Syria Joins U.S.-Led Anti-ISIS Coalition

International Desk | PNN

Syria has signaled a historic shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, joining the U.S.-led international coalition aimed at completely eliminating the Islamic State (ISIS) after more than a decade.

In a White House meeting on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara formally announced the decision. This marks the first time a Syrian leader has visited the White House in U.S. history.

In a special interview with Fox News, Al-Shara said, “This is the beginning of a new era for Syria. We want to build the future through cooperation with the United States.”

After the meeting, Trump told reporters, “We want Syria to rise again as a successful country. I believe this leader can achieve that.”

A senior White House official stated that the U.S. Treasury, State, and Commerce Departments are jointly taking steps to lift some economic sanctions on Syria. As part of this, the Caesar Act imposed in 2019 will be temporarily suspended for 180 days.

Additionally, the U.S. will allow the Syrian embassy to reopen in Washington, which has been closed since 2012.

Many view Ahmad Al-Shara’s political rise as an “incredible comeback.” He was once a leader affiliated with al-Qaeda, officially designated as a “global terrorist” by the U.S. government. Just a week ago, the U.S. Treasury removed him from the list.

Currently serving as interim Syrian president, he has pledged to rebuild the country and address human rights violations.

Trump stated, “His past was difficult, but I believe that experience has prepared him to lead.”

Syria is now the 90th member to join the U.S.-led coalition, whose main goal is to destroy ISIS remnants and prevent the flow of foreign fighters.

The U.S. administration said Syria’s new government is taking steps toward “stability and peace” by normalizing relations with Israel and controlling the activities of foreign terrorist groups.

Washington diplomatic observers say the meeting indicates a new U.S. strategy in the Middle East, focused not on conflict but on reconstruction and partnership.