Summary
President Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara on Wednesday, marking the first leaders’ meeting in 25 years, a day after announcing the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria. Trump encouraged al-Shara to normalize relations with Israel and expel foreign terrorists, while the meeting was facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who deemed the sanctions lift “courageous.” This meeting represents a significant shift for al-Shara, a former militant, as Syria aims to reintegrate into the international community amidst ongoing regional complexities.