The US president acknowledged Sharaa’s controversial past but emphasized that “we’ve all had rough pasts.”
Trump described Syria as a “big part” of his wider Middle East peace plan, noting its importance for regional stability.
“Having a stable and successful Syria is very important to all countries in the Region,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
However, Trump wouldn’t confirm reports about Syria signing any non-aggression pact with long-term foe Israel.
Sharaa later told Fox News that Syria’s ongoing dispute with Israel over the Golan Heights would complicate immediate peace talks.
He suggested US-facilitated negotiations could help start the process toward resolution.
The Syrian president’s visit marked a dramatic turnaround for the former jihadist who once had a $10 million US bounty on his head.
Syria’s presidency stated the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest.
Photos showed Trump shaking hands with a smiling Sharaa beside the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
Other images depicted the Syrian leader meeting with top US officials including Vice President JD Vance and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
International Crisis Group’s Michael Hanna called the visit “a hugely symbolic moment” in Sharaa’s transformation from militant leader to global statesman.
Sharaa was expected to seek US funds for Syria’s reconstruction after 13 years of devastating civil war.
The Syrian leader had already met with International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva about possible aid during his Washington visit.
The State Department removed Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist last Friday, paving the way for the historic meeting.
Sharaa has also engaged in diplomatic outreach to Washington’s rivals, including meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in October. – AFP
