Donald Trump has said his administration is now exploring the possibility of normalising relations with Syria - his comments coming shortly after he met Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose forces ended the decades-long dictatorship of the Assad family. The extraordinary encounter, unthinkable just months ago, was short but significant. "I think he has got the potential," Trump remarked after his meeting in Riyadh, 37 minutes long, with the former Syrian fighter formerly linked to Al-Qaeda. The $10m US bounty on his head was only lifted in December. Video footage of their conversation in a lavish Saudi royal palace showed some initial awkwardness as they spoke through a translator. A beaming Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, sat next to them. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined them by telephone. Trump acknowledged it was these two leaders who had convinced him to also lift the US's punishing Syria sanctions. His sudden announcement on Tuesday night at a major US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh won him a standing ovation. It was a volte-face after his many previous posts on social media that the US had "no interest in Syria". "Tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists travelling with his high-powered American delegation on his first official four-day tour. It was a very Trump gloss about Sharaa's old links to al-Qaeda. His Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria until he severed ties in 2016. HTS is still designated as a terrorist organisation by the UN, US and UK. Since assuming power in December, Sharaa has been wearing Western business suits and trying to present himself as a president for all Syrians. "It's a new light at the end of this tunnel," exclaimed Hind Kabawat, minister of social affairs and labour, in the interim government. She told the BBC's Newshour programme they had been calling for sanctions relief ever since their "Liberation Day". The US decision sparked celebrations across a county where 90% of Syrians are said to be living in poverty, after more than a decade of civil war and profound suffering. Removing restrictions which cut Syria off from the international financial system will enable greater engagement by aid agencies and encourage foreign investment and trade. "We are the North Korea of the Middle East," a hotel receptionist in Damascus told me last December when I asked for another electronic hotel key. He tearfully lamented that "we don't have enough cards, we have shortages of everything". It may also help convince some of the millions of Syrians living in exile to think more seriously about returning home. And it could help a fledgling government to pay salaries, begin to rebuild, and address the growing discontent over the privations of daily life. But dismantling the vast web of sanctions now strangling Syria will take time. "Some sanctions can be removed immediately using presidential waivers," commented Dina Esfandiary of Bloomberg Economics. "But lifting the multi-layered sanctions won't be easy and will require real commitment by the Trump administration." I remember travelling to Tehran in the wake of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the Obama administration's commitment to ease sanctions there. At the news conference with the visiting EU's high representative for foreign policy, Iranian journalists kept asking, with palpable anguish, why it was still impossible for them even to open a bank account. Syria's new friends, including regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, now positioning themselves to shape the new Syria, will need to ensure Trump and his team stay interested. But he's made it clear he expects something in return if there is to be a full normalisation of relations. The first item on his list is "join the Abraham Accords". The US president regards this process of normalisation with Israel, which several Arab states including the United Arab Emirates has joined, as one of his foreign policy achievements in his first term. Sharaa, praised by his friends as pragmatic, has already signalled that he understand the importance of building a working relationship with his neighbour, even though Israel continues to bomb what it calls "terrorist targets" – air bases, military installations and weapons depots – insisting they could "fall into the wrong hands". Last month, the Syrian leader reportedly told a visiting US congressman, Cory Mills, that Syria was prepared to normalise ties with Israel and join the Abraham Accords under "the right conditions". Israeli media have reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had urged President Trump not to lift sanctions. He remains suspicious of Sharaa and his HTS forces, as well other groups which include foreign fighters in their ranks. Removing foreign fighters is another of Washington's demands; it's one of the very many challenges now facing Syria's leader. President Trump hailed this moment as "a chance at greatness". Millions of Syrians just welcome a greater chance that their lives will finally start changing for the better.
Trump's meeting with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Signals Shift Towards Normalizing Relations with Syria After Meeting with Interim President"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Donald Trump recently indicated that his administration is exploring the possibility of normalizing relations with Syria, following a significant meeting with Syria's interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This encounter, which took place in Riyadh and lasted 37 minutes, was notable given the drastic shift in U.S. policy towards Syria, especially after Trump's previous assertions of having 'no interest in Syria.' During the meeting, Trump praised Sharaa, who has historical ties to Al-Qaeda, calling him a 'tough guy' with the potential to lead. The meeting was attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both of whom played a role in persuading Trump to lift certain U.S. sanctions on Syria. The lifting of these sanctions has elicited hope among Syrians, particularly in a nation where 90% of the population reportedly lives in poverty due to over a decade of civil conflict. Activists and officials in the interim government expressed optimism that the easing of sanctions could lead to increased foreign investment, aid, and ultimately improve the dire economic conditions faced by many Syrians.
However, while the lifting of some sanctions can occur quickly through presidential waivers, the process of fully dismantling the extensive sanctions regime will be complex and time-consuming. Experts highlight that normalization would require tangible commitments from the Trump administration, including Syria's participation in the Abraham Accords, which would involve establishing ties with Israel. Sharaa has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue concerning relations with Israel, provided the conditions are favorable. Nonetheless, challenges remain, such as the presence of foreign fighters within Syria and the skepticism from Israeli officials regarding Sharaa's leadership. Trump framed this potential shift as 'a chance at greatness,' while many Syrians hope it reflects a genuine opportunity for improvement in their daily lives, which have been marked by hardship and suffering. As regional dynamics evolve, the commitment of both the U.S. and its allies will be crucial in shaping Syria's future and addressing the needs of its citizens.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent meeting between Donald Trump and Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a significant shift in the political landscape regarding U.S.-Syria relations. This unexpected encounter, which took place in Riyadh, aims to normalize relations with Syria, a country the U.S. had previously shown little interest in. Trump's comments and the context of the meeting suggest a strategic pivot that could have broad implications for the region.
Political Rebranding and Image Management
Trump's meeting with Sharaa, a former fighter with ties to Al-Qaeda, is notable for its timing and content. The short meeting included a discussion on lifting sanctions against Syria, previously imposed due to the Assad regime's actions. By aligning with Sharaa, who represents a break from the Assad legacy, Trump appears to be attempting to reshape his image in the context of foreign policy, positioning himself as a leader willing to engage with diverse players in the Middle East.
Public Sentiment and Expectations
This news seems designed to instill hope among Syrians who have suffered under years of war and dictatorship. Figures in the interim government, such as Hind Kabawat, express optimism about potential sanctions relief, indicating a collective desire for improved living conditions. The article leverages this sentiment to suggest that a new era may be dawning for Syria, tapping into the public’s yearning for stability and progress.
Concealed Motives or Underlying Agendas
While the news presents a narrative of hope and change, it may also be masking deeper geopolitical strategies. Trump's previous reluctance to engage with Syria and the abrupt pivot could indicate a broader plan influenced by regional allies, such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The mention of the Saudi Crown Prince's involvement suggests that this meeting is not merely a bilateral engagement but part of a larger coalition's strategy in the region.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
The article conveys a mix of optimism and caution, reflecting the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. While it is based on factual events—such as the meeting and Trump's comments—there is an underlying tone that may manipulate public perception by emphasizing hope without adequately addressing the potential risks involved. The portrayal of Sharaa, despite his controversial past, leans towards a narrative crafted to gain public approval rather than a balanced assessment of his leadership.
Economic and Political Implications
Trump's announcement of lifting sanctions could have significant economic implications for Syria, possibly opening doors for foreign investment and aid. However, the long-term effects on regional stability and U.S. interests remain uncertain. This move might also affect the stock market, particularly for companies involved in reconstruction efforts or those with interests in the Middle East.
Community Reactions and Support
The narrative appears to be crafted to resonate with communities longing for change, particularly among those who oppose the Assad regime. It seeks to attract support from groups that favor democratic governance and wish to distance themselves from the previous authoritarian leadership.
Geopolitical Context
In light of ongoing conflicts and the changing dynamics in the Middle East, this meeting could signify a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy. The implications of normalizing relations with Syria could ripple across alliances and rivalries in the region, impacting everything from military strategies to economic partnerships.
This article presents a complex picture that blends hope with caution, weaving a narrative that highlights potential change while glossing over the intricate realities of the situation. Overall, the article seems to have a moderate level of manipulativeness, primarily through its framing of the meeting and the participants involved.